Staff in Easterseals Northeast Indiana’s community living program help individuals engage with the community in ways that resonate with their personal interests. The Community Drum Circle was a perfect fit for Bob.
The Community Drum Circle at Sweetwater Academy is so loud it would scare people away if the irresistible momentum of the rhythm ever let them go. The sound is immense, waves of percussion that feel as though they might never stop. There are woodblocks, cowbells, maracas, and, of course, everyone can get a drum.
Easterseals staff member Patrick Hessey had a hunch that he knew just the guy who could find his groove in this storm of thumping. Hessey looks for interesting outings and activities to share with the people he supports.
“I try to give them a variety of experiences,” Hessey said.
One of those people is Bob, 75, who has enjoyed hearing and making music on previous excursions with Hessey. Hessey had taken him to the Community Drum Circle last year. Bob decided to return recently.
People trickled into the gathering, even after its official 7 p.m. start time. Eventually more than 40 would join in the exuberant playing.
The group drumming began shortly after 7, rising in intensity and going on for several minutes. When Bob Creager, one of the drum facilitators at Sweetwater Academy, finally signaled to quell the rhythms, everything fell silent almost immediately.
“WOW! Wow! Holy mackerel! Welcome to Community Drum Circle!” Creager called out.
“We start everything after our opening with something we call ‘Celebration of Life.’ The Celebration of Life is exactly what it says,” Creager said. “Anyone, anyone, can stop the jam to raise your hand and say what makes you happy, what is your celebration of life.”
People began offering answers, with at least several seconds of ecstatic drumming, thumping, and exclamations after each one:
“Spring!”
“Weekends!”
“Culver’s!”
As more and more people called out more places and times and things they are grateful for, Bob raised one of his soft-topped sticks over his head, seeking Creager’s attention. Creager noticed Bob and approached.
“Valentine’s Day!” is what he is grateful for, Bob says very softly. Creager repeats “Valentine’s Day” louder, and people murmur and applaud appreciatively.
There was more to come; more drumming, of course, but also a saxophone solo and a history lesson about saxophones; a serene song on a flutelike instrument; a drum solo; and more.
Through it all, Bob enjoyed himself, but his face remained sober. He concentrated closely on his drumming, or on his listening when he wasn’t drumming.
After it was over, and Bob was getting ready for home, he said he was disappointed that Creager hadn’t called on him again so that he could suggest his favorite song, “America the Beautiful.”
“I think he likes the patriotic songs,” Hessey noted.
Before they left, Bob had a question for Patrick.
“Patrick, did I play the drum pretty good?”
“Yes, real good!” Hessey responded.