Despite the disharmony in our society, Hooksett has The Village Drum to help people experience a sense of unity through the joy of music.

Listed on the NH Arts Council Roster for “Arts in Health” programs, Julie Corey facilitates community-drumming circles throughout the state and New England.

As a world musician with an inspired emphasis on native and African styles of music, Corey brings people together through the art of the drum.

Corey said drumming is not only fun, but it also provides a healing and positive experience. The history of the drum in celebration and healing practices spans hundreds of years and numerous continents.

“The heart of drumming comes from the most indigenous cultures in the world,” said Corey. “Though these people may not have much in the sense of materialism, they are well in community spirit. From the spiritual aspect, drumming helps people feel whole. Even though our culture has so much, many people feel incomplete or that something is missing. In a wonderful way, drumming brings to the West that which is missing in spirit.”

Corey said her mission is to bring hope and healing through the spiritual aspects of drumming.

“Drumming can help people feel that they belong, and it doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’re the CEO of a corporation or an assembly line worker, drumming makes us all equal and brings us together,” she said. “Drums are the most powerful tool. Drums give people permission to express themselves fully in a supportive environment. Drumming fosters inclusion, fun, camaraderie and the absolute raw joy of being in the moment and being together.”

She surrounds herself with unique drums and further embraces the experience by wearing colorful costumes while she plays.

“Oh, it is just so great!” she said. “When I am teaching and drumming, singing and dancing with others, I feel an ecstatic rush that reminds me how beautiful our time here can be.

“When you’re drumming in a group environment, there is so much going on with your senses. You are so busy multitasking that you become a part of something amazing. You are watching, listening, playing, singing, dancing and laughing so much that you get distracted from your own world. You really can’t be anywhere else. You’re not in a worried state, and you forget your troubles for a while. It just carries you away, and you feel joyful and energized,” she added.

Corey, 44, said she began playing the drums nearly 20 years ago through her work in the healing arts. A licensed massage therapist and Reiki master, she believes music and sound have great healing benefits.

“The research is out that the benefits of drumming includes an increase in immunity, decrease in stress, increase in people feeling connected and the decrease in job or life burnout. A new program called Health Rhythms is sweeping the healthcare field with the exciting protocol of drumming,” said Corey, a trained Health Rhythms facilitator.

“I began playing native-style shaman drums in a women’s group,” she said. “I then learned over the years from many Native American teachers how to play drums. I studied their ceremonies, which often include drumming, songs, chants and dances. I spent several summers in Montana participating in retreats. I then was attracted to the African style of drumming and to the Djembe, which is a West African style drum.”

According to Corey, drumming can be extremely therapeutic, but it must be experienced to understand the benefits.

“It is not just recreational music. There is so much more to it,” Corey said. “I believe drumming has the potential to help heal the sadness in our culture.

“What is really wonderful about drumming is it brings people together,” Corey said. “When a group comes to the circle with willingness and openness, then something magical happens. This magical energy from playing together and being one with the music is so uplifting and positive. It helps you experience freedom through music. I believe it is our right to be free and feel free while we are here on Earth.”

She also wants to encourage others to feel free, to connect with others and express themselves through group drumming, singing and dancing.

Her work has grown to include health-related environments and has helped people experience the positive benefits of drumming through her work with the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” programs, breast cancer survivor groups and “WE CAN” weekends.

What about those of us who believe they don’t have rhythm? “We are like drums,” answered Corey with a smile. “We all have a heartbeat and rhythm inside of us.”

Corey has lived and worked in Hooksett for the past four years.

“I really like living in Hooksett. It is very quiet and peaceful, yet it is close to everything. It is a wonderful central location because it is so accessible to other communities,” she said.

Her role as facilitator and the joy of drumming can be experienced at home. Her CD titled “How to Play the Djembe Level 1 Beginners” can be purchased online.

For more information regarding Corey’s classes and music, visit www.thevillagedrum.com or e-mail thevillagedrum@aol.com.