2nd Saturday of the month, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: at Unity Central Oregon
| This Community Drum Circle is an inclusive, accessible, monthly gathering designed to bring people of all ages (8+) together through the universal language of rhythm. No previous musical or drumming experience is needed—every human being is born with rhythm. It is our birthright. With gentle facilitation and supportive guidance, participants are invited into a co-created music-making experience that is uplifting, empowering, and deeply connecting. Led by Heather Barlett. What Makes This Circle Special: • Inclusive & Welcoming: Ages 8+, all genders and all abilities welcome. • Accessible: You don’t need any instruments or training—just a willingness to participate. Drums, percussion and melodic instruments will be available. • Facilitated Experience: This is a guided drum circle, offering structure that helps beginners feel comfortable and gives experienced drummers room to play. • Community-Oriented: Focused on connection, joy, and collaboration rather than performance or ritual. Top Proven Benefits of Drumming • Stress Reduction: Lowers cortisol, calms the nervous system, and promotes relaxation. • Mood Elevation: Boosts endorphins and serotonin, supporting feelings of joy and well-being. • Improved Immune Function: Group drumming has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity. • Enhanced Focus & Mindfulness: Drumming brings people into the present moment and improves concentration. • Social Connection: Strengthens feelings of belonging, reduces isolation, and supports community bonding. • Emotional Expression: Provides a non-verbal outlet for creativity, release, and self-expression. • Brain-Body Integration: Improves coordination, motor skills, and cognitive flexibility. Why People Should Come • To relax, unwind, and de-stress in a supportive environment • To connect with others and feel a sense of community • To express themselves creatively, even if they’ve never touched a drum before • To experience joy, playfulness, and spontaneous music-making • To develop rhythm and listening skills in a fun, non-judgmental way • To nurture personal well-being through a proven mind-body practice • To feel empowered—your rhythm matters, your presence makes a difference. Suggested donation: $10–$20 No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Heather’s bio – Heather Bartlett, RN, is recently retired and has relocated to Bend, OR from Sunnyvale, CA. In tandem with her nursing career, she has explored her passion for music making, becoming a trained Drum Circle Facilitator, Song Leader and Sound Healing Practitioner. Heather has offered over 550 events in Silicon Valley in school, corporate and community settings over the past 16 years. and is passionate about bringing together diverse groups of people to joyfully express themselves through rhythm and song, while fostering connection and creativity. She believes in the healing power of music and sound vibration and is looking forward to offering music-making opportunities to as many people as possible in the Bend community. |
