Creative Aging + A World of Percussion

(Published by Lifetime Arts and PMAC - July, 2021)

In 2021, I partnered with the National Guild of Community Arts Education and PMAC to adapt "A World of Percussion" for a creative aging pilot program in New Hampshire's Seacoast region.

“A World of Percussion” connects language, mathematics, geography, history, culture and environment through an interactive rhythmic study of musical concepts from around the globe. Participants embark on a metaphorical journey around the world, delving into diverse rhythmic perspectives.

Participants entered the space with a wide range of expectations. Some were seasoned drummers, while others were complete beginners. A few were eager to experiment with new rhythms, while others were hesitant to socialize after a year of isolation.

We started by breaking the ice, sharing our backgrounds and musical hopes. Then, we dove into the rhythm, experimenting with a variety of drums, shakers, and other percussion instruments. We began by coordinating a simple "BOOM" sound, gradually building towards a more consistent pulse. We also explored basic techniques and simple rhythmic patterns.

Each day, we delved into a specific rhythm or musical concept from a particular country or region. This included everyday rhythms of Ghana, drones and heterophony of Indonesian Gamelan, celebratory harvest rhythms of Guinea, vocal and body percussion of India, and polyrhythmic clave-based music of Cuba. To cultivate a shared musical language, strengthen group bonds, and encourage individual expression, we also engaged in improvisational games and collaboratively created short musical pieces inspired by the week's theme.

The participants were eager to explore new musical ideas and brought a wealth of creativity to the program. For instance, when we were working on a complex Indian rhythmic phrase, one participant suggested learning it backward. This creative approach proved to be incredibly effective and musically rewarding.

Throughout the week, participants shared their newfound awareness of rhythm in everyday life. One discovered a mesmerizing groove in the simple act of chopping carrots, while another found rhythmic inspiration in an art exhibition. As the program progressed, many participants noted a heightened awareness of sound and rhythm in their daily lives.

In our final class, we turned our attention to American music, specifically the rich traditions of New Orleans. We combined poetry and music to create a unique "beat poetry slam," where participants recited their chosen poems over a deconstructed jazz rhythm. The piece transformed into a melting pot of language and rhythm, culminating our journey and bringing us full circle.

The program culminated in a heartwarming gathering where participants shared their experiences and performed the music they had created together.

Here are some of the participant's reflections:

"I'm a very reserved (shy) person, and this has been a great experience for me. I gained so much in all areas of my life." ~ Dennie
"A World of Percussion was such a wonderful program. There wasn't anything suggested that we didn't try." ~ Mo
"It was a beautiful experience to share 'A World of Percussion' with these participants. I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to continue building from where we left off." ~ Anonymous

Brian Shankar Adler

Interdisciplinary Percussionist and Composer

Brian Shankar Adler

Interdisciplinary Percussionist and Composer