OUR STORY
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One Sunday during the Texans game, Ralph Hicks (Founder and Executive Director) was trying to communicate with his nephew on the Autism spectrum, Luke. When verbal response and eye contact didn’t work, he frustratingly drummed a “well, that’s that” type rhythm on his leg. Luke heard it... and tapped it back. Mr. Hicks tapped it again... same response!
For one day, they were communicating in a way no one else had. For one day, it was their thing. Discovering this way to connect with Luke was the catalyst that would lead to what LTD has become! |
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The experience of breaking down a communication barrier with Luke led to a small drum club at Mitchell Intermediate in Conroe ISD, where Mr. Hicks also teaches band, made up of students with disabilities and typical student drummers. From our first meeting we knew we were on to something special! We have slowly grown to provide community drum therapy sessions by licensed music therapists free of charge, and have recently been designated a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation!
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We are also able to provide performance opportunities for drummers of all ages and abilities with the LTD All Stars! We perform over 20 times a year on a variety of percussion instruments at venues such as Waterway Square, IRONMAN TX, Rice University, and the Houston Rockets. We have strong partnerships in the community with The Woodlands UMC, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, Autism Share, Special Life Network, and the Sam Houston State University Music Therapy Department. We’ve even been featured in the Houston Chronicle and on Fox 26 Morning News!
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As we enter our fifth year in serving The Woodlands community, we are excited to be expanding our reach into four new chapters, with many more cities right behind!
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Your generous donations go towards...
Therapeutic & Recreational Drumming SessionsHelp ensure we are able to provide an experience of the highest caliber, with compensation and training for our facilitators and instructors.
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All Star MembershipsHelp cover membership expenses for those who may have it in their heart to drum with us, but not the funds.
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EquipmentAllow our All Stars and drum therapy participants to play on quality equipment, including hand drums, trash cans and buckets, marching drumline, keyboard percussion (marimbas, vibraphones, etc.), and even a steel drum band!
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Operating ExpensesHelp LTD run smoothly behind the scenes, be it web hosting, marketing materials, drinks and snacks at performance events, or other general operating expenses.
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