Some e-mail references: Team building workshops at Health Board Conference, Kilkenny Castle, 14-10-03 From: "Egan, Jonathan" <Jonathan.Egan@mhb.ie> To: 'Thomas Wiegandt' <drumming@eircom.net> Subject: RE: drumming workshop Date: Mon, Oct 20, 2003, 12:03 PM Dear Thomas, Many thanks for your participation at the conference. The Directors were impressed and it is likely that they will be looking for you in the future for team days etc. The address here is The Arches Adult Counselling Service, 21 Church Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. With kind regards. Jonathan Drumming Workshops at St.Mary’s Secondary School, Mallow, Co. Cork, 3-2-2005 Thomas has given several percussion workshops in our school over the past few years, to all classes from first years to D.C.A’s to transition years, to leaving certs. The students have always thoroughly enjoyed the workshops. They have been hugely valuable in developing their sense of rhythm and appreciation of percussion instruments as well as being imaginative and fun for the students. Thomas is a true professional in his whole approach to the workshops and I would highly recommend them for primary or secondary schools. Maura Mc Auliffe, St. Mary’s, Mallow. Drumming Workshops at Desertserges National School, Enniskeane, Co. Cork, 16-5-2003 Dear Thomas, I`m writing on behalf of all the pupils, staff and parents of Desertserges National School, who recently took part in your drumming workshop at the school. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us regardless of age, it was wonderful to see even the small children very involved and contributing to the overall musical achievement. The large variety of instruments available for use ensured that the children`s attention was held at all times. Thank you for a most enjoyable and productive day, and we hope to see you again in the not too distant future. Yours sincerely, Wendy Sweeney Principal Drumming Workshops at Co Action West Cork, Bantry, Co.Cork from December 2004 to January 2005 To whom it may concern. We at Co Action have had Thomas Wiegandt from the nature art centre coming to the Bantry work centre to do drumming sessions with a group of adults with learning disabilities. Our service users all have learning disabilities of varying degrees ranging from mild to profound. We have found that the drumming sessions with Thomas to be very beneficial to everyone involved. We particularly found that the mixture of groups taking part and the enthusiasm to participate was very noticeable and very beneficial. We found that the trainees with speech impairments took a lot out of these sessions while enjoying themselves at the same time. Thomas built an excellent relationship with the participants right from the first session, which put them totally at ease with him, It is obvious to us at Co Action that Thomas is very capable of working with people with learning disabilities. After saying this we would highly recommend him to any other organisation or school as he works equally well with all ages. We look forward to continuing sessions of drumming from Thomas in 2005’. Yours sincerely Con Lucey Sheila Deasy Recreation staff Co Action Bantry Evaluation of Drumming Sessions at Rehab Care, Bantry with Tomas Wiegandt from February 2003 until June 2003. From: "deirdre carter" <deirdrecarter@hotmail.com> To: drum2@eircom.net Date: Mon, Feb 16, 2004, 11:30 AM Tomas came to Rehab Care to teach Drumming to our clients here. The clients he worked in my unit have intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health problems. Tomas began the sessions with introducing sounds, pulse patterns, rhythms, Native American chants and gave the participants many opportunities for self expression. This first session was a great success and all the clients enjoyed it immensely. This session took place in the conference room at the centre and the overall effect in the premises was very uplifting and all present enjoyed the sound of the beat and rhythm. Every week Tomas introduced a new element to the session with an emphasis on group participation, integration and teamwork. In the sixth week due to beautiful weather we took the drumming outside to an enclosed area beside our supported housing complex. In the centre of the complex there is a circular area which allowed us to form a complete drumming circle. This session produced fantastic spontaneous rhythms, fostered a wonderful community feeling and everyone participated with great spirit. The following week we joined with the physical and sensory group whom Tomas was teaching also in the centre. This was very successful as previously both groups did not mix very well. The P & S clients found the noise of the drums very loud when in-house, however playing outside was a great success in terms of the loudness factor for these people. In terms of individual participation some of our clients progressed very well. We have found in our centre some of our clients can be very focused on their actions and are unaware of what is going on for others in the group. In the drumming circle everyone can hear the degree of co-operation by listening to the music produced. It can sound together or chaotic and disconnected. People, when they recognise the beat and the sound of unison can really begin to enjoy playing and the united feeling that accompanies this. This happened particularly in relation to a client of ours, this person became focused and interested in all aspects of the workshop and began to notice other participants and join in a proactive way in all the drumming sessions. A decision was made at the penultimate drumming class to perform in Bantry Square on Fairday. This proved to be a challenge in terms of logistics, transport, drums, chairs etc. However we all gathered in the square and gave a fantastic performance. The drumming group drew a lot of interest form people out enjoying the Fair. All our clients really enjoyed performing for an audience. For many it was the first time to perform in public and in terms of confidence building and self esteem it proved to be a great success. Tomas interacted in a very positive and proactive with all our clients and developed good relationships with them. Due to the positive response Tomas has expressed desire to continue working with our clients. Deirdre Carter Programme Supervisor. Rehab Care Bantry |
