Enter Devereux New York’s DayHab facility in Kingston any Monday or Wednesday afternoon and you will be instantly transported to sunnier and warmer climes. You’ll almost feel the gentle breezes of the trade winds and smell the coconut of piña coladas. Unfortunately, we haven’t brought every aspect of the Caribbean to Kingston, just the music.

As part of an enrichment program for Devereux New York’s Individual Residential Alternatives (IRAs), residents are learning how to play steel drums with the help of some local experts: Jack Shackleton, retired music department chair at Rhinebeck High School, and John Joseph, professional steel drum player. The one-hour sessions feature hands-on instruction in proper technique and progress to the point of “bringing it all together” in a cohesive piece before the session’s end. While the program started modestly enough with 4-5 participants for each day, Shackleton and Joseph are now seeing seven or eight per session, all of whom are eager to get to work.

"Both groups have learned three steel drum pieces and have done so with great success,” said Shackleton. “They're wonderful people to work with and to know personally and greatly appreciate what you give them. They look forward to the sessions each week and many times we start earlier because of their anticipation. John & I derive great satisfaction and happiness working with them and I hope it continues.”

In addition to the sessions at DayHab, Shackleton holds another at Devereux’s West Kerley Corners house. This smaller, more intimate group is learning how to play some percussion instruments such as maracas, cowbell and conga drums. It is Shackleton’s hope that the groups can be brought together and combine for a performance some time in the future. The program will run until the end of June. For more information, please contact Warren Toland at 845-758-8927.