Youth Academy Drum Ensemble Debut Set For Thursday

The Sixth Element Drum Ensemble is scheduled for its debut performance for 200 people at 4:30 pm, Thursday, July 24, at the Avon Park Youth Academy, 242 South Blvd., Avon Park.

The performance of the APYA students marks their successful completion of the 12- week Primal Connection Youth-At-Risk Program.

"These kids have come a long way," said Fred Leavitt, president of Primal Connection Inc., "The program has had a profound effect on them in more ways than one. I asked the kids to write out what the drumming program meant to them. The only instructions I gave was to be honest, whether positive or negative. All the responses were positive and the results a real eye opener."

Some answers: "Drum class means everything to me...I might have been thinking suicide but instead I get to think of how I get to play better. You might say the drum saved my life, or just my mind."-- Joseph C.

"This drum class is a lot more important to me then you might think...It gives me a feeling of brotherhood and togetherness...You see when you are surrounded by convicted felons a positive activity like this keeps a positive attitude in our heads." -- Nick N.

"The students had to learn to come together as a team. They embraced cultural differences and helped one another learn the skills necessary to benefit the team as a whole. In the process the kids discovered the self discipline and the commitment necessary to make music as an ensemble. They also discovered the joy of making music," Leavitt adds.

As part of the program, the Primal Connection will provide the children with contact information for family-oriented drum circles near where they live.

In this way the students can make new friends with a common interest and continue to develop their musical skills. This offers the youth the potential of breaking the cycle that got them in trouble in the first place.

For more information, contact Pete Zeegers, facility administrator, Avon Park Youth Academy. 863-452-3815, email pete.zeegers@us.securicor.com, or Fred Leavitt, 863-402-8238, email fredinc@tnni.net