Mike DeMenno came across a magazine article in 1993 in the Yoga Journal featuring Mickey Hart and Arthur Hull where the mission was to use drumming for community building and personal well-being. It was a life changing moment to realize playing music did not have to be entirely performance based. Within a year, Mike began facilitating drum circles for kids at risk throughout Los Angeles for the non-profit organization, Free Arts For Abused Kids. In 1997 Mike took his first workshop with Arthur Hull at PASIC. In 2003, Mike became the manager of the first recreational music center.
Under the mentorship of Remo Belli, the REMO RMC (Recreational Music Center) in North Hollywood, CA, developed into an extraordinary place dedicated to bringing rhythm and music to people from all walks of life. In 2017, the RMC moved to the REMO headquarters located in Valencia CA.
With the blessing of Ami Belli, a brand-new state-of-the-art music center was built on the factory premises. It is now known as The REMO Music Center. Along with Ami Belli and the Team Members at REMO Inc., Mike continued the mission of the late Remo Belli, creating joy and improving the human condition through drumming. Mike also finds himself fortunate to be connected with the Arts and Healing Initiative, in the company of Ping Ho, MA, MPH and Giselle Friedman, LCSW helping to create Beat The Odds®, Social and Emotional Skill Building Through the Framework of Drumming.
Mike maintains his passion for the drum set, as well as helping others to experience playing music for personal benefits and joy. Mike was the manager of the REMO Music Center from February 2003 to June 2025. Mike continues to facilitate drum circles and is a trainer for Beat The Odds®.
