Hill Country Memorial Health System’s new Cancer Resource Center will offer cancer patients and their families a free six-week introductory course in African hand drumming.

“Drumming is a fun way to manage stress,” according to Martha Matteson, a licensed clinical social worker who will lead the program. “Research has shown that it can have healing properties also.”

During the six weekly classes of the program from Sept. 9 through Oct. 14, participants will learn at least three traditional West African rhythms on the djembe, a chalice-shaped wooden instrument carved from a solid piece of wood that has a goat skin drum head.

Each Tuesday evening class will last from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Cancer Resource Center, located in the Brune Professional Building at 808 Reuben Street. Drums, gourd shakers and other percussion instruments will be available during the classes.

Space is limited and reservations are required. To sign up, please call Donna Lafferty, Cancer Resource Center coordinator, at 830-990-6648.