Drum circles are a hit at Oasis Senior Center

On a recent Wednesday morning, the walls of the Oasis Senior Center in Newport Beach were vibrating from the beating of drums. The drum circle was back by popular demand, and this was the second gathering.

A drum circle is a group of people who play hand drums and percussion for the fun of it rather than in performance. The circle has no beginning or end, creating equality. It can include any number of people of all ages.

Lee Kix, who has a background as a professional musician, is the drum master. Kix worked as a percussionist and drummer before an injury (and putting three kids through college) changed his career.

He retired about four years ago, which is when he discovered training for drum circles. He had observed that participants were having a lot of fun. Now he’s returned to his passion for playing drums, only now he is called a “trained health rhythms facilitator.”

“There’s more to it than just making noise,” Kix said. “Group drumming reduces stress, increases creativity, boosts the immune system and improves overall mood. The increased white blood cells means the body is rocking out.”

He encourages participants to keep an open mind, without expectations. The “magical part,” Kix said, is to see where it takes you. He believes there is no such thing as a silly noise; it’s about having fun and feeling invigorated. He calls it “your own little creative moment.”

At the drum circle on this Wednesday, Kix finished handing out a variety of drums to the 30 or so participants. Then he shouted “Let’s rock.” With his enthusiastic style, he set the pace and everyone else joined in.

“I love drumming,” said participant Patti Johnsen. “I always wanted to play a musical instrument, and the rhythm thudding leads your body and just takes you somewhere.”

Kix, who also is big on using found objects, had placed two large plastic bags filled with discarded water bottles that now contained rice or beans. He passed two bottles to each person and then led everyone in a bottle-shake rhythm of alternating sounds before directing a finale consisting of a group toss into the center of the circle. The lesson was symbolic.

“One of the hardest things to do in life is letting go,” Kix said. “It’s important to let go of stuff in life.”

Birgitta Schaeffer was back for a second time because she had so much fun the first time.

“Beating a drum is very primal,” she said. The water bottle idea was a hit at her son’s birthday party, she said. Just make sure to let the sun absorb all the moisture from the bottles before filling them, she added.

More drum circles will take place at Oasis at 1 p.m. Nov. 13 and Dec. 10 at Oasis, 801 Narcissus Ave.