It’s been said on numerous occasions by the folks at Jessica’s House in Turlock that grieving looks different for each person. For some, the healing process is helped by music. On Thursday, the local nonprofit hosted a unique rhythmic experience for grieving families at Cornerstone Covenant Church.

The rhythm was provided by the drumming of renowned Philadelphia-based professional percussionist Josh Robinson, who guided  families through the process of making a drum, followed by activities for self-expression and grief-release. 

Robinson has been using his drumming skills for the past 20 years. His approach is described as personal, passionate, creative and intentional. 

Robinson shared a story of how he got his start as a percussionist and why he was inspired to help those grieving.

“I started playing a steel pan drum in the hospital while my grandfather was ill many years ago. After seeing the impact it had on my grandfather, the hospital staff and myself personally, I realized I could help people through drumming,” he said. 

Robinson uses basic techniques as an outlet for self-expression. 

“When you have energy and emotions and feelings and don’t know where to put those, it can be really frustrating and confusing,” he continued. “But music, in an instant, can be your voice. Even for quiet children, you put a mallet and a drum in their hands, and they are no longer quiet. Drumming not only helps to heal after loss but can help with processing challenges, and expression beyond the limits of words.” 

Erin Nelson is the founding director of Jessica’s House and has worked with Robinson several times over the years at various grief expression events. Nelson sought to bring a rhythm workshop to the community for families who are healing after the death of a loved one. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to host our community along with Jessica’s House volunteers and staff for this restorative and expressive time with Josh,” she said. “Expressive arts in a group through rhythm supports healing in grief. When you come together with others with a similar story of loss and express emotions in nonverbal ways, it helps decrease feelings of isolation and helps you process your experience.”

For more than a decade, Jessica’s House has helped thousands of families throughout the Central Valley find support from others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Today, Jessica’s House hosted a community rhythm workshop for children and families to express their grief in a circle of healing through drumming.
According to the organization’s annual report that was released in April, Jessica’s House supported 912 children in peer support groups in 2023 — an increase from 879 enrolled individuals in 2022 and the second-highest mark in the facility’s 12-year history. The most common type of loss that individuals experienced was parent/caregiver loss, which accounted for 73% of those enrolled in Jessica’s House programs.