Rúach Rhythms is coordinated and facilitated by Debbie Beirne and a team of percussionists who simply love what they do.
Debbie has been facilitating community music events in Ireland for over 20 years and has a BA (Hon) in Social Studies, and an MA Special Award (Level 9) in 'Recovery In Mental Health' and 'Behaviours That Challenge'. She is a qualified Person Centred Facilitator and has trained with a wide number of community music teachers both in Ireland, the UK, Europe and Australia.
Debbie has trained with Australian based Simon Faulkner as a Rhythm 2 Recovery facilitator and also runs 'Music In Mind' programs on behalf of the National Concert Hall. She has trained as a Drum Circle Facilitator with Arthur Hull of 'Village Music Circles' recognised as the pioneer and 'Father' of modern facilitated drum circles. Debbie has also trained with Wall2Wall Music as a 'Jam Band' Facilitator and also works with Music Generation Mayo (http://www.musicgenerationmayo.ie/ ) in collaboration with Sligo/Mayo/Leitrim ETB, and facilitates on a number of their music programs.
Debbie has has been involved in Community Activism through music for many years and was one of the founders of 'Earthsong Camps' and the 'Witness One Voice' Youth In Action Program. She was responsible for instigating and organising the 'Human Library Mayo' movement and continues to use music as a tool for social change whenever possible.. Debbie also won an award at the national People of the Year Award 2018 for her work with the Syrian Refugees in Ballaghaderreen Co Roscommon for her part in the Refugee Support Group that she co founded.. Debbie also facilitates a community activism program called 'Syrian Dialogues' in schools and colleges around Ireland. This program in run in collaboration with members the Syrian Refugee community living in the Emergency Reception Centre in Ballaghaderreen and its aim is to raise awareness around the realities and complexities of the Refugee journey.Debbie has a vast amount of experience of bringing rhythm based community music to a wide range of settings including health care settings, community groups, schools, prison services, probation services, special needs and mental health settings. As a result of this vast experience, Debbie has gone on to create her own unique 'Therapeutic Rhythm Program' and now runs it in a number of healthcare settings throughout Ireland.
I think that, as life is action and passion, we should share the passion and action of our time at peril of being judged not to have lived at all.