Sure, the lead singers get all the fame, but according to recent studies, drummers could be the healthiest of all musicians.

Alternative Therapies journal has introduced theories explaining how drumming may increase blood circulation and stimulate the immune system to speed up healing.

The Office of Campus Recreation utilized this information and invited New Directions Drum Circles to campus last Friday to celebrate Wellness Week.

“We’re trying to create a community atmosphere,” wellness grad assistant Anna Shearer said. “We’re all trying to unite to make one rhythmic sound.”

Psychotherapist Taylor Rockwell and carpenter Dan Metzger, both from Freeport, started New Directions four years ago to bring direction to people’s lives, heal them body and spirit and to just have fun.

“It’s about being in touch with your spirit and with each other,” Metzger said.

Last Friday’s drumming circle wasn’t the first Pamela Johnson, senior general studies major, has participated in.

“I’ve done drum circles before and I’ve always found them to be very relaxing,” she said.

New Directions performs at many places, such as community functions, youth retreats, churches, schools and Freeport’s Oakdale Lodge the second Thursday of every month.

Even though people are welcome to bring their own drums and other instruments, New Directions provides a variety of its own. From hand drums and maracas to wooden flutes and tambourines, New Directions encourages people to play even if they’ve never played an instrument before.

Athletes stopped their exercises and games to stop by the circle to see what all the noise was about. Several joined in to experience the fun themselves.

Junior accounting major Kenyata Adams was playing basketball when he saw a friend playing one of the drums. Joining the circle, Adams brought experience to the group and introduced his own unique rhythms.

“I have a little drumming experience, like jazz beats,” Adams said. “I always wanted to play drums.”

Fitness coordinator Becky Lewis and her 2-year-old daughter, Amanda, not only learned about different varieties of drums, but enjoyed playing them as well.

“It’s a good mental stress release, relaxing kind of thing,” Becky said. “Who doesn’t want to pound on a drum?