Drum Circles: The Great Equalizer An Investigation on the Use of Drum Circles in Classrooms of Varying Abilities Rebecca Kenaga Beginning Methods and Materials for Instrumental Music Who does this include? The short answer: everyone. Hammel and Hourigan (2017) state that "music teachers sould se all sources avoinle to understand the challenges and areas of strength 3 student brings tothe classroom a apart of iso her dsabity" (p13). Many students with special needs benef from an educational setting wih the Least Restrictive Enironment possible Orum cls canbe modi ways to meet an surpass the eoucationa goals of stucets ‘wth an without special needs. Tey can also be uses to edge the gap in eterogeneusclasroams Musical Benefits Playing Various Genres Historical Context Early Introduction to Tonalities other than Major and Minor (from Older Repertoire) Focused Listening Recognizing How Each Part fits into a Whole ‘Synchronization to a Beat Syncopation Dynamic Contrast Articulations Comparing Timbres Aural Skill Applications in Neurotypical Classrooms rum circles can function independently or as supplements to “traditional” lensembles (Campbell & Higgins, 2015) They can be adapted to fit various needs, addressing improvisation, different technical levels, and student oriented social issues. Resource List See Objectives Musical: 'VDOE Music Standards of Learning El.1-.2, .7-.10, .12, 14-.20 ‘hich cover ideas such as improvisation, echoing, ensemble skills, articuations, dynamics, and culture. Non-Musical: Independence, safe space, self- ‘expression, and increased communication skills (Janes, O'Neil, Pavicevc, Powell, & Sampathianaki, 2013) Applications in Heterogeneous Classrooms tae (2010) an experimen re combing 39 cimteriou etorhip ad taught tat use cous Becae th omecn ioe eth upese of untng ne ou Ths was a poner poet vel at was enced a neta oi of the ol esc ar he ‘ute tors een wath pal esp. 68). The Frost rents ng ang ons, eran onbeee eur students parents andthe crmunty, ade the crnten of smi gn he earunty What now? Non-Musical Benefits Affordable Accessible Cultural Tolerance Peace Social Justice Mutual Respect Turn-Taking Sharing Emotions Collaboration Non-Verbal Communication “Each drummer is positioned as a priceless and irreplaceable player in the music we are creating” (Mackinlay, 2014). Applications in Classrooms with Special Needs Pron western ste nso res te mt ea oat Steps awn canen 200) Orca rtesbey ett ene od astm oe eee The research currently available on drum circles in educational settings focuses almost entirely on elementary-aged populations, ignoring various groups that could potentially reap significant benefits from participation in drum circles. Some of these aforementioned groups ‘that could benefit from further studies include senior citizens with special needs, hheterageneous populations with and without special needs older than elementary age, and popviations that mix ages.