I have always been a drummer and when I found that I was unable to work anymore in 2016, I decided to trade in all of my percussion and drumming equipment for stuff that I could use with drum circles. I also spent quite a bit of money to learn how to do them effectively!

I have always been a drummer and when I found that I was unable to work anymore in 2016, I decided to trade in all of my percussion and drumming equipment for stuff that I could use with drum circles. I also spent quite a bit of money to learn how to do them effectively!

I frequently facilitate group drumming activities for memory care units, assisted living, nursing homes, schools, Arts for All Wisconsin (for people with disabilities), the occupational therapy assistant group at the local technical college, and much more.

What do I typically do?

I typically bring in all of the equipment. That could be paddle drums, which you hold the handle and then hit with a mallet, frame drums, bigger djembe style drums, and much more.

I also bring in things that people with limited abilities can use. This could include bells that strap around a single arm so they can participate even if they can’t hang on, slap sticks, which are also a one-handed instruments, many different types of shakers, and much more.

After a brief introduction of myself and of the instruments, we can drum to various themes. Whose themes might include holidays, the weather, movies, sports, food, or anything else. Whatever they want. We say it and play it together. I often divide things up or control volume depending on the abilities of the group I’m working with.

We will also play various games with the rhythms where people play individually and then other people copy them, where we play in a row, or anything else to have fun. They often will get a chance to lead the games. They really enjoy this and no matter how irritated some of the participants seem at the start, I always get big smiles when this happens. It makes me feel great!

I also bring a large Bluetooth speaker and play lists of music that the particular group would like. We spend the last 15 or 20 minutes Shaking to the music. We might shake with their arms up in the air, all the way down, to the sides, in the middle, around the world, and much more. They always have a lot of fun and they get a chance to lead the group if they want.

One thing that I take pride in is being able to identify songs that will really get through to people that seem unresponsive. When you see someone sitting in silence and then you play a song and they start singing, it really warms your heart. I once had a caregiver say to me after I was done that she had never seen this particular resident smile (but she was holding my hand and singing with me by the end!).

Residents always love it and students always want me back. I have a natural ability to get through to people of all ages.

It’s a blast!  Check out my Facebook page for more pictures and the most up-to-date information!

“The most simple things can bring the most happiness”

-Izabella Scorupco

I love doing this and it’s as therapeutic for me as it is for everyone participating!  I, of course, have expenses related to travel and instrument repair and replacement. I do appreciate donations :).

“They haven’t stopped asking when you will be coming back ever since you left”