Drum circle more than a lesson in music
January 19, 2012 2:16PM
Chris Lavidas of Breaking Grounds in Drumming invites the residents participating in a drumming circle at Belmont Village in Buffalo Grove to try a senses rhythm exercise. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 2, 2012 4:11PM
Once every other month, owner of Breaking Grounds Drumming Chris Lavidas of Rolling Meadows visits Belmont Assisted Living Facility in Buffalo Grove and holds a drumming circle with the residents.
Lavidas performs for the residents, includes them in different drumming exercises, and gives them a lesson on a style of drumming or a particular musician. He explains that the exercises they participate in are intended to be good for the mind, their listening skills and their concentration.
While most the residents at Belmont are physically and mentally able to participate, Lavidas has a wide range of different clients he holds drumming circles with, including older patients with dementia, and children with developmental disabilities.
Breaking Grounds Drumming holds drumming circles, workshops and seminars, but also provides lessons to students who are serious drummers. Lavidas said his main goals are to give back to his faith in God and to have a positive effect in other people’s lives. He believes his seminars and drumming circles are different because the group is not just the audience, they are an important piece to the whole presentation. He has been coming to Belmont since 2008.
“It’s been nothing but a positive experience,” Lavidas said.
— Michelle LaVigne
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