«DrumPower» – Annual Report 2022
In 2022, project work in the schools was still clearly shaped by dealing with the corona pandemic. However, most of the DrumPower projects at the various locations were mainly able to take place again in presence with the children and young people.
Projects
DrumPower projects were carried out at various schools in Germany and Austria. New project initiatives could take place in NRW, Switzerland, Australia and Palestine, among others.
DrumPower Munich was able to carry out various projects at primary, special and middle schools in the school year 21/22, but due to Corona and Corona protection measures, there was a high organizational effort and flexibility from the students, the teachers at the schools and the trainers required. However, the feedback from students and teachers was very positive.
Feedback from the students:
- We learned a lot, learned new things, drums, rhythm.
- That's what I pack in my treasure chest: Listen carefully and look at the people.
- I liked that we always played games and that we always laughed.
- I liked stop dance and stop games.
- Best of all was the performance – We were good at the performance.
Poster for the DrumPower performance
Feedback of teacher:
- Seeing the children in a new light.
- During the game, I notice how concentrated the students were and how quickly they calmed down.
- How well the students can work alone.
- The performance boosted the students' self-esteem.
- A shy student dares more.
- Yes, I would like to have the project back at my school.
In 2022 there were important changes in the team of DrumPower Munich. Henrike Roisch left her job after 10 years of DrumPower and 12 years of violence prevention projects in schools, as did Dominic Pavelt and Cornelia Helm after one year as substitutes for parental leave. There are two new colleagues in the DrumPower team, Nelli Cardenas, who is coming back from parental break, and Stefan Meier.
Luisa Roebbelen, development worker at the civil peace service of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) GmbH, was able to gain initial experience with drum power in projects with children and young people in the Palestinian territories in cooperation with musicians and social workers adapt to specific requirements and the particular contextual conditions. Several projects are currently being carried out in a music school in Gaza and a children, youth and cultural center in Bethlehem.
Sandra Strugalla and Matthias Andermatten had a pleasantly positive experience when they were able to offer a DrumPower short format with a focus on creativity, fun and team strengthening as a special event at a training session for the Swiss women's national soccer team. The response was good across the board. DrumPower was rated as a lively addition and a fun, effective break from the usual - further events and projects with other football teams are planned.
Training
In 2022, a well-frequented new additional qualification began with participants from different educational and therapeutic areas. Especially after the restrictions caused by the corona pandemic, there has been a great deal of interest in effective social and personal development measures in schools and there is a great willingness to implement DrumPower projects in schools.
DrumPower basic seminar 2022 at Freies Musikzentrum in Munich
Scientific discourse
At the European Music Therapy Conference in Edinburgh 2022, the basics of the project method were presented and practical applications were taught in a workshop. The interest in the scientific foundation and evaluation of the DrumPower project method was very great, the discussion about music therapy possibilities of preventive-therapeutic work in schools was very lively in various discussion forums. The discussion showed, that in various European countries there are significantly better framework conditions for music therapy support measures in schools than in Germany. There is still a need for action in this regard.
DrumPower lecture by Dr. Andreas Wölfl
DrumPower workshop at the European Music Therapy Conference in Edinburgh 2022
Professional supervision and supervision
All projects are subject to professional support and supervision.
Promote
DrumPower projects with children, adolescents and young adults can usually only be realized thanks to special support and encouragement. In 2022, we would like to thank the Munich Cultural Department, the music foundation Barbara Weidinger and all other sponsors and supporters.