Who's got rhythm? Drumming as a vehicle for wellness by Candy Davis

Eighty-seven-year-old Molly eagerly shoves her walker into the community room at Willamette Oaks Retirement Community in Eugene, Oregon. Eleven other residents, three great-grandchildren, and two staff members have arrived early, and are jamming on the array of instruments set out for the upcoming rhythm circle session, which I will facilitate. “This is the best hour of the week,” shares Molly, an avid Santana fan, who plays along with the musician’s CDs on the drum she keeps in her apartment.