Caledonia Woman Drums to Her Reality

Jeanne Korndoerfer smiled widely as she banged out the eighth note beat on her timbale drums.

“Right, right, together, right,” she chanted, partly as a demonstration and partly to keep herself on track.

After all, Korndoerfer, 53, of Caledonia, who had never drummed in her life before joining Sheltered Reality, is still learning.

It’s part of the challenge she embraced as coordinator for the local branch of Sheltered Reality, a nationwide group that mixes the rhythm of drumming with a rhetoric of positivity, self-esteem and the power of possibility.

“It’s very intimidating, but that’s kind of part of the message,” Korndoerfer said. “We have all different drummers at all different levels. And that’s part of the message – it’s OK to try something new.”

Trying something new wasn’t exactly uncharted territory for Korndoerfer, a homemaker who has raised two daughters, ages 18 and 22, and supported her husband Carl’s home building company, Korndoerfer Development.

This is a woman who started taking piano lessons at age 46.

But, despite being struck by the energy and enthusiasm of Sheltered Reality, she hesitated before pursuing the group after seeing a show in 2004.

At first, she said, “I really couldn’t understand what it was, but I thought it was a great thing.”

After seeing another show in 2008, Korndoerfer said she was ready to take a chance and join the group, which performs choreographed drum routines, played along to recorded music, while sharing a message of empowerment.

“I just really, really liked the message. And it combined some of the things I love the most: music, movement, ministry and rhythm,” she said. “…It’s music with meaning.”

Korndoerfer started a Racine-area chapter of Sheltered Reality in October 2009, after an East Troy chapter disbanded.

Several members of that group, who also live in Caledonia, joined Korndoerfer’s new group, which has played nearly eight shows over the last two years, including two outdoor concerts at Wind Point Elementary School.

“It’s just a real boost of energy, and it’s a positive message,” Wind Point Principal Irene Nahabedian said.

Nahabedian embraced the group because it’s message of resilience, friendship and daring to try something new complimented the school’s peace learning circles and anti-bullying program.

She also appreciated that Sheltered Reality encourages audience participation, allowing students and staff to get in on the act during guest drummer sequences.

“It’s just a great way to begin the school year,” Nahabedian said. “In fact, I think we need another boost of that energy at this time of year.”

The program, which has about 300 members in 12 states, particularly throughout the Midwest, has given Korndoerfer the same kind of energy boost.

It makes people happy, she said. “And when you’re around that many people who are that happy, it’s impossible not to be happy yourself. It’s such a wonderful experience.”

And it’s an experience Korndoerfer hopes to share.

The group, which has six members, is about to welcome six more. But more are welcome.

And don’t worry if you’ve never banged a drum.

“No one has to have any drumming experience to do this. I wasn’t a drummer before. Anyone can learn,” Korndoerfer said.

About Sheltered Reality

Sheltered Reality invites anyone who is interested in learning how to drum to join.

No experience is necessary and no equipment is needed. The Racine-area group shares four sets of drums, which include two timbale (pronounced tim-ball-ee) drums, three cow bells and one cymbal.

Dues are $45 a month, and practices are held twice a month. Performance schedules vary.

Performances include members of the local group, as well as others from the area involved with Sheltered Reality. Lately, that has included a chapter from Fox Cities, which has played with the Caledonia drummers since their program began.

For more information, visit www.sheltered-reality.org. To learn about the Racine-area chapter, contact Jeanne Korndoerfer at jeannek@wi.rr.com

Download the movie