July 28, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

As a Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Office of Education After-school programs, I have been a witness to the positive effects of the Reading & Rhythm and Life Skills Drumming programs at my After-school programs. The programs were presented by the Drumming for Your Life Institute (DFYL), and the programs have greatly benefited our at-risk population.

The Reading and Rhythm program has dramatically improved the reading skills of the students at several of our school sites where DFYL facilitators have provided After-school programs over the past year. DFYL pre & post test students who are participating in the program in the areas of reading and comprehension. This has provided the school staff the opportunity to observe the increase in the students’ reading/comprehension abilities. The average increase in the fluency of a student’s reading/comprehension skills is over 50% and this is within a 6-week period.

The Life Skills Drumming program has been extremely effective in helping students’ understand life skills in a real-world setting and to express their emotions in a positive and productive manner. We have seen students gain insights into their behavior which has led to positive changes within their behavior and has also demonstrated a much more healthier attitude along with building their self-confidence.

I highly recommend the Reading and Rhythm/Life Skills Drumming Program to schools who are trying to reach students through positive programs.

Sincerely,

Dena Davis-Island
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Coordinator/After-school Programs