By Virginia Scholtz
Northside News

Folks are drumming together at Warner Park Community Recreation Center in a program co-sponsored by ARTS for ALL Wisconsin.

An intergenerational drum circle began meeting in April. It is expected to expand during the summer months so youth in our community can join in the fun. The sessions are led by long-time musician and professional drummer Marshel Beason, accompanied by David Goldsby. Black Star Drum Line leaders Joey Banks and Elmore Lawson have been invited to be guest drummers (blackstardrumline.com).

The inspiration for a drum circle came from NewBridge Madison staff, who strive to “inspire intergenerational practices that connect older adults and youth, helping us reconnect, build community, combat loneliness and break down age barriers.”

Deenah Givens, program coordinator for NewBridge, said “drumming creates a powerful state of presence, which takes you out of processing the past or worrying about the future, and out of your stress responses, and brings you instead into a state of freedom within the present moment, where everything is possible.”

There are many well-researched benefits to drumming: 1) improving social connections; 2) reducing tension, anxiety and negative feelings; 3) inciting laughter and good humor; and 4) generating positive energy.

Givens encourages all ages and all ability levels to give drumming a try. She said, “Over the past 20 years I have been part of drumming circles in Madison, and I enjoy the sense of community that is built around drumming and movement.”

For more information, contact Givens at NewBridge, 608-512-0000 ext. 3002, or deenahg@newbridgemadison.org.

The drum circle is scheduled to perform at the NewBridge Summer Concerts June 19 and June 26.