06/19/2026
Every month, we celebrate the heart and soul of Drums Alive, our incredible instructors who bring rhythm, movement, and genuine human connection to communities around the world.
This series is all about the stories behind the beats, the moments that inspire, the journeys that come full circle, and the communities that form when passionate instructors create joyful spaces for people to move together.
This month, we're excited to introduce you to an instructor whose connection to Drums Alive spans over 15 years, even though she's only been teaching the format for about one. Her story is a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best things find their way back to us, and that creativity and connection only deepen with time.
🥁 This Month's Spotlight: Ann Moses
Oregon City, Oregon
This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Ann Moses, a passionate Drums Alive instructor whose classes are filled with joy, creativity, connection, and rhythm.
Ann has been teaching Drums Alive for about a year, currently leading classes at the Gladstone Community Center in Oregon. While she may be newer to teaching the format, her connection to Drums Alive actually began over 15 years ago.
"Drums Alive was the first group fitness class I ever participated in," Ann shares. "A neighbor and I attended a class at the YMCA in Monroe, Wisconsin, and I immediately loved the energy, creativity, and fun."
She remembers being amazed at how vigorous the workout felt while also feeling effortless because of the music and drumming experience. Years later, after retiring from her career as a high school history teacher and becoming a fitness instructor in Oregon, Ann rediscovered Drums Alive through an online community of supportive fitness instructors during COVID.
"They encouraged me to get certified, and I was so happy to find Drums Alive again because it had always been my favorite group exercise experience. I wanted to share it with others."
Today, Ann teaches one to two Drums Alive classes each week, primarily serving adults aged 50+ in her community. Her participants have trusted her through many fitness journeys over the years, and she treasures the enthusiasm and openness they bring to class.
"My participants enjoy class so there is a great energy feedback loop," she says. "It's wonderful to see people moving, laughing, and eager to try new things."
One thing that makes Ann's classes unique is her love for incorporating "brain games" into the experience. Recently, she has been introducing clapping games to spark memories, challenge coordination, and create moments of fun and connection.
One especially meaningful moment happened during a "musical conversation" activity where participants joined in one by one with their own beats.
"I looked around the circle and saw everybody just grooving to the music and knew that the moment was perfect."
Ann believes Drums Alive creates benefits far beyond physical fitness. Her participants often tell her how energized and happy they feel after class, and socially, the shared experience builds laughter, connection, and community.
She also appreciates how the Drums Alive format has evolved over the years.
"When I first experienced Drums Alive, instructors used pre-prepared choreography and music produced specifically by Drums Alive. Now we have the freedom to use different music styles and create our own choreography, which opens so many creative possibilities."
Looking ahead, Ann is excited about the lifelong accessibility of the program.
"Drums Alive is a fitness format that people can participate in throughout their lives."
When asked what advice she would give new instructors, Ann offers this heartfelt encouragement:
"Pick songs and music that move you. That energy translates into better experiences for your students."
And in just three words, Ann describes the Drums Alive experience as:
Bonding. Energizing. Joyful.
Outside the studio, Ann enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time on her farm working with her livestock guardian dog.
"Come visit when you're in the Portland area!"
Thank you, Ann, for bringing such warmth, creativity, and inspiration to the Drums Alive community. We are so grateful to have you sharing the joy of movement and rhythm with others!
🥁💜 Know an instructor whose story deserves the spotlight? Reply to this email and tell us about them, we'd love to feature them in an upcoming newsletter!
