OTISFIELD – Music teacher Jason Ward probably knew the drums, bells and shakers worked fine. But he still encouraged the 17 fifth-graders in the room to test them.

For 10 seconds it was a free-for-all. Little hands banged against the drums as fast as the students could manage them. Other students clattered sticks against bells or rattled shakers as fast as their arms could move them.

Ward silenced the group, and then they resumed playing beats in unison that he had taught the students earlier.

Two weeks ago, Otisfield Community School students started using conga drums in music class. The drums, funded by a grant, teach students about beats and rhythm, which can enhance mathematical skills, Principal Linda Park said.

Every Wednesday, each grade takes a turn. They rotate between the conga drums, bongo drums, cow bells, agogo bells and shakers. In the lessons, Ward stresses form, tempo and unison.

Starting Dec. 1 and running for 12 Fridays, the school will hold an after-school program targeting a group students who aren’t as motivated, Park said.

“With the drums we want to help kids who are not there academically or socially,” Ward said. “It helps them connect with music; it’s a unique program.

At the end, Ward said, he would like to have the group perform a short piece with the drums.

Park said the drum program started with a workshop at the school. It yielded good results, so she applied for a grant.

On Sept. 28, the Maine Community Foundation sent Park a check for $4,153 to purchase the instruments.

The conga drums are just one of the efforts at Otisfield to creatively educate kids.

“The teachers and staff are committed to making this a unique environment,” Ward said.

Ward teaches music at both Otisfield and West Paris schools. He plays lots of instruments, he said, specializing in the saxophone.

He used to play in the group the Rustic Overtones, and got his degree in music education from the University of Southern Maine. He has been with SAD 17 since February.

Ward said kids really are able to connect with the drum.

“Especially the conga drum requires (people) to play rhythms that are very complex,” he said. “The drum is very important.”

Molly Mahn, a fifth-grade student, said she enjoys the lessons with Ward and the drums. She said she likes the bongo the best. Outside of music class she also plays the trumpet.

Mahn’s father, Robert, who is also president of the parent-teacher organization, supports the program, along with other creative learning opportunities at the school.

“I like anything that exposes kids to anything different,” Robert Mahn said. Things “they wouldn’t see at home or on a Playstation 2.”