“Found Sound” – Creative Play for All Ages
By Dee DiGioia, Mindful Kindful YOUniversity
There’s a rhythm inside every one of us—at every age—just waiting to be discovered, expressed, and shared. Why not let it out in the most playful way possible?
Our Joyful Rhythms Drum Circles just got even more fun with a special twist: “Found Sound”!
It’s a wildly creative, joy-filled adventure in rhythm where anything that makes a sound can become your instrument!
🔔 Note: Not all drum circles will include Found Sound. Look for the ones marked “family friendly” or “for all ages”—though a few “adult only” circles might sneak it in too! Be sure to check the calendar!
🪵 What is Found Sound?
Found Sound is the art of turning everyday objects into musical magic.
It’s like a musical scavenger hunt—where the prize is play!
It’s all about discovering rhythm in everyday life. It’s the art of making music with things that aren’t traditional instruments.
Think of it as a sound adventure—search your home, garage, yard, or the great outdoors for objects that produce percussive or rhythmic sounds.
Before the event, go on a little scavenger hunt and find items that can be:
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Struck (like a spoon on a tin can)
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Shaken (like beans in a plastic bottle)
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Rubbed (like sandpaper blocks)
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Scraped (like a stick on a cheesegrater or comb)
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If it makes a sound, it’s fair game! Let your imagination go wild.
Here are some more sound-spiration:
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🥄 Pots, pans, and kitchen utensils
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🪣 Buckets, plastic containers, water bottles
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🪨 Rocks, sticks, pinecones, shells
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🎁 Boxes, tubes, rice-filled boxes
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🪵 Sandpaper, brushes, combs
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Don’t worry—I’ll have some Found Sound items to share, too!
NOT JUST FOR KIDS!
Found Sound is NOT just for kids—this is a creative challenge for ALL ages! Adults are encouraged to rediscover the joy of play and spontaneity. When we step out of routine and into rhythm, something beautiful and freeing happens.
Let’s be real—adults need playtime, too!
Found Sound is a creative challenge for ALL ages.
Rediscover your playful side. Get silly. Get spontaneous. Get rhythmic!
When we step out of the routine and into rhythm, something magical happens. We laugh. We connect. We create.
Need inspiration? Check out these fun video examples:
1-Les Fo’Pafonds (video below) – some of what you see are great examples of found sound. They go above and beyond and make instruments out of found sound items – you don’t need to go to these great lengths but it will likely inspire you! I just can’t get enough of this group’s energy! So fun! (Find them on IG and Youtube)
2- Inbar Heyman
3- Andrew Huang
4- Need some more ideas? Here are a few tutorials! But honestly – just walk around your house and let your imagination run wild! You may find it “addicting”!
Let’s Make Music Together🥁
Come join one of our upcoming Joyful Rhythms Drum Circles—where community, creativity, and connection come alive.
🎵 Bring your Found Sound treasures (if noted on the event)
🎵 Or just bring yourself—we’ll provide drums, percussion, and extra found sound fun!
🎵 No experience needed. Just come with a willingness to explore, play, and connect with child-like wonder.
🎶 Remember – This is NOT just for kids—it’s a creative challenge for ALL ages!
This is about joy, imagination, and rhythm-making in commUNITY.
Let’s make some joyful noise…
One beat at a time.
About “Joyful Rhythms” Facilitated Drum Circles
SLO Life Magazine: “The Power of Drum Circles”
Your Facilitator
Dee DiGioia is the founder of Mindful Kindful YOUniversity in Baywood-Los Osos and a passionate Drum Circle Facilitator, Sound Journey Guide, and mindfulness-based nature connection leader. Her expertise as a Drum Circle Facilitator has been honed through extensive training from world-renowned programs, including Arthur Hull’s Village Music Circles, Rhythm 2 Recovery (with Summer Lall), Drum Leadership Training (with Jim Donovan), Upbeat Drum Circles (with Christine Stevens), and HealthRHYTHMS (with Remo). Dee brings heart, rhythm, and purpose to every circle she leads. After retiring from a career in special education in 2024, she now devotes herself full-time to promoting peace and uplifting communities across San Luis Obispo County through rhythm, connection, and well-being.
