A Full Circle Moment at Phoenix Center for Innovative Learning
- Drum Party
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 6
On March 3rd, Drum Party partnered with Yet Stand Inc to bring the healing power of rhythm to students and staff at the Phoenix Center for Innovative Learning. The session combined education, connection, and music in a way that reminded everyone in the room how powerful rhythm can be when people come together.
The program began with a presentation about the brain and trauma, where we explored how rhythm therapy can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and support emotional healing. Through simple, accessible rhythms, participants learned how drumming can reconnect the mind and body, creating a sense of grounding and community. Students, faculty members, and staff listened, asked questions, and discovered how something as natural as rhythm can be a tool for recovery and resilience.
After the presentation, the room transformed. The drums came out, the beats started building, and the energy shifted from learning to pure experience. Middle school and high school students joined faculty members in creating rhythms together, laughing, experimenting, and connecting through music. What began as a presentation quickly turned into a lively drum circle where everyone participated and no one stayed on the sidelines.
For me personally, this visit carried a deeper meaning. Years ago, one of my five children faced challenges during high school and went through this very program. Returning to the Phoenix Center with Drum Party to bring a message of healing and hope made the day feel like a true full-circle moment. Seeing students in the same space finding joy and connection through rhythm was incredibly meaningful and reaffirmed why this work matters so much.
The feedback from the school has already been inspiring. The principal shared how much the students enjoyed the experience and expressed interest in bringing Drum Party back for another session — including an outdoor drum event so the students can experience the full Drum Party atmosphere.
You can also learn more about the mission behind Drum Party and its impact in communities by reading this feature on Drum Party Executive Director Stephanie Spreeman:
https://www.tishaanddeb.com/post/business-spotlight-stephanie-spreeman-drum-party-executive-director
Partnering with organizations like Yet Stand Inc and other nonprofits in our region to share the message of healing through rhythm therapy is exactly what Drum Party is all about. Together, we are creating opportunities for individuals and communities to experience the therapeutic benefits of rhythm, connection, and creativity.
We’re already looking forward to the next session.
We were able to provide shakers and safety sticks to 30 kids with a donation from Lauren Polen and Topside Federal Credit Union.
A special thank you to Elaine Crocker of Yet Stand Inc for bringing this partnership together and giving Drum Party the opportunity to serve the community in such a meaningful way. Moments like this remind us that when organizations collaborate, incredible things can happen.
