New Zealand Rhythm Centre - Rhythm and Healing - Research, studies, articles
Rhythm Centre :: Rhythm and Healing :: Research and Studies
"Health and Wellness at PASIC 2001" - an article by Dr. 'Dutch' Workman



   Health and
   Wellness at
   PASIC 2001

      
        by Dr. 'Dutch' Workman




      The PAS Health & Wellness Committee is dedicated to providing drummers and percussionists with enlightening information on injury prevention and healing, as well as the effects of drumming on the wellness of musicians and listeners. During each PASIC we sponsor workshops designed with audience participation in mind. In addition, we provide booths that aid drummers and percussionists in improving skills and maintaining health. Here's what we have planned for PASIC 2001.

PANEL DISCUSSION ON INJURIES

      Our trademark workshop is the panel discussion on injury. Each year, we invite a group of influential drummers and per-cussionists to discuss injuries and prevention. Past panel members have included Vic Firth, Emil Richards, Brian Mason, John Bergamo, Ed Soph, Michael Udow, and many more. This year's panel will include the same level of players. They will answer questions, explain technique, and demonstrate concepts on various instruments.
      Health & Wellness Committee sub-chairs will be present to add comments. They are also accomplished musicians and include Dom Famularo, Kalani, Mike Udow, Joe Bergamini, and Terri Haley. I will act as moderator and provide medical advice where needed. We have always had excellent discussions filled with information as well as humor. Each year is different, but entertaining, and audience participation is always at a peak.

VIDEO TECHNIQUE ANALYSIS

      Last year in Dallas we set up a booth with instruments from various areas of percussion and drumming (drumset, orchestral, marching, mallets, hand drumming, etc.) and videotaped anyone who wanted to see themselves play. We let them review the tape with some of the best teachers and players around, who offered suggestions for improvement, answered injury and technique questions, and brought up good playing points.
      This year, the booth will be open on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in room 202, which is just above the exhibit hall. The actual taping takes only five minutes, and you are invited to spend as much time as you need to review your tape and ask questions. If you desire to keep the tape, you can purchase it for $5.00 (to cover the cost of replacing the tape).

Image - bullet    Author info
Darin "Dutch" Workman is a Doctor of Chiropractic who works with performing and sports related injuries. He holds a Bachelor of Human Biology degree and is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. Workman is the Chair of the PAS Health and Wellness committee and is a member of the Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA). A drummer/percussionist of over, twenty-four years, he continues to be active in performing and teaching. He can be reached by e-mail at
docworkman@juno.com
This article appeared in 'Percussive Notes' magazine, October 2001

FREE HEARING TESTS

      One of the most popular services the Health & Wellness Committee provided last year was a hearing-test booth. Hundreds of musicians had hearing tests performed free of charge in total anonymity. This year, the booth will be in room 203. Tests will be performed on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Participants are given a printout of their hearing-test results and educated on the ears and their hearing function. Many who were concerned that they had some hearing loss were pleasantly surprised to discover that they were fine!

DRUMMING AND WELLNESS

      Each year we add a new workshop to our PASIC agenda. This year we have asked Robert Lawrence Friedman to discuss drumming and wellness. Friedman is author of The Healing Power of the Robert Lawrence Friedman Drum (found at www.wc-media.com), a psychotherapist, president of Stress Solutions, Inc. (www.stress-solutions.com), and sub-chair of Drumming and Wellness for the PAS Health & Wellness Committee. He has appeared on The Today Show, Fox News, and most recently on the Discovery Health Channel sharing his philosophy of drumming and wellness.
      Friedman will discuss how drumming is used as a therapy throughout the world in helping to improve health emo-tionally, spiritually, and physically. He will also discuss how drumming affects the body and mind. The audience members can participate in group drumming; you are encouraged to bring an instrument. This is a "do not miss" workshop that will be truly fun and enlightening. It will be in room 209 on Friday at noon.

HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION

      If you have an interest in participating in the Health & Wellness Committee, please accept our invitation to attend one of our committee meetings. They will be held at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and Saturday in the Davidson B room.
      We hope everyone has a great time at PASIC 2001. The Percussive Arts Society goes to great lengths to help drummers and percussionists be the very best that they can be through constant growth. We hope you will take advantage of as many of the events as possible.
BACK  
 The Rhythm Centre - connecting you with the power of rhythm
home | instrument sales & service | village drum circles | classes & workshops
rhythm in schools
| rhythm & healing | rhythm resources | contact us | email | sitemap