Nothing like a drum circle to warm you up on a cold winter day,” said Jon Roe of Vernon, talking about the Family Dance and Drum event held on Jan. 11.

The high-energy drumming event was facilitated by drummer and musician Dennis Cotton of Power of The Drum, who was joined by Vicky Hannon , a Yoga instructor at Breathe… more in Tolland, and Jane Roets, the director of Music Together in Tolland. The trio worked together at Breathe… more’s studio to lead moms, dads, children and those interested in music in various drum beats and dances.

Cotton, who moved to Connecticut in 2006 from upstate New York and now lives in South Windsor, opened up the affair by explaining the ABCs of drumming to those that were brand new to the experience. “Nothing you can do with a drum is wrong,” Cotton assured the newcomers, who may have been feeling at some disadvantage, not having played before. And with little direction , the 30 or so musicians were off and playing.

The room, usually used for quiet reflection and mediation, was quickly pounding with drum beats. Cherie Trice, the owner of Breathe…more and host of the event, mentioned that the sound-proofing of the studio was good for keeping the noise in for the event and also helps to keep the noise out for regular Yoga practice.

Not everyone was new to the drum circle. Terry Nicholas of Ellington had such a good time the first time she participated last year, she said that she had to come back with her God son as soon as she heard about this latest event.

After an opening segment of drumming , Roets took over and gathered the children in the room to the front in a circle with egg shakers to sing a song, while the adults drummed in the back. The children passed the eggs to the drum beats – first to the right and then to the left. Cotton guided the drummers in a different pace, and it didn’t take long for the drummers to react and contribute their own sound to collectively pulse as if arranged ahead of time.

Vicky Hannon and Christine Kjellquist , a local ballroom dance instructor and who is also affiliated with Music Together, helped to lead anyone wanting to dance in the movement segment of the afternoon. The children followed in a circle, waving scarves and going in different directions.

Cotton, who has 17 years of experience teaching music and drumming, believes drum circles have a magical effect that is indescribable. Cotton explained the reward of leading drum circles to people who wouldn’t be considered your typical drummers. You give someone a drum and see what happens , he said. “I don’t question it,” Cotton explained. “I just am amazed every time.” All the proceeds taken as donations at the Family Dance and Drum went to Tolland Human Services.

To learn more about Cotton’s events or his free, once a month drum circle in South Windsor, visit the Web site www. powerofthedrum.com.