T he drum circle thumped and thumped with every participant playing some sort of
instrument, from djembes to shakers to giant drums. The exercise was designed to be an
example of music therapy being used to lower stress levels. Jaine Merrit asked students whether
their stress levels were lowered, with an affirming yes.
Today in the Ralph-Carey Forum (RCF) Merrit gave an informational presentation on Music Therapy.
Jaime Merrit gives a music therapy lecture in the RCF. Photo credit: David Shinabarger.
Merrit is a trained music therapist and works for Harmony Garden Music Therapy Service.
The event was put on by Sigma Epsilon Psi, and was entitled, “Music Therapy: ‘What it is
and why we use it’.
About forty students attended, participating in a drum circle with a variety of different
instruments.
“I thought it was interesting… I’ve never actually been able to meet a music therapist in real
life,” said sophomore Mike Killam, who is planning to pursue a degree in Music Therapy at Illinois State University.
Merrit works with a camp that uses music therapy to help children with special needs.
The camp is called the Eric ‘Ricstar’ Winter Music Therapy Camp, and takes place for three days
in June.
The camp is in need of volunteers, so any students interested can contact Jamie
Merrit at jme.mtbc@gmail.com or by calling 517-416-1088, or by visiting their website, www.hgmusictherapy.com.
