Making music at Ecumen Scenic Shores

• Drumming

Fran and Burt Magnuson, Clair Newton, Eleanor Wotring and Phyllis Erholtz listen to the beat and add their own rhythmic embellishments during last Thursday’s drumming circle at Ecumen Scenic Shores Assisted Living. Photo: LaReesa Sandretsky
• Peters and Nelson

Jerry Peters listens closely to his drumming while Helen Nelson looks toward instructor Rachel Nelson. Photo: LaReesa Sandretsky
• Kuronen & Hoseth

Jeanne Kuronen & Mabel Hoseth wave their scarves as part of a stretching routine after drumming for close to an hour. Photo: LaReesa Sandretsky

Talk about it

Last Thursday, the sounds of drumming and singing were drifting out of Ecumen Scenic Shores Assisted Living Center. More than 10 residents were gathered in a circle, holding various percussion instruments and improvising songs.

Rachel Nelson of BardLive Productions leads the drum circle, but the residents take the music and make it their own, she said. It’s a weekly event and the residents have been participating for nearly five months.

“Anyone can make music,” Nelson said, “and you start to feel connected with people.”

After handing out drums, maracas and scarves to the residents, Nelson starts the hour with stretching. Then, they launch into more musical endeavors. Nelson provides guidance but encourages creativity. One activity includes asking each resident to drum a beat based on his or her name, with other residents joining in, adding to the beat.

Nelson said that the residents have come up with many creative ways to play their drums during their months of practice. Some scrape the drum with their nails to create a unique, mellow sound while others pound with large mallets to create a more powerful beat. No matter what the method, everyone seems to enjoy making music.

The 20 weeks of practice will culminate on Friday, March 15 during Ecumen’s March Wellness Retreat. The residents will perform for family, friends and the public at 3 p.m.

Tags: ecumen scenic shores, life, music