Author Archives: Mel Shapcott

Mary Ann Welter

After hearing Katy drum at an event, I was eager to experience her magic, first-hand.   Knowing of her interest in spirituality and silence, we began a dialogue to craft a wilderness retreat that would incorporate both sound and silence. Katy is a performer and amazing drummer who can bring everyone into her circles, regardless of past experience. At “Sound and Silence” retreats, Katy has shared the deeper power and gift of drumming as meditative art, spiritual grounding, and builder of contemplative community. I’m grateful for the simple gift and profound reverberations of “Sound and Silence.” I’m grateful, too, for Katy’s vision, skills, and leadership.

Mary Ann Welter, Still Point Mountain Retreat Manager

Sr. Patti Rossi

Just a short note to express my gratitude for such a wonderful retreat.   It truly was beyond my expectation of the retreat but also of my own personal expectation which proved “I can drum!”   It was an impressive time for me…and silence was such a gift…just to be away from the maddening crowd…and to spend… Learn More >>

Liz Ward

Katy Gaughan has consistently received rave reviews for her dynamic facilitation of drum circles for the Shalem Spiritual Guidance Program.  Her session on Praise, Thanksgiving and Movement Meditation has been prayerful, engaging, well organized, and profound for the participants.  She has helped the participants experience the oneness flowing through diversity in concrete, tangible ways while… Learn More >>

David Robinson

Thank you so much for last night’s drum session.  For a person with truly no sense of timing you gave me the gift of being able to be in a drum circle and feel safe as well as to have the opportunity to explore and experiment.  Just wonderful!  You are a great teacher. David Robinson, Shalem… Learn More >>

Katie Archibald-Woodward

It was so great to meet you and I thoroughly enjoyed the drum circle and the marvelous way you illuminated the connections between our actions and spiritual experience. Such a rich and enlivening experience! Katie Archibald-Woodward, Shalem Spiritual Guidance Program participant Learn More >>

Amethyst Dwyer

I have worked with Katy Gaughan professionally for several years with drum circle events in the D.C. metropolitan region. She consistently brings a high level of skill, experience, organization, joy and enthusiasm to everything she touches and the feedback that I have received from participants invariably reflect this. Amethyst Dwyer, Manager & Music Coordinator, New… Learn More >>

Rev. Janet P Salbert

Katy brings a rich joy and spiritual depth to the amazing art of drumming! Her leadership in a group promotes an increased self-awareness while building community relationships through a shared rhythm experience. A drum circle is a creative expression of energy, harmony and hope. No musical experience is necessary and all age groups benefit. Katy… Learn More >>

Laura Bratton

The drumming was a good experience for me. In loud situations I lose my spatial perception because of the volume of noise. So I did not know how it was going to go. It went great! I was able to focus on the rhythm of the different instruments and enjoy it. Since we were not… Learn More >>

Carole Crumley

Your presence and leadership at the Shalem Society were such a blessing. Thank you for making the early morning effort and for such an inspired session. Your leadership just gets richer and deeper and more loving (if possible). It was a joy to be with you in this way. Carole Crumley, Senior Program Director, Shalem… Learn More >>

Brian Butler

Katy Gaughan’s Drum Circle is an experience not to be missed. They have performed for our 4th of July Celebration for six consecutive years, and each time they end with more flare. Katy’s energy resonates throughout the crowd, while the drummers tap their way into the minds of all in attendance. By allowing the audience… Learn More >>