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Over 75 Superstars, along with their friends and family members, packed the gym at the Williamsport YMCA to illustrate for Carrie Ekins, the creator of "Drums Alive," how her program has impacted and enriched their lives.
Ekins, who currently lives in Germany, was visiting the area, meeting with local program instructors and also conducting a training session for potential instructors who want to take what they've learned back to their communities to start programs there.
At first, Drums Alive might seem like a bunch of people hitting inflated exercise balls with drumsticks to music -- which it is. And it's loud -- also true. But, according to Ekins, the science behind the activity is what is really significant.
"It's the magic that happens to music, rhythm, drumming, cognitive applications, and putting them all together. That is what creates the magic," Ekins said.
Currently, the program is in over 30 countries. Locally, it was first offered at the East Lycoming YMCA, but now has been added to YMCAs in Williamsport and Bradford County.
With the training conducted by Ekins, the hope is to expand to Ys in Lock Haven and Jersey Shore, said Diana Logan, a local instructor.
Ekins created "Drums Alive" after going through two hip replacements, which left her unable to walk.
"I was left in a wheelchair and I couldn't walk. My doctor said to me, 'You've got two hands and two arms -- make something out of it,'" Ekins said.
Sitting on a chair, Ekins began drumming on anything she could find -- tables and then finally exercise balls, which are now used in the program. As she progressed, she began having more energy and felt a sense of euphoria from drumming.
"I wondered, what the heck is going on," she said. "I would sit there and drum and I'm sweaty and I'm not even standing up."
Initially her research only yielded information on drumming and the music world.
"I started researching and I was totally amazed at what happens to the brain when you drum, so that combination of using drumming, music, rhythm, cognitive applications putting them all together was my goal to have a brain program. It was developed as a brain training program," she said.
"The same way that you take care of your physical health, you can take care of your mental health," Ekins said.
Part of her training for prospective instructors is to show how activity affects the brain, which is important for children, people with diverseabilities and also seniors.
"So why are we letting our children and our seniors sit on their butt the whole time without moving? Of course, they're not going to develop their brain the same way," she said.
Roger Turner, of Nesbit, has been going to the "Drums Alive" program at the Y for about six years, according to his mother Pat Turner.
"It's meant the world because he loves being with his friends. He's very athletic so he loves the motion," Pat Turner said.
"He loves music and you combine them altogether and he's a happy camper," she added.
Pat Turner said she urges anyone who has a friend or family member with diversabilities to join the program.
"I can't say enough about it. I encourage everybody who has someone with diverseabilities to come and take advantage of it. It's so important, mentally, physically, emotionally and socially," she said.
"I do this at home-it is good exercise," she added.
Her son Roger, who is 50, was in the Special Olympics for about 30 years. He's also done soccer, cross-country skiing and basketball, she shared.
"He went to World Games in Alaska for Special
Olympics. He did some horseback riding and everything. He's very athletic and very much into music. That's why this is so great," she said.
"Because you use all your motions and you can do it sitting in a chair or wheelchair. There's no excuse for anybody not to do it," Pat Turner said.
As the participants in the "Drums Alive" event drifted away and the equipment was being torn down and stored, Ekins commented on what had just taken place.
"This is one of those events that just bring tears to your eyes from happiness and joy. To see that everybody can join and everybody can talk their minds. Everybody can be part of a group and they feel generous and they feel grateful," Ekins said following the event.
"I couldn't believe how many came out and said thank you so much. And that was really touching. It's a community and it's a community of love. We just really need to start spreading this around the world because we need to help everyone and especially diverseabilities," she added.