Mike then obtained a BA in Theatre and Directing from Columbia College, Chicago, after which he became Artistic Director of the Stark Raving Theatre Company-a professional Theatre Ensemble that performed shows with an emphasis on social and political issues.

He took a year off to travel and on Skyros Island Greece he met Noelle and relocated to England. While living in London he brought his love for drumming and performance together, leading to his establishing the Sunshine Drumming Company.

Since the company started Mike has taken drumming into Maximum Security Prisons, pre-school on up to secondary School, to people with physical and or mental disabilities, community events and festivals, corporate team building events and entertainment.

Mike has studied with leading African drum masters in the USA, England and West Africa. These include Ya Ya Diallo (Mali), author of 'The Healing Drum' along with Henri Gaobi (Ivory Coast), David Aludunni (Nigeria), Ayodelle Scott (Sierra Leone) and NII Tahki (Ghana).

His vision for the future is to have a centre which would encourage confidence building and creativity through performance, storytelling and music, with a strong emphasis on West Africa and Drumming. "For me playing the drum is about unity, it speaks to our true identity; give it a try, you won't regret it!"

Noelle McElya

Noelle started out adult life travelling, then trained and consequently worked in Hotel and Catering Management until the age of 28 when she discovered retreat centres, namely Atsitsa on Skyros Island Greece.

She then worked on her passion for complimentary health and trained as a holistic massage therapist where she worked professionally in London and Louisville Kentucky.

Noelle started out as a drum novice seven years ago and became involved in co-running the Sunshine Drumming Company. Noelle now describes herself as a 'mid level' drummer. She also works at Positive Action on Cancer - a charity that offers free professional counselling to anyone affected by cancer in their lives.

Noelle and Mike have two daughters - Zoe and Georgia.

The Sunshine Drumming Company also works in conjunction with professional drummers, dancers and musicians to be able to provide workshop styles for all types of client groups.