The Sound of Joyful Children; Rhythm-Changes Offers Virtual Music

CLEARWATER, FL —Pinellas County students are in for a treat during a time when treats have been scarce.

Thanks to a grant awarded by the Pinellas CARES Nonprofit Partnership Fund to Rhythm-Changes, a local nonprofit making music and drumming accessible to all, students in the Pinellas school system will be able to participate in a music program online with local musicians from the organization.

Heading up this initiative is Rhythm-Changes’ Founder and CEO, Steve Turner, who has taught drumming and drum making for his entire career. Some of you may recognize him as the Owner of Giving Tree Music, which is the for-profit side of his musical offerings. Steve created the nonprofit Rhythm-Changes back in 2014 when he realized our community needed music, especially the most vulnerable residents, but there was no funding to pay his company fees. A bunch of grant writing and fundraising then ensued and now Rhythm-Changes is providing a valuable resource to our local music teachers.

Seven of Kathryn LaRose’s students from Gulf Beaches Elementary wrote "I had a really excellent day! I enjoyed it and felt really enlightened, I really liked the hand pan and it was so soothing I almost fell asleep, Thank you for sharing all the cool drums, My baby brother has a drum set and we all like to play it, It was really, really awesome and cool.”

Heather Haskell the Music Teacher at Fuguitt Elementary stated "Mr. Steve is absolutely the BEST instructor and educator. We are so tremendously blessed to be a part of this wonderful grant with Rhythm-Changes. Mr. Steve is teaching some of the "hardest" kids to reach at our school; many having extreme varying exceptionalities- nonverbal, in wheel chairs, unable to move... and he has brightened ALL of their days and they remember him! Our school is title 1- and pulls from poor communities. Mr. Steve is always positive, constantly teaching, and showing how much can soften, and heal hardened hearts, instill a wonderful work ethic, and be super cool at the same time!!!!! Thank you for allowing Fuguitt Elementary to be part of this wonderful grant!!!!!!!"

Steve and his team of talented musicians create drumming and music experiences online with music teachers and their students. The music teachers are invited to sign up for free sessions, and when the time comes, the Rhythm-Changes magic happens through Zoom technology and the ingenuity of the team. Here below is a sampling of what the kids will experience:

This is a link to a facilitated drum circle - watch the facilitator and have fun!

Interested in building your own drum, Steve has created an online form to purchase and receive your own kit.

For more information or to donate to this incredible organization, check out the Rhythm-Changes website or reach out to Steve Turner at steve@rhythm-changes.org. Follow along with Rhythm-Changes on FaceBook.