Baltimore STYLE Magazine!

The November issue of Baltimore STYLE Magazine has a feature on me and Beatwell!

You can preview the article HERE, pick up a copy at local retailers, or sign up for a free, 3 year subscription! (Drum puns included.)

The photo was from a Beatwell Playshop I shared at Record & Tape Traders in Towson, MD.

Check out the video recap from that day below:

Note: The article claims that I am a "certified" HealthRHYTHMS facilitator. A certification does not currently exist. I am a "trained HealthRHYTHMS facilitator."

Greenbelt Rhythm & Drum Festival

On Saturday I was invited to share a drum circle at the first annual Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival.

The facilitation felt effortless and I will never forget the energy I received from the group.

I often use the word "magic" to describe group music-making.

This was magic.

This was my first time sharing with drummers and facilitators who have been doing this far longer than me. The warmth they shared was both validating and encouraging. I'm lucky to be a part of such a thriving and collaborative rhythm community!

I have video footage from the event which I will soon edit and share.

An Education in Beatwell with Baltimore Lab

Thinking back on your childhood, which communities had the biggest impact on you? 

Your family of course, and maybe a group of friends or a sports team. 

I can also bet that your school community had a profound influence on your life.

Beatwell Playshop at Baltimore Lab School // October 9, 2013

When I share a Beatwell Playshop with an entire school, my focus is on the community.

To drum with just the students would be incomplete.

At Baltimore Lab, a school for children who learn differently, I made music with the students and faculty in unison. During the last 15 minutes of each assembly, their principal joined us on the largest drum. A fitting metaphor for the school's "leader."

My main message: Every community is made up of individuals with a unique voice and personal strengths (like the different instruments in the drum circle). When each person contributes towards the betterment of the group (the song being created), the school community will be most successful.

Baltimore Lab is an exceptional school community. 

I felt it in the music. 

Beatwell On My Birthday

I turn 28 tomorrow. I will start my day by sharing two Beatwell Playshops with the students and staff at The Baltimore Lab School—a school for students who learn differently.

I've been quoted as saying the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educational paradigm should be changed to STEAM to include art. I've since changed my position, because each of those disciplines are art forms. It takes artists—critical thinkers—to succeed in any field.

Baltimore Lab is rooted in the arts. I think they are doing education justice.

I welcome the opportunity tomorrow to bring the students, staff and principal together as a community through drumming. I hope to help them further discover the natural artist within. I hope to leave them knowing that they are part of a school community that will most succeed when each person is free to express their unique qualities while supporting the group.

If I can succeed in these goals, it will most certainly be a happy birthday.