Lainie,
I am a therapist for Sumner Mental Health, and start a drum circle here in
2006, for our severely emotionally disturbed youth.  West Music (google them)
offered me great discounts on drums.  There is also a store in Lawrence, KS,
Supersonic Drum, that has used instruments.  They are really great folks. 
You can make all kinds of percussion instruments from 'trash to treasure.' 
There are ideas on the internet.  I have made drums from empty cat litter tubs,
coffee containers, and oatmeal boxes galore.  Shakers can easily be made from
discarded prescription bottles, with about a Tablespoon of plastic BBs purchased
in the sporting goods section at Wal Mart.  Gatorade containers not only make
great shakers, they can be coupled with a pencil and made into a guiro. 
Sometimes you can find grants from places like the Kansas Health Foundation, or
check with an elementary teacher to see if they have ideas for available grants.

Happy drumming!!
 Linda Yearout, LCMFT
Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist




________________________________
From: "sports4allkids@..." <sports4allkids@...>
To: wichita_hand_drumming@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 11:48:49 AM
Subject: [wichita_handdrum] a couple of questions for the group





Hi all!

I am new to this group but I have a couple of questions and would welcome any
information you would be willing to pass my way. I am looking to start a
drumming circle or group for special needs children. I have been involved in one
session with these kids in Florida and it was very powerful. Kids that had no
voice suddenly had one! There was laughter and joy in these kids and I want to
bring this experience here.

I recently started the Miracle League of Wichita (www.miracleleagueo fwichitaks.
org)which is a baseball/t-ball group for kids 5-18 and it was a HUGE success and
not I want to start other activities (sports, music, art) to kids with special
needs who don't have many outlets besides the traditional therapy..

SO my questions are, does anyone know someone who might be interested in leading
a drummming circle for kids once a week for a 4 or 6 week session? And, does
anyone know where I might be able to get some drums either donated or at a
reduced cost? We are operating under a non-profit so it could be a write off for
someone but as of now, our funds are very limited.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you for your time,
Lainie







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]