When a stroke left musician Otha Day unable to play piano, he discovered another instrument that helped him not only heal, but it also brought people closer together.

On Thursday and Friday, Day, a percussionist, returned to Rochester Memorial School for the third time in as many years to lead students in a drum circle meant to promote community.

This year, he shared the story of how learning to drum helped him recover after that stroke, and a second one a few years later, in a short biography handed out to students.

“On first blush what might have seemed to be a tragic circumstance turned out to be an enormous gift,” he wrote. “I happened upon a pair of congas for sale…and buying them changed my life.”

After the first stroke, caused by a blow to the head during a soccer game, Day had to relearn how to read and write. He had taught piano lessons to students and professors at colleges and universities across the country and performed professionally.

But the accident left him unable to play. Purchasing that pair of congas led him down a different musical path – one he never would have predicted.

“I was good at playing the piano, but I didn’t love it,” he said. “For me, the best part of the job was participating with the audience.”

Using the drums, he played alongside friends and family and also found himself getting better, rapidly.

“I didn’t know it was going to help heal me,” he said.

After getting back into the rhythm with his new instrument, Day reached out to Christine Stevens, the founder UpBeat Drum Circles. The California-based company offers interactive drumming programs.

“I called her up and after listening to her describe her job I realized, ‘That’s what I’ve got to do,’” he said.

With his “Drum to the Beat” program, Day encouraged a class of fourth grade students to dance, be creative and follow along as he set the beat on Friday afternoon.

All Rochester Memorial students were allowed a session with Day. The school’s Parent Teacher Organization sponsored the event.

“He’s a bit of a rock star at [Rochester Memorial School],” said PTA Chair Michelle Cusolito. “Kids, faculty and parents love him.”

Cusolito invited Day to perform at the school after seeing him at an event sponsored by the Plumb Library.

“I thought to myself, ‘Every kid in Rochester should get a chance to participate in this,’” she said.

During the drum circle, students sang a West African song called “Funga Alafia,” which is used to welcome people into a community.

Classmates sat side-by-side and were handed shakers. Day called out to different students to lead the group in shaking and also dancing.

Day also brought along 55 drums of varying sizes that were used Friday evening at a drum circle open to the community.

He has a master's degree in piano performance and education from Eastern Illinois University. Since 1990, he's been involved with The Drum Connection, a statewide drumming school. It also serves as a shop building traditional tribal instruments such as djembe, dunun, congas, bongos and many others.

“This school is wonderful,” Day said. “It’s hard to find groups of kids who can show their joy while also staying focused. They are disciplined enough to follow along, but in a really joyful way. It’s a tricky balance.”