Matthew Watson, Physical Therapist, Alexandria Care Center -- Los Angeles

"I am very impressed with the Wahlbangers.  They have visited my facility only twice (so far), but I was hooked after the first meeting.  

I had a patient who never wanted to leave his room.  He would come with me to do his physical therapy and then it was right back to bed.  I would encourage him to stay out of bed because that would help with his strength.  One day we were finishing our therapy session, walking back to his room, when we heard the rhythmic sounds coming from our Activity Room.  Once he saw what was going on, he wanted to stay and join in on the fun.  He stayed out of his bed well into the afternoon.  

The next time the Wahlbangers came, I knew to have my patients up and ready to go.  It was great!  I was able to incorporate stand/sit and reach balance exercises, and the instructors didn’t mind at all.  The instructors understand how something like making music can encourage, motivate and also just allow patients to have a good ol’ fashion fun time."

Patricia Davidovich, Community Education and Quality Enhancement Coordinator,                 New Horizons - SFV -- North Hills

"New Horizons Inc. provides a wide range of support programs for adults with developmental disabilities in Los Angeles County since 1954. 

Wahlbangers Drum Circle Organization has graciously volunteered at our agency and provided drum circles for our clients involved in New Horizons' day programs and community living programs.  The caliber of services from Wahlbangers is first rate and the staff of professionals always works with the best interest of our clients in mind. 

Our consumers enjoy the therapeutic experience of the drum circles, and we are most appreciative of the many benefits provided, including enhancing cognitive skills, instilling a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, and providing socialization opportunities."

Riverside Behavioral Healthcare Center (psychiatric)  (formerly Country Villa Riverside) following our drum circle with 70 participants living with mental illness...

"In my 25 years as a physical therapist this is the best activity I've ever seen."

Deborah Crea, MS, PT,                                  Director of Rehabilitation,                                Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging

 "I see such youthful exuberance in our residents every time you come!" 

Karen Tuvia, Engage Life Coordinator at      Atria Pacific Palisades

 "Your group's energy fills the room!  There are residents here who never want to attend activities, but everyone wants to come to the drum circle!  I wish we had a bigger room."

 Luz Vasques, Activity Director at             Country Villa East Nursing Center -Los Angeles

 "The praises we hear after each drum circle are awesome.  To see the spark in our residents' faces is worth a million dollars.  You are amazing people and are doing such a wonderful thing for many, many people.  Thank you."

Jana Schweppe-Herrera, Executive Director at Villas at San Bernardino

“I’ve been here every day for 3 weeks visiting my mom.  Your activity has gotten people I never would have imagined would participate to move and laugh and sing. 

It was amazing.  These residents need this!  You guys are great!”

Geraldine M., daughter of a resident at Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley -- North Hollywood

"I felt so proud seeing my residents participating in the drum circle.  I don't ever see them do that type of activity.  This is really good for them."

Natalie, CNA at Windsor Gardens Healthcare Center of the Valley -- North Hollywood

"The drumming brightens our activity room and turns it into a concert hall of joy!"

Linda Engler, Activity Director at            Nazareth House Los Angeles

 My mom "absolutely loves playing the drums with this group.  It's one of the things that gets her most excited and really engaged."

Beth Boynton, daughter of a resident at      Woods Health Services -- La Verne

"It warms my heart to see my mother embracing these drum circles the way she does.  The group is so kind and attentive to all the residents.  She looks forward to playing each week. 

Thank you Wahlbangers."

Sharon Z., daughter of a resident at             Sunny View Care Center -- Alhambra

"These drums are a very          innovative idea."

Mickey Hart, Grammy Award winning drummer / percussionist and ethnomusicologist, former drummer of the Grateful Dead; 

Trustee of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress; Board of Directors of IMNF - Institute for Music and Neurological Function; Co-collaborator on the "Rhythm and the Brain Project" for the Gazzaley Lab (with Dr. Adam Gazzaley)

"We had such a blast rocking out with you guys!  Thank you for sharing your amazing drums, fun instruments, and beautiful spirits with us. 

We are so excited to put together & create our own drum sets.  We hope to see you again soon, and keep doing your amazing work."

"Your friends at the Pomeroy Center";         Cindy R. Blackstone, CTRS, RTC, Director of Recreation Services at Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center -- San Francisco

"The therapeutic and interactive value is wonderful for all levels of ability of residents in a senior care setting. 

One visit from the Wahlbangers Drum Circle is never enough!"

Cheryl Kling, CTRS, Activity Consultant          clkctrs@aol.com 

 "The artwork on the drums is beautiful.  I especially love the sweet sounding chimes and melodic tank drums."

Jennifer Dabney, Activity Director at         Woods Health Services -- La Verne

 "When our activity consultant suggested for us to invite the Wahlbangers to our facility, I was a bit apprehensive, as the noise might disturb the residents who wanted to rest.  But when the first few beats of the drums sounded, all my apprehensions were dissipated.  It was a blast!  The residents who would usually refuse to come out of their rooms came; both high level and low level residents were able to participate.

 One of the challenges that our facility faces is the fact that our residents speak different languages, but the rhythm of the Wahlbangers’ drums negated all that; music is indeed a universal language!"                      

Josephine Macaso, Activity Assistant, Alexandria Care Center -- Los Angeles

"I've been to hundreds of nursing homes and I've never seen anything like this...   it was great!"

Jayme Robles, Vice President,                Precision Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. (following a drum circle at Lawndale Care Centre -- Lawndale)

"So many cool instruments to choose from, and so many different sounds.  Each drum circle is different.  I always look forward to the next one."

Resident at Golden State Colonial    Convalescent Hospital -- North Hollywood

"I'm so glad you're here.  I was having a sad day, but now I feel much better.  Your group always makes me smile."

Carol Bruns, former resident at                   Woods Health Services -- La Verne