The Summit FM expands Its Music + Movement Program

With support from ArtsNow, The Summit FM expanded its Music + Movement program, offering multiple sessions that explored the intersection of music, movement, and well-being. Programs were offered to the general public as well as through community partners including but not limited to AMHA Senior Housing, Oriana House, and the City of Green, helping us reach people across a variety of ages, backgrounds, and community settings.

Throughout the project, participants experienced different approaches to musical wellness, including group drumming, live music & storytelling, mindful movement, and opportunities to explore music as a tool for stress relief, self-expression, and social connection. We collaborated with local musicians and facilitators, including Trust Drum Circles, and incorporated cultural traditions ranging from African drumming to Celtic music and dance.

Each partnership allowed the program to take a slightly different shape. At AMHA Senior Housing, sessions created opportunities for older adults to engage in music and movement together. At Oriana House and South Street Ministries, we piloted programming targeted towards individuals in recovery. Our partnership with the City of Green included a series of workshops leading up to a large community drum circle at the city’s annual Change of Art Festival. Across settings, the group format created opportunities for people to connect through music—an increasingly important part of supporting well-being and addressing social isolation and loneliness.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants asking for additional programming. In post-session surveys, 100% of surveyed participants reported improved mood, and feedback also showed increased awareness of music as a resource for coping and well-being.

Through this project, we’ve seen how music can create an approachable entry point for wellness while fostering creativity, belonging, and connection. ArtsNow’s support helped The Summit build new community partnerships and extend our mission beyond the radio, creating more opportunities for Summit County residents to experience music as a resource for individual and community well-being.

Website: thesummit.fm/wellness/