About the Training

RATIONALE

Drums are irresistible to adolescents. It is nearly impossible for an adolescent to sit in front of a drum and not begin a beat. Following a brief introduction explaining the very basic ABC’s of drumming and outlining some ground rules, at the first meeting of a new adolescent drum group we invite them to drum at the beginning of the session. This first drumming experience sets the stage for the group to learn its radiance and unique voice while providing the necessary outlet for the collective high energy for this age group.

While consistent structure provided by the protocol is important, spontaneity is perhaps the best overall approach to drumming within this sector. Their mood swings are often unpredictable and can be intense. Reacting to the tone of the group within the moment is necessary to have their attention. While all the components of the protocol provide an essential element to prepare for Inspirational Beats, the order in which they occur can be inter-changed.

Introducing the Wellness Exercise is most effective at the 2nd or 3rd session, when the group has established an element of trust. Closing their eyes and relaxing on their chairs can create an extreme sense of vulnerability. It is essential to explain the benefits of the imagery and ask them to look at the floor if they are uncomfortable with closing their eyes. Asking if any of the group wishes to be excused because they are uncomfortable or unable to focus places the onus on the individual to choose to participate. Rarely does anyone wish to leave the group. Thanking them for their maturity and participation after the exercise sets a standard that each one wishes to achieve and helps remove the self-consciousness of feeling others are watching them. A very effective strategy used with the Wellness Exercise is to distribute a small object that the participants may keep as a reminder of the calm, affirming places visited during the imagery.

Rhythmic Naming provides an excellent means to learn the names of the participants. While it means a great deal to anyone to be remembered by name, it is key with kids who have been compromised over and over. When the names of the participants have been committed to memory, asking them to drum the name of the one they love the most and share a tribute to this person elicits responses that begin to open their inner doors to disclosure. When they have drummed the name and shared something about the one they love, ask the group to join in a tribute. Faces beam and heart doors are jingled as the entire group honors the one each participant most loves.

Entrainment Building begins to afford the cohesiveness that will eventually build trust and camaraderie. The expressions of Entrainment make it necessary to “listen” and “hear” the others both individually and collectively.

The two questions we have used for Inspirational Beats are designed to reflectively internalize thought for the first question, after which the second question directs them to recognize and discern social/family/group inter-action and relationships. Simply explaining the value and the need to be honest with themselves and others often is all it takes for injury to be disclosed and healing begin.