Wahlbangers Drum Circle Organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
(based in Los Angeles, CA.) dedicated to
“Banging down walls” of stigma, loneliness, and stress
& building up inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment
with the therapeutic benefits of interactive group drumming.
Wahlbangers Drum Circle Organization
North Hollywood, CA
wahlbang
Founded in 2010 while providing drumming activities at one skilled nursing facility, the Wahlbangers Organization has grown and now serves over 60 client facilities. These enriching activities, using our unique adaptive drums, are accessible to all participants who are encouraged and engaged within their comfort level (prior musical experience is not necessary). Drumming is the universal language, and a great intergenerational activity. The Wahlbangers encourage family members, friends, caregivers, and staff to join together and experience the joy of group drumming with our participants.
Over the years we have addressed the needs of specific vulnerable populations by creating unique and adaptive instruments: mounted drums designed by Chris Wahl to accommodate participants in wheelchairs, with limited mobility, and with frailties associated with aging; wooden ‘Tongue Drums’ and metal ‘Tank Drums’ designed & handcrafted by Chris Wahl for people struggling with PTSD, Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Grief, and others who are often put off by the volume of drumming.
In addition, we have also promoted wellness through making music workshops at events and conferences offering CEUs for those in related fields such as Recreation Therapists, Physical Therapists, Activities Directors, and college students in Nursing and Kinesiology departments. We also promote awareness at fundraising and informational events such as NAMI Walks Los Angeles and Special Needs Resource Fairs.
Our drumming activities are highly interactive, encouraging participants at all levels of ability to play drums and various percussion instruments in a group setting.
Our all-volunteer Board of Directors is nine members strong, and from diverse professions which include work in the areas of: healthcare, music, business, management, social services, law, education, I.T., woodworking and the arts.
The organization also benefits from an increasing list of enthusiastic & supportive Advisory Committee volunteers!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christopher Wahl, Chairman
Drummer & Percussionist; Woodworker; Artist; Businessperson
Judith Wahl, BA.OM; PTA;
Director, Correspondence Secretary, Events Coordinator
Business, Social Services, Special Education
Donna Wahl, M.Ed.;
Director, Secretary
Educator, Retired
Erin Laase, Director
Medical Billing Office Manager
Anthony Cunha, Director
Photographer; Business Owner; Musician
Jazmin Puga Barkley, M.A.S.;
Director
Probation Officer
David Tercero, Director
Graphics Designer; Musician
IN MEMORIAM
David White, Director
SCI (Spinal Cord Injury) Consultant Attorney At Law, Retired
January 20, 2019 –
December 11, 2020
Stephanie Lauer, M.Ed.;
Education Consultant
Volunteer Advisory Committee (A-Z)
Daniel Barkley, M.Ed.
College Professor; I.T.; Musician
Thomas Barkley
SPED Teacher; Luthier, Musician, Technician; Owner / Co-Founder, "Side Hatch Guitars"
Dr. Jared Gorsuch, D.O.
Specializing in Psychiatry
Stephanie Gorsuch, MSW, CAPSW
Social Worker
Ben Laase
College Student; Musician
Eric Laase
SPED Teacher; Musician; Wedding Officiant, "Temecula Valley Wedding Guy"
Michelle Laase, BBA-Accounting;
Accountant
Finance and Accounting Professional
Fritz Lauer
Businessperson; Artist
Stephanie Lauer, M.Ed.;
Education Consultant
Educator
Peter Mandell
CPA, Retired; Musician
Jessica Tercero
Business Owner; Musician
Claudia Wahl, PsyD; M.BS;
Mediator; College Professor
Jeff Wahl
Writer; Photographer; Musician
Honorary Advisory Committee
Jenny Bolsky
CPA
Gilbert Varela
Civil Rights Attorney
Ruth Pierce
Board Member Emerita
Board members are also trained facilitators:
(Click photo to enlarge)
(Click photo to enlarge)
A special Thank You to Billy & Donna Paver, and John Paver & Family for being there with us at the beginning...
Copyright 2010 Wahlbangers Drum Circle Organization. All rights reserved. Contributions are tax deductible ~ a 501(c)(3) public charity nonprofit organization.
Wahlbangers Drum Circle Organization
North Hollywood, CA
wahlbang