What a great time! There were 15 drummers who showed up to perform for the Friendship Center of Petoskey. They had been attending the Drum Aerobic class at 9 am on Tuesdays for over a year now. So they were ready to rock it out in honor of Healthy Heart Week at the Friendship Center. Everyone 60 years or older are welcome to join this group. The activity can be modified depending on ability. That is, it can be done sitting in a chair or standing. and move according to comfort level.

Come join us. As the class says, “Stick with us!”

According to Alana Schieck, DrumFit Program Director,  there are only 9 certified drum aerobic instructors in the State of Michigan - certified through the organization called “Drum FIT”. Lynn Turner became one of the nine on August 19, 2019. Additional training in this unique form of exercise coupled with Lynn’ s talent in percussion and dance has enhanced the overall drum aerobic exercise sessions.. Lynn says about the training, “I found it amazing and really informative regarding current research into the brain and body. For example, new fMRI studies show how much more of the brain is engaged when someone is actually playing music as opposed to just listening to music. And we sure do play music in drum aerobics!” Another example that Lynn shares with her classes has to do with building the brain with certain body patterns during the workout. “We do a cross over pattern with the drumsticks on the exercise balls. Brain studies have shown actual increase in brain tissue in the corpus callosum from these specific types of exercises embedded in the routines. . The final exam to become certified was to have a class video recorded for analysis. Thanks to the folks at Bay View Association who filmed the class in none other than ‘Loud Hall’”. Lynn passed the final exam with flying colors. Congratulations to Lynn and to the Drum Village organization!

Back on Michigan Stage at Blissfest this year - Friday and Saturday. If it was anything like last year, you can drop about 5 pounds of sweat during the heat of the day and under the canopy at the Michigan Stage. But why not? What a great workout in such a fantastic music venue. Classes are included as part of the admission.

Gratefully accepting a check from First Community Bank employees on the corner of Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey is (from Left to Right on the the photo): Kathy McCall, Lynn Turner, and Tracey Dryovage. The $200 check is in support of the great work that Northern Michigan Drum Village has been doing to keep seniors in the community active with Drum Aerobics. Thank you First Community Bank!

Lavender Hill Farm is located on 7354 Horton Bay Road in Boyne City.

Drop in any time during the next five Wednesday afternoons from 3-4 pm. Drum in the Barn! Why not?! Great place to really stretch out in their fabulous (not your ordinary) barn!

Join Lynn Turner for a Drum Aerobics class in the barn at Lavender Hill Farm. Participants will be guided to drum and move for a total body-toning and cardio workout in this six-week moderate to intense rhythmic class. The movements can be modified for people of all ages and differing abilities. The stability ball acts as a power drum with the use of lightly-weighted drumsticks. Join Lynn, who contends that if you have a heartbeat, you have rhythm. WHEN: 3 – 4 PM Wednesdays June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, July 3rd & 10th.

COST: $15 per person. Cash or check only. No advanced reservation required. RESTRICTIONS: Those under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. PLEASE BRING: Bring your personal water bottle. Drum equipment will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes.

What a great time we had at the beautiful facilities located in the Residences at Harbor Watch in Petoskey. This group can rock! And everyone kept time with the oldies but goodies music. Not that you have to keep time with the music. As I always say, “keep moving, singing, or dancing along with the groove… you don’t have to do exactly what I do. The secret is: as long as you keep moving, you WIN” And this group could show how you can move and groove while sitting down. I saw so many happy faces. Thanks to Patti O’Malley, Life Enrichment Director at Harbor Watch, for bringing in the drums.

Northern Michigan Drum Village took the magic of the drums to Pineview Cottage - a premier assisted living community in Harbor Springs on April 11th. Two drum circles were facilitated that day. The first one was with the memory care residents. They really got into the drumming. Some residents preferred to use the shakers or tambourines, and some preferred the djembes (African hand drums). The staff really got into the djun-djuns.(larger African drums). A great group rhythm exploded right off the top of the 45 minute session. The second session was conducted with the assisted living residents. It was another hour of rhythm connection, fun and laughter as people explored the percussive instruments. So many felt energized after the drum circles and many smiles appeared.

The first Drum Aerobic Session was on Wednesday, April 3rd and was a total success! By the second song, everyone was pulsing and drumming in time with the rockin’ music!!!

Come join us. You do have to be at least 60 years young to participate. The class fee is only $1. We are scheduled for Wednesdays at 10:30 am at the Friendship Center Petoskey. There are only two exceptions: 4/24 the building will be closed, and 5/1 we will take the show on the road to the Friendship Center in Brutus. All are welcome to either location. Then May 8th we will be back to the Petoskey Friendship Center (Senior Center) is located on 1322 Anderson Rd. We will continue at the Petoskey Friendship Center on Wednesdays at 10:30 as long as there is interest. Judging from the first class, there will be continued interest.

No previous experience is needed. You can either stand or sit to participate in the activity. Lynn will guide you to the easy drum rhythms in mere minutes. Then you will experience a full hour of fun. Previous participants are surprised at how much of a good workout they received when they were enjoying it so much. They explained, “For once, a workout session that wasn’t work, but just so much fun!”

Bring gym shoes and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Also bring a water bottle. For more information call 231.347.3211.

April 4, 2019

Lynn Turner, Executive Director, Northern Michigan Drum Village, gratefully accepts a check for $500 from Sarah Ford, Community and Donor Engagement Officer, at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.  The funding was awarded to the Northern Michigan Drum Village organization to support program expansion in Emmet County.

Drum Aerobic Sessions are scheduled for Wednesdays at 10:30 am at the Friendship Center — Beginning April 3rd in Petoskey. If you are at least 60 years old - you are eligible to join these Cardio Drumming sessions The Friendship Center (Senior Center) is located on 1322 Anderson Rd.

No previous experience is needed. You can either stand or sit to participate in the activity. Lynn will guide you to the easy drum rhythms in mere minutes. Then you will experience a full hour of fun. Previous participants are surprised at how much of a good workout they received when they were enjoying it so much. They explained, “For once, a workout session that wasn’t work, but just so much fun!”

Bring gym shoes and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Also bring a water bottle. For more information call 231.347.3211. Class fee: $1 per session.

The class has started! But we have a couple open spots for anyone who would like to drop in during this six week period and give a try. Only $10 per session. Call NCMC gym at 231.439.6370.

Great News-- a new six-week course will be offered in Petoskey at the college!  See details below.  If you are in the area be sure to register in order to save your spot!  If you are not in the area but would like a class started in another location, please send your request via the contact page and let's see what we can get started!

Drum Aerobics - this moderate to intense rhythmic class can be modified for people of all ages and differing abilities.  The stability ball acts a power drum with the use of lightly weighted drumsticks as participants are guided to drum and move for a total body-toning and cardio workout.  Fridays at 5:15pm – 6:15 pm for six weeks.  Starting September 21st.  (September 21st – Oct. 26th) Cost is $60 for six classes, one per week.  Held at North Central Michigan College in the gym building, second floor, Room 550.  Lead by Lynn Turner, Executive Director, Northern Michigan Drum Village.

To register, call 231.439.6370.