MONACA, Pa. — The sound of drums echoed across the center of campus Wednesday afternoon as a group of students took part in a new drum circle.
The drum circle is the vision of Kevin Bennett, teaching professor of psychology at Penn State Beaver, who is leading the group.
Bennett, whose research interests include immersive experiences and urban design and mental health, said he played drums in high school and college and thought it would be fun to start a drum circle with students.
“But on top of that I’m incorporating health and wellness,” Bennett said. “I’m using a technique I pioneered called the F.E.E.L. Method, which stands for focus, energy, emotions and linking. Those are all of the things you should get out of a drum circle.”
There’s science behind the connection to drumming — or participating in other activities that put one in sync with others — and the release of oxytocin, Bennett said. “It helps to facilitate bonding, so when you end up doing a drum circle … you end up feeling more connected to those people.”
Bennett said he is planning to make the drum circle a weekly Wednesday occurrence. He said he hopes to stay outside in the center of campus for as long as the weather allows, and then the circle will move indoors.
Errett Sedlacek, fourth-year criminal justice major, said he attended the drum circle because Bennett mentioned it in class.
“I had some downtime in my Common Hour, and it seemed fun,” he said. “I’m not very musically inclined, but he made it fun for me anyways.”