'Drummunity' Makes Music at Dexter District Library

The last thing one expects in a library is being allowed to make noise — yet that was definitely the case Friday. Children of all ages, together with parents and grandparents, got to experience Lori Fithian’s Drummuity program at .

Created by Fithian, Drummunity is an interactive program centered around the use of various percussion instruments that combine to create a makeshift orchestra.

Fithian said the goals of Drummunity are to create a community among its participants, release stress, develop focus, attention and energy, and serve as a creative and expressive outlet.

Plenty of excitement filled the library as dozens of young children shuffled into the meeting room while Fithian provided instructions for the shakers, tambourines, cowbells, drums and wooden blocks.

Melissa Hart, who attended the program with her children, said she enjoyed the experience.

“This is the second time we’ve come to see the program,” she said. “Lori does a great job of pulling out the different sounds the instruments make.”

Fithian, who declined comment for this story, comes from an extensive musical background. She has been leading drum circles and workshops since 1998 and has found popularity throughout the Great Lakes region.

According to her website, she started out as an artist before she turned her attention back to her love of music, studying with such notable hand-drumming teachers as Babatunde Olatunji, Glen Velez, Mamady Keita and Layne Redmond. Her influences include West African, Brazilian, Japanese, Afro-Cuban and Middle Eastern, which was reflected during Friday’s event.

For more information on Drummunity, call 734-426-7818 or visit drummunity.com.

Upcoming Library Events

• Bollyfit: 2-3 p.m. Monday — Bollyfit owner Anuja Rajendra will talk about India's music and dance and how she combines the two for a fun, energizing workout. Registration is required.
• Tie Dye Workshop: 11 a.m. Tuesday — Teens and children 9 and older can bring a white T-shirt to the library and enjoy a free tie-dye workshop.