Presented with a variety of unusual musical instruments — from freestanding drums to lemon-shaped shakers to “lightning in a can” — participants in a stress relieving drum circle excitedly awaited instruction Friday night.
Led by facilitators Charlie and Robin Myers, a HealthRHYTHMS event was held last week at The Red Shoes on Government Street.
HealthRHYTHMS, a division of California-based company Remo, uses a developed protocol to utilize drumming as a tool for maintaining health and well being, according to the Remo website.
Robin and Charlie Myers led about 25 participants though drumming exercises and meditation Friday.
The event kicked off with stretching and breathing, followed by an icebreaker in which participants quickly passed shakers from hand to hand around the drum circle.
Volunteers then sounded out their names on their instruments, with the rest of the circle mimicking the beats.
During the next activity, Entrainment, participants drummed together to the same rhythm, while Charlie Myers mimed signals to sections of the circle to mix up the sounds.
Robin Myers then demonstrated a section called Inspirational Beats, in which participants communicate emotions or a story using memories of the past 24 hours, she said.
Charlie Myers said HealthRHYTHMS was developed through neurology and music therapy to maximize health benefits.
“It’s not so much about the drums. It’s about building community and improving health. The drums are just a tool to help us do that,” Myers said. “Some of the results found in clinical trials show drumming can relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system and can actually reverse some of the effects of stress on a genetic level, while benefiting the community and developing skills of self-expression.”
Robin and Charlie Myers have been facilitating HealthRHYTHMS events for more than two years but have worked with music for about ten years. This was their first event at The Red Shoes.
Robin Myers said many people respond well to the program, and often ask about future events.
“We get people coming back and new people participating,” Robin Myers said. “We have a good mix — from the little bitties to the elderly — all in different health conditions.”
Charlie Myers said the program fosters community development.
“It fits in any kind of group setting,” Myers said. “This is a tried and true tool to bridge factions of people. It’s been used to help corporations, warring gangs, prisons, soldiers and tribes. It brings people together in a dynamic environment where you can communicate a sense of community within a few hours.”
Robin and Charlie Myers stressed HealthRHYTHMS does not require previous musical ability or inclination.
Charlie Myers explained each exercise and used hand motions to convey instructions to drummers, encouraging them to share their feelings and interpretations.
Robin Myers led participants in meditation accompanied by drumming.
Vallerie Myer, massage therapist and registered nurse, and her daughter Amelia Jennings attended the HealthRHYTHMS event.
“I loved it — more than I thought I would,” Myer said. “In some ways it was what I expected, and in some ways it was not what I expected. I brought my daughter because she is interested in music. I would definitely do it again.”
Jennings said she thought it was the best time she had ever had.
Although future HealthRHYTHMS events for Baton Rouge are not currently listed on the Remo website, Charlie Myers said they may host another event in August.
 
—-
Contact Morgan Searles at [email protected]