Press Photos by C. Richard ChartrandLehigh Valley Active Life senior center hosted “An Introduction to Boombas” class recently. Attendees were encouraged to “play, watch, listen, learn” about the instrument. ABOVE: Boomba players entertain listeners. A boomba is a percussion instrument featuring a tambourine, cowbell, wooden block and Swiss bells attached to a pole mounted on a spring. The instrument is frequently credited as significant to Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Fran Drake directs and emcees the session.

Ursula Szabo performs on the boomba with help from her eternally festively dressed partner Santa Claus.

Theresa is resplendent in pink to play a clacker at the boomba class.