Smiles and rhythm intertwined as percussion rose in unison at Stewart’s Caring Place on September 18, 2025. Hosted in partnership, Founder Maseh Nchang of Trust Drum Circles and Wellness Coordinator Sarah Swirsky of The Summit FM invited attendees to experience the restorative power of rhythm, movement, and sound. Held at Stewart’s Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Centers in Fairlawn, Ohio, the event blended yoga-inspired movement, group drumming, and ambient guitar music, played by Matthew DeRubertis, to promote community, healing, and connection.

A Sense of Belonging

The workshop began with an icebreaker that invited participants to express their names through rhythm, turning introductions into playful drumbeats. Laughter and curiosity quickly replaced hesitation as everyone found comfort in the sound of their own drum.

Guided by Swirsky, participants then moved through a gentle yoga warmup to the soothing guitar of DeRubertis and the calming beats of Nchang. While the workshop followed a structure, it was also an inclusive setting. “You are in charge here. We’re going to make suggestions and show you some things, but this is your time to relax and have fun [however you wish],” said Swirsky.

Building Community Through Drumming

As the drumming began, Nchang demonstrated traditional instruments and rhythms, leading the group into collaborative songs that built naturally into powerful communal beats. With each drumming round, confidence and connection deepened as participants quickly synchronized, producing music that felt intuitive and unified.

They experimented with polyrhythms, switched instruments, learned about drumming culture, and played freely, their movements reflecting comfort, joy, and release. The session closed with reflection and a “rhythm cradle,” a drumming exercise purposed for deepening one’s breath and relaxing the nervous system. Nchang described it as being “surrounded by the warmth of the vibration coming from the drum,” and one participant reflected, “It’s like getting a big hug.” Swirsky closed with more breathwork and expressions of gratitude.

Contributing Organizations:

WAPS-FM “The Summit FM” serves Akron-Canton, Ohio at 91.3; Youngstown, Ohio-Western, Pa. at 90.7; and Athens, Ohio at 90.1, inspiring a love of music through partnerships with nonprofits, local artists and regional businesses.

Stewart’s Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Centers provides supportive services at no cost to individuals and families affected by cancer, carrying forward the vision of Dr. Stewart Surloff to offer hope and healing beyond medicine.

Trust Drum Circles, founded in 2022, is a mobile, inclusive arts and wellness organization dedicated to using rhythm to heal, connect, and empower communities. Through adaptive drum circles and music-based programs, TDC fosters growth, joy, and belonging for people of all ages and abilities. 

• Contact: maseh@trustdrumcircles.org | +1 (614) 216-8026
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