Residency to drum up Community spirit

By Submitted Story on May 5, 2022

Founder of Drum For Change Greg Whitt leading one of his classes. (Photo courtesy of Greg Whitt)

Dare County Arts Council

Dare County Arts Council is bringing award-winning teaching artist and “edutainer” Greg Whitt with Drum For Change from Raleigh, NC to the Outer Banks for a four day drumming residency May 18-21.

Whitt facilitates interactive rhythm experiences that focus on values like inclusion, gratitude, positivity, acknowledgement, and holistic living. 

“I believe life is richer when we communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with one another and with the world around us,” said Founder of Drum For Change Greg Whitt. “These programs are actually hands-on philosophy about how we can live, work, and play well together in community, only they’re cleverly disguised as music, and they’re delivered as engaging fun.”

• The residency will begin with a Beat The Stress drumming class in the Courtroom Gallery on Wed., May 18 at 7pm. The class is open to adults and teens and will focus on making music as a method to reduce stress, elevate mood and cultivate wellness.
• On Sat., May 21 there will be a Fam Jam outside in The Courtyard from 11am to 12pm. Families are invited to this interactive music experience that uses a mix of drums and small percussion to create lively and loud fun for all ages.
• Admission is $10 for the Beat The Stress class and free for the Fam Jam. Pre-registration is required for both. You can register online at DareArts.org/workshops. No experience is necessary for either event and instruments will be provided.

Through Dare County Arts Council’s Power of Art program, the drumming residency will also include two private classes- one for Monarch Beach Club, a day activity center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and one for adults with cognitive decline and their caregivers at Gentle Experts Memory Care (GEM). These classes will give those with disabilities and difficulties the opportunity to join the band, and are focused on lifting spirits and fostering creativity.

“We are looking forward to the drum workshop as another enriching opportunity that GEM will enjoy through Dare County Arts Council’s Power of Art Program,” said GEM Executive Director Gail E. Sonnesso. “All people enjoy learning new things and working together. People living with cognitive challenges are no different.”

The Power of Art program, which was designed to serve special groups in need or with limited access to arts programming, is supported by a grant from the Outer Banks Hospital.

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the Power of Art program should contact Dare County Arts Council Executive Director Jessica Sands at DareArtsInfo@gmail.com.

For more information about this residency, please visit DareArts.org/workshops or call (252) 473-5558.

Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.

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