Press Release: Mesa, Arizona VOLUNTEERING WITH A BEAT! Rhythm For Life Completes Federal Grant San Diego State University Center on Aging and Rhythm For Life (Trademarked), a project of the Tides Foundation, are proud to announce the completion of a major title IV Federal grant project. This grant, funded by the Administration on Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services, supported a pilot project to develop best practice in music therapy utilizing group percussion strategies for promoting volunteerism in the well elderly. The overall objective of the project-t o utilize new group percussion activities and strategies developed by Rhythm For Life (trademarked) with the well elderly and train these individuals to volunteer in their communities using these activities--was successfully met. Groups of older adults from the greater San Diego community were involved in the initial program and found the group percussion activities motivating and enjoyable. "We all laughed more than I have seen before-it was good" said a 75 year old senior from an inner-city nutrition site. "This is really good. Good exercise makes me happy!" wrote a 91 year old retiree from the La Jolla Retirement Community. "I like the participation of drums and music, it makes me relax so much!" said 83 year old Petra. Once the 10 week training program for the well senior was established, music therapists from across the country were trained in the methods and approaches of this rhythm-based program. Currently, 10 music therapists are implementing training programs in their communities. This project also received support from members of the music products industry. Both Remo Drum Company and the Latin Percussion Music Groups donated equipment used at the 10 pilot sites. New Materials Available: Book entitled Best Practice in Music Therapy Utilizing Group Percussion Strategies for Promoting Volunteerism in the Well Older Adult is a comprehensive guide to introducing group percussion experiences to older adults. It includes information on the well older adult, a complete outline of the 10 week training program, suggestion for establishing a training program for senior volunteers, marketing strategies, Aging Network contacts, and examples of press releases, business cards, and handouts. Brochure entitled "Volunteering with a Beat" which uses quotes and pictures to describe the volunteer training program. Designed for distribution to older adults, this brochure will help promote interest in this new activity. Video entitled "Volunteerism with a Beat: Development of a Well Older Adult Volunteer Group Percussion Program" documents the training of the older adult pilot group and is designed to be used at introductory sessions. Research Team: Dr. Percil Stanford, Director of the San Diego State University Center on Aging, Dr. Barbara Reuer, Registered Music Therapist (RMT) and Rhythm for Life board member, Barbara Crowe (RMT), Executive Director-Rhythm For Life, and Barry Bernstein (RMT), Program Director-Rhythm For Life. Background: The Rhythm For Life project was an outgrowth of the August 1, 1991 US Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing, "Forever Young: Music and Aging", at which experts testified on the therapeutic benefits of music with elderly Americans and which proposed the formation of drum circles as an aid to health and well being. Rhythm For Life was formed by a unique coalition of individuals and groups including the National Association for Music Therapy, the National Association of Music Merchants, Remo Drum Company, and drummers such as Mickey Hart, Glen Velez and Arthur Hull. The goal of the project is the creation of therapeutic and recreational drum groups on a national level which will use music therapists with specialized training in drumming and percussion techniques along with professional percussionists to expand opportunities for drumming experiences to various groups in communities, including the frail and well elderly and inner city at-risk youth.
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