The Regency at Glen Cove Senior Living will be hosting Brendan Finnegan on August 20, 2013 for Drum Circle Facilitation. Brendan is endorsed by Toca Percussion and is a HealthRHYTHMS trained facilitator. He is founder of “Life with Rhythm” drum circles and works extensively with special needs adults, seniors and corporate groups. In 2012 Brendan’s “Drumming and the Mind” program was selected to be part of the award winning Lifelong Learning program at the Glen Cove Senior Center.
A drum circle is a group of people playing playing drums or other percussion instruments while sitting in a circle. Brendan describes a drum circle as “a rhythmic empowering event in which participants (musicians or not) engage in recreational music making with the common goal of drumming into harmony with one another.”
As the drum circle facilitator, Brendan leads the participants through the experience of a drum circle. It is his job to make sure that all participants feel welcomed and comfortable while empowering them to freely create music in harmony with the circle and one another. Although many drum circle facilitators also teach, in the drum circle context you will find them acting more like a conductor/team manager and less like all-knowing teacher.
Benefits of Drum Circles for Seniors or Residents with Dementia
Studies show that recreational music making can decrease stress, boost immunity, release endorphins, and help with memory. According to the New York State Department of Health, "Rhythmic activities and therapeutic drumming circles are among the most effective tools we have for creating a communal experience among residents with dementia. Rhythm and music strongly predicated on a rhythmic beat allows residents to respond to one another, with feeling of competence 'in the moment' and often with joy. Participating in a drumming circle allows the resident with dementia who may have lost executive abilities, to take an object and affect another object - and sustain that activity. It provides for meaningful sound when communication skills have deteriorated."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bTq-nxK_84g&w=500&h=350