Activity: Drum Circle!
Target Participant Group: Elderly population and children with physical/cognitive disabilities
Other Groups that may Benefit: Corrections, individuals with cognitive disabilities, children with Autism, individuals with MD, individuals with CP
Groups not Appropriate: individuals who may be bothered by loud noises, individuals with both arm amputations
Therapeutic Potential: encourages teamwork, builds skills in listening, communication & leadership, reduces stress, connects people, decreased anxiety and depression, improved joint mobility and posture, help with motor skills, increased energy, improved immunity, having fun, making new social connections, gentle body movements promoting physical exercise, improves circulation, express creativity
Resources Needed: The main resource needed for this activity is of course, the drums. Because drums may be expensive to purchase, there are companies available that will host a drum circle or rent out the drums and instruments. (see additional resource section below for some links to these companies). You may also need straps or other adaptive equipment such as tables depending on the participants involved in the drum circle. You should also remember to have enough space and an adequate amount of chairs if needed.
Activity Description: A drum circle is a group of people from few to many positioned in a circle that use drums and other percussion instruments to create a musical expression. This activity is great for groups and the therapeutic benefits are endless! It can be used for individuals of all ages and can be adapted for just about all populations! It is also great because there is no right or wrong way. It is simply creative and free expression and the individual can contribute as much as they are possible to the circle.
Best Leadership Style: This activity would work best with one main leader within the drum circle. All participants can listen to this leader and follow one set of instructions. This may be essential if the group is trying to create a certain rhythm or sound effect within the circle. Additional helpers may be used throughout the circle to help some individuals if necessary.
Activity Source: I attended a weekend respite camp for children with severe physical and cognitive impairments. We had a drum circle activity and the kids absolutely loved it! There was a host drum circle company who brought a wide variety of drums and other instruments so the kids were able to pick out which one they wanted to use. The host of the circle led us in different rhythms and games.
Additional Information: http://drumaticinnovation.com/what-is-drum-circle * this is a GREAT website-- tons of therapeutic benefits for different populations and also is a company to host a circle located in Idaho.
http://www.drumcircle.com/
http://www.drumsontheweb.com/DOTWpages/Drumkeypages/drumcirclehome_2.html
*this website lists different drum circles by states and countries
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