HealthRHYTHMS May Help Reduce “The Columbine Effect” New Study Demonstrates Statistically Significant Improvements

by Alyssa Janney, MBA

June 29 -- Valencia, CA - According to a new study recently published in the June issue of the medical journal, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, there is a new, highly cost-effective strategy for empowering success with at-risk youth. Instrumental anger is the the clinical term used to describe a delayed expression of emotion, including revenge or retaliation, such as what is believed to have precipitated the massacre at Columbine High School, often referred to as the Columbine Effect. According to principal researcher Barry Bittman, MD this groundbreaking study has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the level of instrumental anger in addition to improvements in school/work performance and behavior toward others, with less depression, reactive anger and interpersonal problems than a control group who did not participate in the music making activities.

"This is an accessible, affordable and sustainable strategy that can positively impact juvenile rehabilitation." Barry Bittman, MD

The research was conducted at the Bethesda Children's Home in Meadville, Pa., which is a court-referred residential treatment facility. And 52 adolescents participated in a structured recreational music making (RMM) protocol as part of their rehabilitation process. This strategy involves enhancements to the HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming protocol, essentially customizing it for use with at-risk youth populations. Study participants were comprehensively evaluated in the research study, which spanned more than a year.

The HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent protocol is suitable for the majority of adolescents including many facing emotional, cognitive or learning challenges, because the protocol creates an opportunity to participate at one’s own level. With all the billions of dollars spent each year to isolate juvenile delinquents from society, this program offers hope that more troubled youths can be rehabilitated and learn to discover their own unique worth and share that gift with society in constructive ways, reducing recidivism and its fiscal ripple effect. "In addition to generating positive societal impact, this unique intervention could save our nation billions of dollars." Barry Bittman, MD

After a group from the study concluded, a young man referred to as “Lionel” (to protect his identity) was discharged from the program at Bethesda. HealthRHYTHMS Endorsed Facilitator Margaret Sowry recalls that mid-way through the fall semester, the facility received a telephone call from the principal of the school that Lionel attends. “I don't know what happened there at your facility, but Lionel is a changed young man. He attends school every day, he studies hard, plays basketball and is planning a future. Whatever took place there transformed him and gave him hope.” Read Lionel's Story


“Music-making can be the glue which facilitates cohesion allowing cognitive behavioral therapy to stick.” Alyssa Janney, MBA

This research demonstrates the incredible transformational power of HealthRHYTHMS. And in a broader sense this amazing new study builds on Dr. Bittman’s previous research, pointing to the significance of the music therapy profession by further demonstrating the real value of music. Music-making can be the glue which facilitates cohesion allowing cognitive behavioral therapy to stick. In my opinion Bittman’s study both spotlights the effectiveness of the HealthRHYTHMS adolescent protocol and for those who are listening closely, speaks to the potential power of including a board-certified music therapist at the table in social-service work.

Recreational music-making strategies such as the research-based HealthRHYTHMS program which do not require prior musical experience are not a substitute for traditional music therapy or music education. Yet this program is embraced by many musicians and music-therapists because it is an evidence-based tool which is versatile, user-friendly and can be life-changing. HealthRHYTHMS uses the drum, not as a performance medium, but as a tool for communication and personal expression. The study concludes that this innovative protocol for adolescents can also be readily utilized by behavioral health professionals without prior musical experience.

There are more significant findings in this tremendous research than can be easily addressed in a short article. So be sure to read the research paper to gain a more complete understanding of all the powerful implications for success with at-risk youth demonstrated by this study.

Read the Research Abstract

For more information about HealthRHYTHMS visit: www.remo.com/health

Obtain a copy of the published research study: http://www.advancesjournal.com/adv/

Other related news release: New Research Reveals How Playing Music Results in Breakthroughs for Inner City Youth, NAMM

Reference

Bittman, B., Dickson, L., Coddington, K. (2009) Creative Musical Expression as a Catalyst for Quality-of-life Improvement in Inner-city Adolescents Placed in a Court-referred Residential Treatment Program. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine.

FREE Community Drummm Circle Celebration 6/25 (SF, CA)

Let's all Play!!! Experience the joys of drumming...for FREE!

Thursday June 25th, 2009
7-9pm at JCCSF

Participate in a facilitated Drummm Circle, dine potluck-style, and connect with your community through rhythm. OPEN to the community, ALL ages welcome, NO experience necessary.

Please bring a dish or beverage to share, and a drum or percussion instrument if you have one. There will be extras on hand.

Iocation: JCC SF, 3200 California St, SF, CA 94118.

Info: Visit http://www.drummm.com/, or contact Jeni Swerdlow at jeni@drummm. com or 510.316.2850.

Drumming Up Passion with H.U.B. on June 18th (SF, CA)

PASSION OF THE BEAT concert June 18, San Francisco, CA. 8pm

Actioning Your Brilliance!

Ready to be BRILLIANT? Ready to be RHYTHMITIZED? Ready to be PASSIONATE?

Humanity Unites Brilliance (HUB) sponsors a benefit concert/event for Lakota Native American Wolakota organization of Chief Arvol Looking Horse and YOU will want to be there.

Rickie-Byers Beckwith, Michael Bernard Beckwith (The Secret), Freddie Ravel (Grammie artist), Faith Rivera, Steve McCarty of the Steve Miller Band, Christine Stevens, Jeni Swerdlow (DRUMMM), and many more local San Francisco artists team up to create a ceremony of transformation, empowerment, and social change.

Bring a DRUM! Sing your SOUL!

When: 8pm June 18, Drum circle pre-show at 7:45pm

Where: Palace Hotel, 2 Montgomery Street. San Francisco, CATickets: $50.00 each/ $80.00 per couple.

More information: 310-642-1138. Check out HUB website for more information and to learn more about Actioning your Brilliance Conference and speakers.

Humanity Unites Brilliance: Where we Connect to Change Our World

Drumming for Wellness at Alpha 1 National Conference

Article by Jeni Swerdlow. Photo by Yasuyo Yamaguchi

Karl Bruhn, considered the “Father of the Recreational Music Making movement,” lost his daughter, Debbie Rogers, earlier this year to a chronic and sometimes fatal genetic disease known as Alpha 1, which attacks the lungs and liver. To honor Debbie, Karl elicited the help of REMO Inc. and I to provide a hands-on presentation and drum circle focusing on the health benefits of drumming at the Alpha 1 Association’s National Conference in San Francisco earlier this month.

As nearly 450 attendees, the majority of whom have Alpha 1 and experience related physical challenges, sat around banquet tables after dinner and a long day of conference programs, I pondered how I was going to engage participants in drumming. How to make it meaningful for them, and facilitate in such a way that they can experience all the benefits without further stressing out their bodies?

Scientific studies are showing more and more the positive impact of group drumming and “recreational music making” (music made by non-musicians) on the immune system, brain functioning, mood and stress reduction. Much of the work that I do in my DRUMMM programs utilizes the HealthRHYTHMS protocol, which was applied in several of these groundbreaking studies.

After extensive research and conversations with Karl and Alpha 1 conference coordinator, Cathey Horsach, about the specific issues patients with Alpha 1 face, I came up with these intentions for the presentation:

1. Introduce the link between drumming and wellness,
2. Generate interest and curiosity in playing the drums (over 450 of them, graciously supplied by REMO Inc, were decoratively displayed around the room),
3. Create a safe and supportive atmosphere for people to try something new,
4. Honor Karl’s daughter and those who have died from Alpha 1 while celebrating life with everyone present,
5. Develop the music with a gentle touch, being mindful of physical challenges,
6. Help facilitate a connection to the breath, the body, the music and the Alpha 1 community,
7. Provide some fun hands-on entertainment.

This translated into starting with a brief overview of the benefits, some gentle upper body “drummer” stretches to recorded flute music, and a few members of the DRUMMM Team playing a soft drumbeat in the background. Eventually, volunteers brought the drums and world percussion instruments to the guests and away we went. After I did an initial demonstration on how to play each type of instrument, the group settled into a nice easy groove based on a simple heartbeat rhythm.

For nearly an hour people played, clapped, sang and cheered for themselves and each other. As their “Drum Circle Orchestra Conductor” I used my body language to sculpt the music, creating dynamics, inspiring cooperation, and keeping the energy and music flowing. One man began a call and response cheer to the group, shouting “Let’s Beat Alpha One,” to which everyone heartily echoed. When people got tired, I invited them to put their hands on their drum and let their bodies receive the vibration of the rhythm through their drum. I saw many closed eyes and smiling faces that night.

7 Evidence-Based Elements of HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming:

1. Stress-Reduction
2. Exercise
3. Self-Expression
4. Camaraderie/Support
5. Nurturing
6. Spirituality
7. Music-Making

To learn more about DRUMMM's Wellness programs, visit http://www.drummm.com/.
For more information on HealthRHYTHMS and the health benefits of drumming, visit http://www.remo.com/.
To learn about Alpha 1 disease, visit http://www.alpha1.org/.
To read and see photos from the conference, visit http://www.alphaone.org/news/alphas-learn-to-live-longer-be-healthier-and-help-to-find-a-cure-for-alpha-1-at-national-alpha-1-conference.

Jeni Swerdlow DRUMMM's Up Teamwork at Chamber Ambassadors Rally

Earlier this month, The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce brought in some "heavy hitters" to cap off its Northern California Chamber Ambassadors Rally. An annual event that brings together Ambassadors from dozens of Northern California Chambers of Commerce, this year's theme was "Teamwork."

The Rally began its day with a high energy performance by the Cal Marching Band (U.C. Berkeley), then the attendees got down to work. Followed by a day of sitting for talks on such business topics as "Marketing Strategies" and "The Importance of Being Green," DRUMMM's Jeni Swerdlow was called in facilitate the "hands-on" grand finale to unsuspecting Ambassadors.

Moments after the emcee's final announcements, Swerdlow had the auditorium's chairs up against the walls and the 60 or so sleepy-looking participants in a circle. Dumping a huge pile of "Boomwhackers" in the middle (colorful, tuned percussion tubes that can be struck together, on the floor, or on the body), Swerdlow immediately had people clamoring for their choice of colors and sizes.

What ensued was a 20-minute team building session of epic proportions. The room instantly erupted into a cacophony of sound, then with Swerdlow's expert facilitation transformed seamlessly into an ensemble of rhythm, teamwork and celebration. Grouping teams by color, Swerdlow effortlessly sculpted the music as groups created their own distinct patterns, then wove them together into an orchestra. It was a grand example of teamwork in a most unique way.

By the end, each and every Ambassador was laughing and yelling with glee at how much fun they had and how good they were able to sound, despite most having never touched a drum before. People ran up to thank Swerdlow for ending the day on on such a positive note, noting how much more bearable their Friday rush-hour commute was going to be, thanks to her and DRUMMM.

For more info on Jeni Swerdlow and DRUMMM, visit www.drummm.com. For more info on the Ambassador's Rally, visit http://www.berkeleychamber.com/

DRUMMM At Your Local Bay Area Library This Summer!

Come be a part of DRUMMM’s “Rhythm 4 All!” Jeni Swerdlow provides the "hands-on" drumming fun for ALL ages, supplies ALL the drums and requires NO experience. And it’s FREE--make your summer a HIT!

Library DRUMMM Tour Dates 2009

JUNE
6/15 Guerneville Regional Library @ 11am
6/15 Cloverdale Regional Library @ 2:30pm
6/15 Rincon Valley Regional Library (Santa Rosa) @ 7pm
6/16 Sebastopol Regional Library @11am
6/16 Windsor Regional Library @ 2pm
6/16 Petaluma Regional Library @ 7pm
6/17 MLK Library (Oakland) @ 10:30am
6/18 Calabazas Library (San Jose) @ 2pm
6/18 Los Gatos Library @ 4pm
6/23 Pearl Ave Library (San Jose) @ 2pm
6/23 Rose Library (San Jose) @ 6:30pm
6/24 San Anselmo Library @ 1pm
6/24 Healdsburg Regional Library @ 7pm
6/25 Asian Library (Oakland) @ 2pm
6/26 Temescal Library (Oakland) @ 11am
6/27 Downtown Berkeley Library (for Teens) @ 3pm
6/29 Piedmont Library (Oakland) @ 7pm

JULY
7/1 Sonoma Regional Library @ 11am
7/1 Central Library (Santa Rosa) @ 2pm
7/9 West Valley Branch Library (San Jose) @ 2pm
7/11 San Lorenzo Library @ 3pm
7/14 Melrose Library (Oakland) @ 3pm
7/15 Eastmont Library (Oakland) @ 10:30am
7/16 Rohnert Park/Cotati Regional Library @ 11am
7/16 Northwest Regional Library (Santa Rosa) @ 2pm
7/21 Dimond Library (Oakland) @ 7pm
7/22 Montclair Library (Oakland) @ 10:30am
7/23 West Oakland Library @ 1:30pm
7/28 Martinez Library @ 6:30pm
7/29 Rio Vista Library @ 3pm
7/30 Joyce Ellington Branch Library (San Jose) @ 12:30pm
7/30 Bibliotheca Latino America Library (San Jose) @ 3pm
7/31 Ortega Library (San Francisco) @ 3pm

AUGUST
8/5 Alviso Library (San jose) @ 2pm
8/8 Children’s Room Library (Oakland) @ 2pm
8/12 Dublin Library @ 1:30pm
8/12 Dublin Library @ 3pm
8/20 Concord Library @ 2pm
8/22 Union City Library @ 2pm

For additional info, please visit http://www.drummm.com/ or contact individual branch libraries.

DRUMMM welcomes new intern from Japan!

This May, Yasuyo Yamaguchi from Chiba, near Tokyo, Japan, joins the DRUMMM Team as an intern. Visiting San Francisco for 6 months to study English at Intrax International Institute, Yasuyo will be working “hands-on” with DRUMMM at events and behind the scenes for the next two months. A super smart, outgoing and accomplished drummer and computer programmer, here’s what Yasuyo had to say…

What made you decide to some to the U.S. to study English?|

One of my dreams was to go abroad studying English. Talking English with people can expand horizons. I can learn and see many things. Someday I want to work for an international company so that I can communicate with more people.

Why San Francisco?

Two years ago I visited S.F. for sightseeing and I made a lot of friends here. I like San Francisco--the weather, the people, the nice view. That’s why I decided to study here instead of Canada or Australia.

Out of all the businesses in S.F., why did you want to work for DRUMMM?

I play with a marching band in Japan, and was teaching children. (Actually, Yasuyo is the director of her marching band, but she is very modest). So when I heard about DRUMMM, I was excited! I can attend many events and meet different people. I enjoy event planning, such as for travel or parties. I like making people smile. I want to contribute to people’s happiness, smiling and having a good time.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Many things! When I’m not drumming, I like to hang out with my friends, read books at the café or library, and go snowboarding. I like to teach, especially children, how we can make sounds on the drum.

Come meet Yasuyo in person and be part of the international rhythm collaboration! Check the Calendar and join the DRUMMM circle orchestra!