Why Drums and Drum Circles?
by Karl T. Bruhn Humans have the need to belong, to be part of a group of individuals who share interests, and who come together for a common purpose. Such needs are as important to children and teens as they are to people in mid-life and to senior adults. In fact, it is increasingly being understood that this need for connection with others may be the most important component contributing to quality of life. The Music Making and Wellness Project Dr. Frederick Tims, principal investigator for the Music Making and Wellness Research Project and professor and chair of Music Therapy at Michigan State University says, “We feel strongly that abundant health benefits can be achieved by older adults who learn to make music in a supportive, socially enjoyable setting.” A well known case in point is the New Horizons band started by Dr. Roy Ernst, Chairman of the Department of Music Education at the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Dr. Ernst formed a band comprised largely
