«DrumPower» – Developments 2019

As in previous years, 2019 TrommelPower projects were successfully carried out at various schools.

Applications
In addition to the project initiatives known from previous reports in Erlangen, Hamburg, Wolfratshausen, Meingkofen, Puchheim, Poing and Munich, this year's cooperation HEARTBEAT by TrommelPower Erlangen with the Staatstheater Nürnberg deserves special mention. On June 5, 2019, more than seventy DrumPower children from three schools in the Nürnberg-Erlangen area had their big performance in front of a large audience with an ensemble of the Staatstheater Nürnberg (see report HEARTBEAT).

Advanced training
In 2019, an advanced training was carried out with participants from different pedagogical and therapeutic areas. In addition to the application of the DrumPower method in schools, approaches for the areas of psychiatry and child psychiatry were discussed as well as a modification for the kindergarten sector.

Scientific discourse
In 2019 Bernadette Bayrhof carried out a comparative study between the cooperation project "One song for each class" and the "DrumPower" project at a primary school.
The results of the study show successful effects on both projects, including enthusiasm and involvement, interaction and community, promoting self-esteem and reducing fears, presenting pride in having fun, and enjoying music. Significant differences show the positive effects of the project "One song for each class" in terms of creativity and the mood-enhancing effect of music, while the “DrumPower” project shows clear positive effects in terms of promoting conflict-resolution skills. A publication of the study is planned for next year.

In addition, the international scientific discourse continued at the 11th European Music Therapy Conference in Aalborg from 26.-30. June and at the 6th International Symposium on Music Therapy with Adolescents on November 29 in Melbourne. The focus of the symposium in Australia is: Music Therapy, Adolescents and Trauma. In both conferences, there was also great interest in the practical workshops on DrumPower.

Professional support and supervision
All projects always took place under expert supervision.

Support
DrumPower projects with children, adolescents and young adults can usually only be realized thanks to the support and encouragement of foundations and private sponsors. Thanks are due in 2019 especially to the Barbara Weidinger Music Foundation.