Beating the Odds: Gemma's 17 Years of Joyful Drum Workshops

Gemma Brown is a remarkable woman from Launceston who has been spreading joy through music for 17 years. Despite facing significant challenges, including learning difficulties, paralysis on her right side, and partial sight, Gemma has found a way to help herself and others by running percussion workshops across Devon and Cornwall. She started drumming as a way to cope with frustration, but it quickly became much more than that. With the support of her family, Gemma now hosts events at schools, day centers, and care homes, encouraging people with different needs to explore music and discover happiness in creating together. Gemma believes that music is a powerful way to express yourself and says, 'It's showing others so they won't watch TV all the time. '

The workshops, called Rhythm Sticks, are held regularly at places like InFocus, a charity in Exeter that supports people with vision impairment and complex needs. During these sessions, Gemma and her mother Ann lead groups of participants who sit in a semi-circle, each with a pair of bongo drums. Some use drumsticks, while others play with their hands. Carers are present to assist those who need help, and some participants use motorized wheelchairs. Gemma says the workshops are a way for people to release their emotions, dance, and sing along. Ann, who helps run the sessions, explains, 'We wanted to show others that just because you've got a disability it doesn't mean you can't do anything, so we started Rhythm Sticks and we've been going 17 years. '

The family brings a variety of instruments to each session, including djembe, snare, and bongo drums, as well as maracas. The feedback from participants is overwhelmingly positive. Megan says, 'I love it,' and looks forward to every workshop. Cassie shares that the sessions make her feel 'happy and jolly, and more lively as well. ' Susie adds, 'I think Rhythm Sticks is great because you go home singing the songs... it really stays with me. ' Gemma's father Stephen also helps with the workshops and says, 'They make the clients happy... they all go home happy and they always ask when are you coming back again. ' Over the years, grants have helped the family buy the instruments they use. By bringing music to these groups, Gemma and her family offer new opportunities for people to enjoy and participate in music. Ann says reaching 17 years is a great achievement and that for Gemma, it gives her a reason to get up in the morning and shows others with disabilities that they can do something meaningful.