It started as a simple idea: Keep kids out of trouble by teaching them to play the drums.
Pastor Mary Gleaton of Faith Covenant Christian Fellowship Church, at 1400 Spotsylvania St. in the Mosby Court area, was behind the idea.
"I've got kids who are coming in now from alternative schools who are really changing around and they're happy. And that makes me feel good," Gleaton said.
The problem was that when she formed a drumline group in December she had more kids interested -- 15 -- than the nine drum sets that were available.
While youths continue to flock to the drumline, finding them percussion pieces to bang on has become less of a problem for Gleaton, thanks to some community partners.
Unsolicited donations of money and second-hand equipment have come from folks who heard about the drumline.
The owner of a West Cary Street music store has donated some equipment and allowed Gleaton to purchase other pieces at what she calls "dirt cheap" prices, and last month the drumline scored two more partners who talk with their checkbooks.
During an Easter worship service at the Greater Richmond Convention Center by Commonwealth Chapel, a Fan District congregation based at 1836 Park Ave., the drumline was given a $2,000 donation.
Half of those funds were from Commonwealth Chapel. The other half came from the Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen law firm.
"We're a church with a heart for reconciliation and diversity," said Don Coleman, a Commonwealth Chapel pastor, said after the drumline gave its debut public performance at the Easter service. "We're just trying to help give them an alternative to the streets, and it seems the drums are catching their attention."
Youth participants are ages 10 to 18.
Commonwealth Chapel lead pastor Rob Rhoden said he felt compelled to get involved with the drumline after reading an article about the fledgling program in The Times-Dispatch earlier this year.
"On a chilly February Saturday we met and it was just an instant, instant connection," Rhoden said of Gleaton during remarks to his congregation on Easter. "God had knit our spirits together just like that."
Today, the drumline has 11 male youth members. An additional 14 girls have joined the program as dancers who accompany the drumline to performances.
Now Gleaton has equipment for 21 youths, more drummers than she currently has, though she expects the program to grow.
Her drumline is next scheduled to perform at Richmond's Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Ave., at 5 p.m. on June 3.
Gleaton said she hopes to get some of the youngsters who attend other programs at the community center involved in her growing drumline.
Contact staff writer Julian Walker at jwalker@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6831.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement