03/20/2026
Every month, we celebrate the passionate instructors who bring Drums Alive® to life in communities around the world. These dedicated professionals create spaces where people of all ages and abilities can experience the joy of movement, the power of rhythm, and the warmth of true community.
This series shares the real stories behind the beats—the creative approaches, the heartwarming moments, and the transformative impact that happens when skilled instructors meet enthusiastic participants.
This month, we're thrilled to introduce you to an instructor whose classes span an incredible range—from energetic 5-year-olds at summer camp to individuals living with Parkinson's disease. His secret to success? Letting participants lead, embracing improvisation, and creating an environment where everyone feels invested in the experience. The result is something truly special: a room full of smiling faces, singing voices, and unstoppable energy.
🥁 This Month's Spotlight: Gene Golebiewski
This month, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Gene Golebiewski of Williamsville, New York, a dedicated Drums Alive® instructor who has been creating joyful, inclusive, and high-energy experiences for participants of all ages and abilities for the past five years.
Gene currently teaches two Drums Alive® classes per week at two local YMCAs, serving a beautifully diverse community. His classes welcome active older adults, individuals with special needs, their aides, and even children ages 5–11 through summer camps and vacation programs. He also incorporates Drums Alive several times a year into a Parkinson's Movement class, extending the program's impact even further.
Interestingly, Gene's journey into Drums Alive® began with a simple request. A wellness director asked him to keep the class on the schedule and what started as a practical decision quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of his teaching career.
What has kept Gene teaching Drums Alive® year after year is the support and enthusiasm of his participants. One standout example came from summer campers who loved their first class so much they asked for additional sessions. Those extra classes became a shared experience for both kids and adults, with participants even pitching in to help with setup and cleanup. True community in action.
Over the years, Gene has seen Drums Alive® continue to grow and evolve. He credits the Drums Alive® Instructor Membership - Private Facebook Group community and the membership video library as game changers, noting that the innovative choreographies from Master Trainers provide an endless supply of fresh ideas and songs to keep classes exciting and engaging.
What Gene loves most about his participants is the energy they bring into the room. He encourages improvisation, often borrowing choreography ideas directly from class members. When participants, especially children or individuals with special needs, are invited to lead a song, the entire class lights up. Those moments of leadership and creativity make the experience even more powerful.
Gene's classes are uniquely engaging because of their wide mix of participants and his commitment to honoring song requests, helping everyone feel invested in the class experience. The result? A room full of smiling faces, singing voices, and non-stop movement.
The impact of Drums Alive® is clear. Participants laugh, sing, sweat, and celebrate their wins together—like the member who proudly hit over 5,000 steps in a single 45-minute class. Beyond the physical benefits, participants genuinely care about one another, checking in when someone is absent and celebrating when everyone is together.
Looking ahead, Gene believes the future of Drums Alive® is bright. With new platforms, expanded choreography libraries, and shared instructor wisdom, he feels instructors are better supported than ever when it comes to planning effective and engaging classes.
His advice for new instructors is refreshingly practical: "Practice, practice, practice. Don't worry about being perfect—just keep going. Singles and doubles always work in a pinch."
While Gene admits that preparing for Drums Alive® takes more time than many of the other classes he teaches, he also says it's the most rewarding. The joy, connection, and energy make every moment worth it.
Fun. Fun. Fun!
That's the Drums Alive experience through Gene.
Know an instructor whose story deserves the spotlight? We're always looking to celebrate the amazing work happening in Drums Alive® communities worldwide! Nominate an instructor or share your own story by replying to this email.
Keep drumming, keep connecting, and keep inspiring.
