BWWMH utilizing Remo Drum Table in music therapy

Sounds of drumbeats sometimes can be heard in the halls of Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital.

The rhythmic beating is part of the music therapy for patients in the geriatric psychiatric unit of the hospital. Bridgett McLean, board certified music therapist, took advantage of an offer by the makers of the Remo Drum Table to try out the instrument for two months, write an evaluation of it and, if desired, purchase it for half price.

“Everyone involved in the experimental process expressed enjoyment each time,” she said. “There were numerous requests for the instrument to be brought back for even more activities.”

Thanks to a $333.40 grant from the hospital’s Auxiliary, McLean now has the drum table permanently.

The drum, resting on an adjustable base, is large enough for six to a dozen people to sit around it. McLean uses it with patients exhibiting several diagnoses including dementia, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, psychosis, suicidal tendencies, depression and anxiety.

She teaches the patients various rhythms and they play along with melodies. Jazz, African and Caribbean music lend themselves to the drum table, but recently the group played along to songs by the Eagles.

During the two-month trial period, McLean observed that patients were better able to follow directions, had improved listening skills and left the session in a better mood. None of the patients showed a negative response to the use of the drum table.

The Remo Drum Table isn’t out on the market yet, said McLean, so BWWMH is among the first to be able to offer the instrument’s use to its geriatric patients.