The Circle Remembers

Rhythm, joy, and belonging at John C. Fremont Elementary

“You’re Miss Jo!”

Their faces lit up as Johanna walked in — sixth graders now, but once just tiny hands on drums in one of her earliest circles at John C. Fremont Elementary in Glendale, CA. They remembered — and so did she.

“Somehow,” she said, “I still knew their names.”

This is the legacy of rhythm. A simple beat, a kind presence, and moments of joyful connection — they stay with us. At Fremont, where DrumBus has returned year after year, those memories echo forward. The circle keeps growing.

This fall, it began again with the youngest drummers — TK and Kindergarten students who could barely contain their excitement. One class even arrived early.

“They just couldn’t wait,” their Kindergarten teacher said, smiling. “We’ve been practicing the rhythm, Miss Jo.”

And they had. These four-year-olds proudly lifted and lowered their mallets, counted off a perfect “4-3-2-1 STOP,” and turned into “mallet zombies” on cue. As Johanna watched them play, tears welled in her eyes.

Every moment matters in the circle. And at Fremont, those moments arrive often.

Kindergartener Logan paused behind his chair on the way out and said softly, “Thank you, Miss Jo, for teaching us.” Later, when Johanna passed his class in line, he waved and said, “I’ve missed you.”

First grader Maya had once left the circle out of shyness. Now she volunteered to start the Name Game and proudly played call-and-response rhythms with the group. Another student, Eliana, who’s known for following the rules, stepped into leadership with sass and sparkle, guiding classmates through the “I Can Do This” affirmation game and coaching her new friend Julian along the way.

“I’m so appreciative,” Johanna said, “of how much these kids want to volunteer. Even if it’s just to start the drum wave, they’re so proud to lead.”

And their parents feel it, too. Many stayed just to watch — capturing videos and soaking in the moment. One mom, picking up her son early, paused as he begged to finish “making beats.” Another remembered Johanna from years before and promised to arrive later next time, so her child wouldn’t miss drumming class.

Even in challenges, the circle brings wisdom.

Sweet, freckle-faced Charlie — usually attentive and kind — had trouble keeping his mallets down. After several reminders, Johanna gently asked him to step out of the circle. He sat with his head low, quiet for the rest of the session. But at the end of the day, she checked in.

“I let him know that sometimes we have hard days,” she said. “And next week, we’ll start fresh.”

Another space for compassion, a chance for a new beginning, and a rhythm that will always welcome you back.

Fremont celebrated its 100th anniversary this past school year — marked by its newly refurbished front entrance and beautiful garden, which is not only a gift to students, but to the whole community. And inside, where DrumBus gathers in rhythm, another gift is growing — confidence, joy, leadership, and belonging.

This is the power of the circle. It remembers. And it reaches forward, one heartbeat at a time.