"Joe gives participants of his workshops a unique experience, which very much reflects his talents as a musician, a facilitator and a motivator. What he does is inspirational, enganging people in a most subtle way. He develops confidence and most of all, relationships."

Peter Wilson

Principal, Drumard Primary School.

"I have used Joe and The Gathering Drum for a wide range of events and for lots of different kinds of people. From family weddings to cross community Christmas Fayres, the Gathering Drum have never failed to bring people together, create a great atmosphere and ensure everyone has a great time! I can't recommend him enough."

Lisa Mc Elherron,

Suffolk - Lenadoon Interface Group

"Joe, just a note to say thankyou so much for the work you did with the Guides - it was great. The girls really enjoyed it and we did too! It worked really well on parents night, you were definately the right man for the job. Hope you get a lot of phonecalls after that perfomance, thanks again!"

Hayley McKenna,

Girl Guides, Greenisland.

"I have personally tried various music workshops with the kids in the past,but this was the best by a mile. Everyone got involved and had a smile on their face from start to finish. Joe kept them on their toes and engaged the whole way through. I have already booked the next session!"

Gareth Beattie, Youth Programme Co-ordinator ,

Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children

"Joe is a very talented facilitator and musician. This is a brilliant concept and great if your group is looking for something fun and innovative to leave everyone upbeat!"

David Wright,

Dream scheme NI.

"Joe's drumming workshops are superb and fit seamlessly into any group programme or activity. Whether your project is youth or adult orientated, he provides a unique experience that reflects his talent and his Youth & Community Work background."

Bill Fleming,

National Council of YMCA's for Ireland.

"Making music together, working as a team, and not working alone was brilliant. Joe, the leader of the drumming workshop, was brilliant. He was easy to follow and really helpful"

"The drumming workshop was a brilliant start to our day - Great working with the whole team, with everyone taking part."

"The drumming session was extremely therapeutic - Absolutely class! Provided an opportunity to release some pent-up emotions over the past few weeks."

"Really enjoyable and relaxing. It's good to allow myself to be child-like at times!"

"I got great fun from the drumming workshop - Loved it"

"The drum workshop was just what I needed. A brilliant therapeutic resource."

"It was brilliant to have some fun with the drumming workshop. I can see how this could help with frustration or anger."

"It will be hard to beat the drumming workshop for giving us a sense of team"

Responses from Contact Youth's counselling team.

"I have just been reading a book called "The Butterfly of Freedom" and thought it was appropriate to how your drum workshops enabled the young people on our project to be different and think outside the box:     

' One little butterfly has flown outside the butterfly box, the others question why, as they see the box as somewhere they know and is safe.                             " That, my friend is why I leave it, for you may be safe, but I am FREE."     Joe, you have given the young people an opportunity to find new ways to express themselves in an individual way rather than conform to the group"

 Beth McGrath, The Memorial Fund.

".....A great experience to engage in creative thinking and developing confidence.       The Gathering Drum workshop is an excellent way to engage people in a group event. So effective in helping to develop relationships and a team ethos...."

Nicola Lynagh, Regional Training Unit, Northern Ireland