Christopher Karow leads the GC Community Drum Circle.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Every Friday afternoon, a space on the Georgia College campus transforms into a rhythmic, therapeutic respite from the world.

The weekly GC Community Drum Circle gathers at 2 p.m. in Room 103 of the Health Sciences Building. The Georgia College Creative Arts Therapies department invites the public to explore the healing and community building properties at the weekly sessions. 

The sessions are free and open to anyone who wants to join. No experience is required. 

Christopher Karow, a music therapy student, serves as the drumming leader who facilitates the assembly. 

“The drumming circle is part of the college’s effort to bring the community in,” said Karow. “It is a way to get to know people and what they are involved in within the community.”

According to Psychology Today, the act of drumming contains a therapeutic potential to relax the tense, energize the tired, and soothe the emotionally wounded. 

Studies performed through observing drumming circles show that for some participants the positive impact results from the feeling of belonging to a community. For others, it is the actual physical act of drumming that decreases stress and increases the body’s defense against illness. 

“The act itself increases the heart rate and improves memory,” said Karow. “It brings individuals together, face-to-face, away from the distractions of the outside world.” 

The instruments used in the sessions include various hand drums from around the world. Participants are welcomed to bring their own drums, as well. 

As the facilitator, Karow initiates the drumming but allows the music to develop organically. Each participant gets the opportunity to create a rhythm that the group follows and builds upon. Members are encouraged to let their creativity and emotions set the tempo. 

Circle members have different motivations for attending. Some want to expand their knowledge of the benefits of music therapy, some want to beat the stress of the week away, and others just simply want to have a unique and entertaining encounter. 

For Mary Mead, a dual-enrollment high school student from Putnam County, the drumming circle offers another outlet for her love of music. 

“I am involved in music at my high school and thought the group would be a lot of fun and it has been,” said Mead. 

Circle member, Leanna Caro, is a music therapy student who wants to explore different methods of healing. 

“I attend the drumming circle to increase my knowledge of various activities that I can use in real-world application. It also gives me a chance to met other people in our community.” 

For more information on the GC Community Drum Circle, call Christopher Karow at 678-451-8943 or email christopher.karow@bobcats.gcsu.edu.