07/15/2026
When I walked into my drumming program this morning, there was a bottle of water waiting for me with my name on it.
At the school entrance, a whiteboard decorated with tropical artwork welcomed "Ms. Alisha from Just Add Rhythm."
Those little details meant a lot. Before I even met the students, I could tell the staff had put care into making the day special.
Today's program was with a small group of middle school students who face behavioral and environmental challenges. I never know exactly what to expect in these situations, and honestly, that's okay. My goal is always to meet students where they are and create an experience where everyone can participate in whatever way feels comfortable.
Eight students came into the room, each with a very different personality. Some were outgoing, some were nervous, and some kept their distance from the group.
There were definitely challenges. One student became frustrated and needed to step out for a while. A couple of students had such low energy that I wondered if they might fall asleep. Two wanted to volunteer for everything. Another bounced between being incredibly excited and feeling upset when classmates reacted to his enthusiasm.
But by the end of our session, something had shifted.
Our final game involved hiding a little rubber ducky underneath the drums (it's always a favorite!), and suddenly everyone was engaged. Every student was back in the room. They were laughing, participating, and cheering each other on.
Moments like that are why I love what I do.
Whether I'm drumming with preschoolers, teens, seniors, corporate teams, or groups like today's, I'm constantly reminded that connection comes before everything else. Sometimes all it takes is rhythm, a little patience, and a space where people feel safe enough to join in.
I'm also incredibly grateful for the teachers, counselors, and youth professionals who show up for these kids every single day—including all summer long. The kindness they showed me today reflected the care they give their students every day.
If you know a school, camp, nonprofit, or community organization that could benefit from a drumming program, I'd love an introduction. Helping people connect through rhythm is one of my favorite things in the world. ❤️🥁