KINGMAN – Joyce Mollenhauer and Deborah Adler of The Learning Center for Human Development (LCHD) will be hosting drum circles for the month of February. These will be an all-ages event and the best part is you don’t even need a drum – although you can bring your own! Both Mollenhauer and Adler intend for the drum circle event to grow into multiple groups in an effort to boost the well-being of the citizens of Kingman and the larger Mohave County area. Mollenhauer is a Registered Nurse with a BSN in Nursing, Doctor of Naturopathy and Nurse Coach Debora Adler is a singer-songwriter, with a BFA in Theater Arts, and an MFA in Acting with 50 years experience performing with various musical groups and as a soloist.

Mollenhauer and Adler present the drumming circle as part lecture on the benefits of drumming and part participation in a drumming circle. Experience is not necessary to participate. The ease of the participation portion of the event will have anyone drumming with Deborah Adler an experienced musician leading the group. The drumming, however, is fluid and participants are encouraged to play as loud or as soft as they wish. The circle is structured in a way that each member uses their own creativity and feeling to make a rhythm. A multitude of different size drums are provided making many different sounds so participants have endless modes of creativity.

Drumming and drumming circles have been a staple of man since ancient times, and for good reason. Recent studies are beginning to show drumming can boost your immune system by tuning your biology. Currently medical professionals like Dr. Bittman have termed these effects “group music therapy,” stating that, “Response to rhythm is basic to human functioning.”  Furthermore it’s fun according to Dr. Bittman, “Drums are accessible and don’t present the challenge of a learning curve-anyone regardless of handicap can sit and beat out a rhythm on a drum.”

According to Adler, the hope of the event is for the community to benefit from the positive effects of drumming. “The positive effects of drumming combined with the opportunity to go somewhere and relax and meet other folks, in an environment that is socially distanced and follows the COVID-19 protocols. For anyone who is feeling the effects of COVID-19 this is a way to relieve the negative effects and meet people. The beautiful thing about drumming is its positive effects work at any experience level. Come as you are!”

Health is often associated with exercise and diet, however, mental health has become more of a topic. Often people neglect their mental health and become plagued with anxiety, depression and a host of other negative mental health conditions. Consider joining a drumming circle.

Mollenhauer and Adler are part of The Learning Center for Human Development. A global 501c(3) organization with over 500 million members. The Kingman chapter of LCHD has been hosting events in the Kingman area for around seven years. If you are interested in attending this event. It will be held February 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Beale Street Celebrations Center, 201 N Fourth St.  For further information contact Joyce at 928-279-9253.

Chad Walker