FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) –- 40 drums of different shapes, sizes, and sounds sat in Community Room A of the Fayetteville Free Library.
Jimbo Talbot is all about creating an inclusive space for musicians.
“Music transcends human language. So where we can’t explain things all the time, music helps.”
Talbot is the owner of DrumQuest, a program supporting “Adventures in Happy, Healing Rhythm and Sound.”At the Fayetteville Free Library on Wednesday, DrumQuest hosted a drum circle event for adults with intellectual disabilities and their mentors.
Not only did Talbot have a room full of drums, but he also brought a slew of smaller percussion instruments with him.
Some of these instruments were used in the drum circle, creating a mix between Talbot on the strings and the joint percussion efforts from all the participants.
“My favorite part is making the connections and seeing the light go on. You know, seeing that light come through participants.”
This isn’t the first time the library has hosted an event like this.
Leah Kraus, assistant director at the library, coordinates with volunteers to create programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It was something we felt that there would be a need for because we saw a lot of people in that demographic using the library – coming in, spending time, hanging out.”
The programs are provided through state grant funding.
Kraus said they were able to develop the programs through surveying their community members and identifying a need for these programs.
“We talked to our library users and said ‘what do you need from the library…while you’re here, would you be interested in doing some specific programs?’”
Kraus explained that there were a number of programs and topics that library users were interested in, and the drum circle came up frequently.
The drum circle is now on its 4th visit to the library, bringing in a large number of participants every time.
Even on a rare November day with sunny skies and 70 degree weather, it was a packed house.
“We are expecting up to 40, but with beautiful weather, we don’t know how many will actually come,” said Talbot.
And with every seat filled, it’s clear that the weather wasn’t holding anyone back.
Both Talbot and Kraus spoke about the importance of having programs like this at the library.
“Either to give them some hope, to bring in a little light and joy in making music together, which is really easy to do when we’re drumming,” said Talbot.
Kraus noted that programs like these give adults with disabilities a place to feel safe and welcomed.
“Of course there’s this stigma, but in this situation, we’re removing that. We’re specifically telling them, this is for you. You are welcome. This is for you.”
The next event hosted for adults with disabilities at the Fayetteville Free Library will be Wednesday, Dec. 2nd and will focus on an art project.