A local resident of Santa Clarita Valley, Robin Blate, is on a mission to improve the well-being of seniors through the joy of drumming. After losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Blate discovered the therapeutic benefits of drumming and is now introducing drum circles at senior facilities across the region. Her initiative aims to foster community and promote health among older adults by engaging them in rhythmic activities.
Blate has been actively reaching out to activity directors at various senior homes, proposing to lead drum circles where residents can come together to play hand drums and percussion instruments. “I’m not a drummer, and I don’t want to teach drumming to seniors,” she explained. “I want to introduce them to the joys of rhythm and wellness.”
According to Blate, many seniors often lack social interaction, which is crucial for enjoying their later years. She believes that drum circles can provide a much-needed avenue for connection. Additionally, she highlights the health benefits of drumming, noting its positive impact on conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety. It can also serve as a preventive measure for cognitive decline, making it accessible to those who are healthy as well.
Arianna Monge, a board-certified music therapist, supports Blate’s vision. She stated, “A facilitated drum circle is an amazing activity to engage people. Anyone who’s inspired enough to learn to facilitate rhythmic events can and do make a difference in their community.” Monge emphasized that drum circles are particularly beneficial for seniors, enhancing their overall well-being.
Blate’s passion for music stems from her upbringing in a musical family. Her father played multiple instruments, and she herself played the violin. Reflecting on her career, Blate spent many years in office roles, most notably as an executive assistant at CBS Records in the 1970s, where she had the opportunity to meet iconic musicians including Ringo Starr.
It was during the pandemic that Blate became involved with the Remo Music Center in Valencia. There, she met Elsie Van Bruaene, the sister of Remo Belli, the founder of Remo Inc., known for producing high-quality percussion instruments. Van Bruaene encouraged Blate to join a virtual drum circle, which sparked her interest in leading similar sessions for seniors.
Blate has since taken on a volunteer role, assisting with drum circles for children at Remo Music Center. The Saturday drum circles attract children aged two to eight, and participation can vary from five to forty attendees. Blate finds joy in watching shy children blossom as they engage with the instruments. “They start out really shy,” she remarked, “and then all of a sudden, they’re just banging away.”
Monge, who also manages the rhythm and wellness program at Remo Inc., described the center’s commitment to making drumming accessible to everyone. “We do adult drum circles on the first and third Tuesday of every month,” she noted, highlighting the center’s mission to promote drumming as a tool for well-being.
Blate’s commitment extends beyond children, as she recently turned her focus to seniors. After participating in various drum circles, she questioned why similar activities could not be offered to older adults. Motivated by this inquiry, she created business cards to promote her idea and began visiting senior facilities to share her vision.
On her business cards, Blate included a quote reflecting her mission: “Remo’s dream was to put a drum in every household, not to make drummers, but to better the human condition.” Monge praised Blate for her initiative, recognizing the growing demand for activities that engage the senior population.
As Blate continues to develop her program, she expresses her passion for enhancing seniors’ lives through drumming. “I’m passionate about the effects of drumming for seniors,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy and active during one’s golden years.
For more information about Robin Blate’s initiative, she can be reached at [email protected]. For details on the Remo Music Center, visit Remo.com/rmc.
