For most kids, a drum is just a way to make a lot of noise. But some special students at Sidney Lanier-Anchor School are finding that the drum is also a great way to express themselves and form even tighter bonds with their families.

Music teacher Dr. Don DeVito has established what he calls a ‘community drum circle’ for both disabled and non-disabled students at the school.  Several times throughout the year students and parents gather in the gym and spend an evening playing various kinds of drums together.

“We have some students who need assistance from a parent to keep the beat and others who like to improvise their own rhythms while we play,” said DeVito. “It doesn’t matter what their ability level is, everyone can participate and contribute.”

The drum circle sessions are often led by volunteer musicians from the community who share music from Africa, Australia, Brazil and other parts of the world. Sometimes students find the beat so compelling that they and their parents will get up and dance. DeVito says he finds that the drum circles are a great way for all students, particularly those with disabilities, to share their feelings and interact with others.

“It’s motivational and it creates opportunities for communication in a social setting,” said DeVito. “The reaction has been incredible—the kids just love it.”

Rick Allen has brought his son Eric to several of the drum circle sessions. “He really enjoys it,” he said. “He doesn’t always show a lot here, but then we’ll get home and he’ll be drumming on everything.”

Effie McClellan says her daughter Denise always looks forward to the drum circle. “She likes the music and the rhythm,” she said. “She tells me we’re going to be the drums together.”

The drum circles are just a part of a broader program at the school that allows students to broaden their horizons in and outside of school through music. As part of the Sidney Lanier Community Music Program, students may perform at community events or go on field trips to experience different forms of music. The school’s program has been so successful that DeVito has been selected to share it with music educators from around the world this summer at the International Society of Music Education Conference in Singapore.

“Community music programs can be adapted to help all students transcend their challenges through creative self-expression,” he said. “We’re bringing people together through the arts.”