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| Drum Circles Connect Rhythms of Life by Kristina Serafini Staff Writer, Sewickley Herald June 27, 2008 Deke Kincade has been a percussionist all his life, but it's only been about 15 years since he discovered the true benefits of the beat. It happened after taking a job as program director at a senior health care facility, frequently engaging elderly folks in drum circles. Through his time there, nurses saw a decrease in the amount of medicine patients had to take, as well as a decrease in poor behavior patterns. The staff attributed the improvements to the patient's participation in the drum circles. Kincade describes a drum circle as "a unique, spontaneous event created by people tuned into their playfulness." When everyone is fully engaged, he said, there is a rhythmic connection, a positive energy among participants, that serves and supports everyone in the group. And the effects aren't limited to just senior citizens, according to Kincade, adding that people of all ages can learn important skills, like cooperation and relaxation techniques from it. Kincade will introduce Sewickley to this form of music therapy this weekend as a community drum circle is scheduled for Saturday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Wolcott Park. The event, hosted by The Open Mind Bookstore, is free and open to the public. A selection of drums will be available, but Kincade encourages those in the community wishing to participate to bring their own hand drums and homemade percussion instruments to the circle. The job of a facilitator is not to teach, but instead, guide the group and show that it is not a competition but more an exercise in cooperation. "The key ingredient is fun. They are there to have a good time." Kincade no longer works at one specific senior health care facility, but he still visits various sites, including Villa St. Joseph in Baden, a few times a week. "The senior population is one that is neglected in a lot of ways," he said. "I am honored and grateful to be able to do this for them." He said that it's amazing to witness just how much a person can still do on the drum even when they are unable to do a lot of things for themselves in everyday life. The participants get a great sense of accomplishment from it. In addition to Saturday's community event, Kincade is scheduled for two instructional workshops at The Open Mind Bookstore this summer, July 19 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. The workshop will feature an hour of instruction followed by 45 minutes to one hour spent participating in a drum circle. |