Drum Iowa: A Report and a Query

Dr. Kathryn Campbell
Apr 10
2 min read

Updated: Apr 10

The two hour Drum Iowa event on March 27, 2026 at your Charles City Arts Center was delightful! Read on for the full report, and an invitation.

First, a Little Background

The Drum Iowa facilitator, Myquawn Bailey Sr., MS, fell in love with drumming at his childhood church in Waterloo, Iowa, but was introduced to the power of hand drumming during his eleven years as a first-grade teacher in Cairo, Egypt.

After returning to Waterloo, he discovered how much drumming could help at-risk young people in a residential setting express their emotions. Drum Iowa, which he founded, has allowed him to facilitate drum circles in nursing homes, spiritual retreats, and art centers. As they learn to drum, participants become more mindful, more attuned to each other, and more relaxed. No experience is required and he provides the drums.

Bringing the Rhythm Charles City

Last year, he offered two drum circles for the Arts Center and returned this year because people loved them so much. This was my first experience, and besides enjoying it, I was delighted to discover that it didn't hurt my arthritic fingers. Painless and fun! How much More could I ask?

The Culture

Mr. Bailey spoke a lot about drum culture and how it has spread since he started sharing these events. The most spectacular he mentioned was in Peoria, Illinois, where drum circles have become major community events that draw massive crowds.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/1ad37b_090802e40de3445d92cba3602a6270cb/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Now, it might be extreme to imagine Charles City as a major drum community, but wouldn't it be nice to have regular drum circles at the Arts Center (hint, hint)? Some participants brought their own drums: they might have some to share. Or people who have unused hand drums might like to contribute them to the Arts Center. A zither and autoharp were recently donated.