Ranch clients follow the beat of their own drum.

Residents from the Ranch Ehrlo Programs for Persons with Differing Developmental Abilities held their annual Singing and Drumming for Growth Concert on Thursday, May 8^th.

The evening concert and reception gave residents the opportunity to entertain the Ranch Ehrlo community by showcasing growing skills and performing a variety of songs.

“We actually blew the house down,” said David, a member of The True Rock Singer's O'Mine group.  “Everybody always stands up and applauses us – they love it.”

The singing and drumming group rehearse each Monday or Thursday evening in preparation for their annual concert. The weekly practise is an opportunity to partake in music therapy and to enjoy the company of one another, said personal support worker Ted Cook.

“I enjoy singing because it is actually my passion,” David explained. “It’s actually who I am. I just love, love to sing. I like to be a rock star.”

The Singing and Drumming for Growth Concert entertained the crowd with a mix of cultural and contemporary music featuring a variety of vocals and instruments, including Pow Wow drumming.

Waco has played the drums for eight years, and said it’s something he’s always enjoyed.

“I just love it,” he proclaimed.

Unit manager Kent Boehem said like many of the participants, drumming is therapeutic for Waco.

“He drums every day, sometimes twice a day,” Kent said, adding it’s an outlet for expression, frustration, and emotion.

“We put a lot of effort in our music – singing and drumming,” said David. “We’ve become really strong, and really good.”

The groups performs in the various community settings throughout the year.