Connection in Drumming BOB BLOOM

EPISODE 108
Creating Connections
Through Interactive Music,
with Bob Bloom

Play the Episode…

Show Notes

As a “Master Teaching Artist”, Bob Bloom uses drumming, rhythm and singing to create fun and engaging experiences for children and their families, and adults. Specifically, he provides programs to help all children, neurotypical and neurodivergent, become connected to others and their own internal rhythms in activities in schools, community settings and in a variety of venues. In this episode, Bob, Barry and David, all of whom are drummers and musicians discuss the various uses of percussion and rhythm in supporting engagement and learning, with particular consideration for children and individuals who may need extra support.

Learn more about “Drumming About You” and Bob’s work

Useful Links

HARFORD PERFORMS

ARTS FOR LEARNING CONNECTICUT, “Empowering & Inspiring Young People through Arts in Education”

NEW ENGLAND FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

Featuring

Bob Bloom

BOB BLOOM

In 1997, BOB BLOOM received the certification, “Master Teaching Artist” by The Connecticut Office of the Arts, a state agency. His art form is interactive drumming. Bob leads sensory-friendly, developmental, arts-integration, music programs for a wide diversity of participants in settings including: Education; recreation; library; performance; aging, social work; wellness; disability; community. From 2005 to 2023, he was a Faculty Assistant to the late
Dr. Babatunde Olatunji for his “Language Of The Drums” courses at The Omega Institute. As a member of Olatunji’s African music and dance performance ensemble, “Drums Of Passion”, Bob drummed and sang in concerts at venues including: Lincoln Center; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Washington Monument; Jorgenson Center for the Performing Arts. He also produced a CD entitled “Where’s Your Drum?”.

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) How did Bob’s background in African drumming provide the foundation for introducing drumming and percussion activities for community building and connection for children with and without disabilities.  If you have participated in similar experiences, please share your impressions of the benefits.

2) Bob emphasizes that focusing on rhythm can occur in so many different activities, not only in specific teaching sessions. Based on this discussion, describe any ideas for incorporating rhythm in everyday activities.

3) Incorporating drumming and rhythm-based activities in family routines is a wonderful way for parents to connect with and have fun their autistic and neurodivergent kids. What are some guidelines and suggestions that Bob offers in helping parents feel more confident in doing so?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.