Other Programs
Seniors' centers, special needs groups, at-risk youth, wellness groups, recovery groups, health care settings, and many more
Program Overview
These programs are designed with a focus on groups with special needs
or a specific purpose. Whether it be physical needs, as in the case of
seniors, or mental or emotional needs, like children and adults who
have suffered a recent tragedy. Each program varies in its focus and
methods, based on the needs of the group.
Children’s programs create a safe space for expression and interaction. They might focus on building confidence, expressing feelings, or recovering from loss.
Adult programs lend themselves to many settings. They might focus on recovery, renewing creativity, promoting general well being, or simply relaxing in a safe environment.
Seniors' programs provide an uplifting form of gentle
recreation, with no learning curve. The whole experience is designed to
promote joy and productivity. The instruments used with seniors groups
take into account a wide range of physical needs, and include softer
sounding instruments like shakers and small drums with padded sticks.
Smiling seniors can even be seen singing a familiar song or two from
days gone by.
Related groups I’ve worked with
Eastern Mennonite University’s Summer Peacebuilding Institute
Augusta Medical Center Outpatient Services, Fishersville, VA
Generations Crossing (a program where seniors and children interact)
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Virginia Equality Conference
Hero's Journey Programs, Pittsburgh, PA
Open Heart Chiropractic, Bridgewater, VA
Gemeinschaft, Harrisonburg, VA
Various seniors' centers
Hurricane Katrina victims
Incarcerated adults
At risk youth
Bereaved children and adults
What people are saying
We have been with Mike and his array of drums, shakers, bells and
cymbals on numerous occasions. Our space fills with energy,
insight, healing, and connection -- and in our case that is no
small feat as we are people from troubled spots around the world
finding our way to compassion and peace. Last night, for example,
twenty people, fifteen countries and languages, found the common rhythm
of the soul.
John Paul Lederach, Ph.D.
Kroc Institute
University of Notre Dame
(Founding director of EMU's Conflict Transformation Program and the
Institute for Justice and Peacebuilding)
Mike,
The seniors truly enjoyed participating in the drumming. At the start a
couple seniors said they weren’t interested, but I was happy to see
that they did end up “catching the bug” too and picked up their drums.
I heard many positive comments about how much fun
they had. In fact,
one senior liked it so much he offered to pay half the cost for the
Senior Center to purchase our own set of Sound Shapes! I can’t turn
down “50% off” [drums] so they should be on their way to us shortly!
Thanks again for the program.
Janice Gentry, Director
Waynesboro Senior Center
Waynesboro, VA
Thank you so much for your time and energy. I loved the idea of
becoming like a community, and the kids enjoyed expressing themselves!
Keep up the wonderful work that you do. It is so inspiring!
Angela Fusco
Coordinator
Campus Camp (a camp for young children who had recently lost loved ones)