Group drumming is much more than making music. That was one of many lessons for all Flood Brook students during the school’s one-week residency under the watchful tutelage of Steve Ferraris, Founder of Root Drumming Systems. 

'To play successfully in a group drumming context requires one to be a strong individual in a healthy community,” said Ferraris, raised in New York City, former Dartmouth quarterback, and long-time resident of Norwich, Vermont. “The lessons show students the importance of listening and watching, as well as providing positive reinforcement through the music.”

All Flood Brook students had at least one session with Ferraris during the week. The young drummers in grades three through five held at least three classes. This latter group led the school in a grand finale at an all-school performance on the last day of residency week. 

“It was a joy to watch the student progress over just a few days,” said Flood Brook Music Teacher Jack Sullivan. “Paying attention to the rhythm and collaborating with classmates led to the creation of delightful music that all could enjoy.”

(Photo above: Steve Ferraris, Founder of Root Drumming Systems, leads Flood Brook Students in a song from West Africa during an All-School performance at the end of his one-week residency.)