Back in November 2012, we had the opportunity of working with the charity Blenheim CDP. This London based organisation works tirelessly to help alcohol and drug users to rebuild their lives, and also supports their families. On that event, we delivered three short team building drumming sessions for 30 to 40 participants. The reaction was so positive that we suggested that, in the future, we should facilitate one large drumming event with everybody involved for the complete inclusive experience.
This week that day eventually came and on a very special occasion. The conference held in the Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall celebrated the charity’s 50 years of being in operation. We felt very honoured to be asked back to provide everyone with the opportunity of playing together and feeling truly connected.
When we first arrived at the venue, I had a feeling the day was going to go well. Our lovely client Helen had arranged on-site parking and many extra hands to quickly move 200 drums into position in 30 minutes. Trying to park a van in inner city London can cause much wasted time so this was perfect.
When the delegates came back from coffee, they found our wonderful drums on each and every seat. This was a great surprise and, throughout the award ceremony prior to our finale, we could hear the audience drum rolling spontaneously for every winner.
After a warm welcome, we simply announced that our job was to transform the room into one incredible drumming orchestra. With claps, yells and smiling faces coming right back at us, we were off and running. With one hour to achieve all this, we embarked on our usual high-intensity and totally interactive format. Because of the type of audience we had on that day, I felt it only right and important to tell delegates a little about the work that is done globally with drumming as a therapeutic tool.
The drums we use in all our events are from the world’s biggest drum company Remo. Remo actively funds and promotes outreach programmes and detailed medical studies on the health and community benefits of group drumming. Thanks to Remo’s support, there is now a worldwide network of carers, group leaders and therapists who are using drumming to heal.
Our hour was soon up and our brand new orchestra was sounding fantastic. It was time to bring the powerful drumming to one final close and hand back to the conference Master of Ceremonies for final thoughts.
We always have a warm feeling for our audience after creating music together, but what made the day even more special was knowing that the participants are, day in and day out, helping individuals, their families and those around them get their lives back on track. Here’s to the next 50 years of that!
For more information about our events, please Contact Us.
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