Clare WoodlingBBC News, South West
BBCA disabled woman who took up drumming to deal with frustration, is celebrating 17 years of running percussion workshops in Devon and Cornwall to help others with differing needs enjoy music.
Gemma Brown from Launceston has learning difficulties, paralysis of her right side and is partially sighted.
With the help of her family, she hosts events at schools, day centres and care homes, encouraging people with challenges of their own to experiment with music and find joy creating together.
Gemma says it is an expressive outlet: “It’s showing others so they won’t watch TV all the time.”
Gemma added it was a means of release where participants “can dance and sing along”.
Her mother Ann helps with the workshops and said: “We wanted to show others that just because you’ve got a disability it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything, so we started Rhythm Sticks and we’ve been going 17 years.”
The family brings a selection of instruments to each session, including djembe, snare and bongo drums, as well as maracas.
Feedback from people taking part is positive, including Megan, who said “I love it” and that she looks forward to the workshops.
Cassie said the sessions make her feel “happy and jolly, and more lively as well”.
Susie said: “I think Rhythm Sticks is great because you go home singing the songs… it really stays with me.”
Gemma’s father Stephen, who helps host the sessions, said: “They make the clients happy… they all go home happy and they always ask when are you coming back again.”
Since the workshops began, a number of grants have supported the purchase of the instruments.
By bringing the drums and other percussion to the groups, the sessions offer access to music and a new opportunity for participants.
On reaching 17 years of running the sessions, Ann said: “It’s a great achievement.
“And for Gemma, it’s something to get up for in the morning and gives her a purpose and shows others with a disability, you can do something.”