I’ve always loved percussion and was thwarted as a female elementary music student in my desire to play the drums. Back in those days a boy in the class got to play. No audition. No discussion. So I refused to take music. Fast forward several decades, and I learn about Muhtadi. From the moment I walked into his class at the Richmond Hill United Church he was welcoming and inclusive. He has a belief that we all have it in us to drum; drum beats are like heart beats. I wonder how many heart beats Muhtadi has influenced over his lifetime of teaching and sharing his passion.
Muhtadi is a master drummer who is now limited in his teaching and drumming by Parkinson’s. Nevertheless he remains committed to our class and to drumming every week at the Regent Park Community Centre.
I am part of a group of drummers committed to keeping the beat and playing through the day, for 12 hours,in the spirit of drum beats connecting communities, with a goal of making a difference for the Parkinson Community as well. I will drum in respect for, and admiration of, Muhtadi...for as many of the 12 hours as I can (amongst volunteer duties!).
Together, we can raise funds for research, education and support services to benefit more than 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s. Research into the causes of Parkinson’s will help find better treatments and one day, a cure.
Please donate to my effort, every dollar means new hope.