Drumming together creates a deeper feeling of belonging, fosters self-respect and a sense of accomplishment. It provides a positive outlet for anger as well as a chance to feel part of something.
Feeling successful builds self esteem and it is that feeling Giving Tree Music strives for, to leave each participant thinking "If I can do this, next time I face a challenge I will remember this success and push forward”.
We have achieved tremendous success with youth detention centers and at-risk youth, special needs groups, those facing severe health problems and bereavement groups to name a few.
“Don’t forget to turn in your timesheet!” “Remember to take initiative at your jobs!” “Stop banging on the tables!!” “Clean up when you’re finished eating!!”
For a group of 18 teens participating in a summer career and life training program at the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, hearing Steve Turner say, “There are no mistakes in drumming” is music to their ears! Besides being teenagers, the one thing all these students have in common is that they all have a visual impairment. Some are totally blind and some have low vision. And unlike common misconceptions, none of these students was born with a musical ability or super sense of hearing. Some of them have just as poor listening skills as their sighted peers, while others work twice as hard to develop their listening skills in order to complete the same tasks. Fortunately, “drumming is easy” and everyone, no matter ability, senses, or experience can be successful.
For 5 weeks, Steve brought music to their ears and the teens reciprocated with emotion, conviction, and determination. With such a wide range of abilities in our group of students, Monday afternoon was always the one time that everyone could participate at the same level. Whether a student had a physical impairment, a cognitive impairment, or any other disability, everyone drummed, everyone participated, and everyone contributed equally to the finished product. Steve recognized this before we did and he truly valued each and every student’s drumming. During our final presentation at the program’s closing ceremony, he even recognized the hidden talent in all of the students’ parents, families, and guests by surprising the group with enough drums for everyone to join in. The feedback we received from parents and guests ranged from “this was the best program yet” to “what an amazing addition”.
Thank you Steve for your contagious enthusiasm, encouragement, and ENERGY!
Warmly,
Sue Glaser
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind
Home of the Stars
Dear Steve,
I would like to take a moment to extend a very sincere thank you for bringing such a wonderful gift to our school this week. I have been in attendance at multitudes of activities, assemblies, celebrations etc. but don't remember any that touched every student in the audience. Their faces told such a story of enjoyment. It is difficult to describe what it is like to watch 230 challenged students from ages 3 to 22 participating with such abandoned joy while beating on your 100 drums. Every student could shine, they were empowered and accomplished and a part of the circle of friendship.
I hope others will invite you to join them and have as wonderful an experience as we did. What a magical way to unite people from varied backgrounds, cultures, ability levels and so on. Music really is a giving tree and you do an awesome job of showing us how to be a part of it. If any group ever wants a recommendation, please don't hesitate to give them my name and number - it would my pleasure to provide a reference. Thank you again and I look forward to your next visit.
Ginger Wirt,, Principal
Paul B. Stephens School
Home of the Stars
KidsPeace Prairie Academy
Hi Steve,
You came today, and we LOVED you! Here are some of the comments from the kids: Awesome! Loved it! Steve was alot of fun, and the drumming was great too! The staff thought you intereacted well with the group, and kept all kids interested. Another said it was "cool". As a former teacher, I thought you did a fabulous job of reaching the kids at their level, and I loved it that you said "no one can do it wrong". My kids have heard their whole lives that they aren''t any good, and do nothing right. How cool it was for them to hear an adult who says they couldn''t do anything wrong! Thanks so much for all you did with us today. It was much appreciated. You certainly have a gift. Don''t let it get away!
Nancy Burt
KidsPeace Prairie Academy
Worthington MN
Britt Half Way House
It is with great pleasure that I express in this letter our appreciation for the performance you displayed for our youth and staff. It is with out question everyone in attendance learned and enjoyed your performance. I am forwarding this letter to other DJJ Facilities that have the same needs as ours. I am sure your group session can also be beneficial to them. I am looking forward to establishing a long-term relationship with your Organization. Our youth and staff have expressed the desire to continue group sessions as often as allowed.
