Under the blue awning at 1096 Boylston St., the store manager of Jack’s Drum Shop, Greg Michalowski, is deep in conversation with a customer, but manages to nod and smile as customers come and go.

RIO DE JANEIRO — At a classical orchestra, a conductor’s raised hands often means the start of a performance. Tracing shapes in the air could point to how each beat must come. And one’s free fingers ...

at Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Recreation and Outreach center (WROC). Cardio drumming was introduced last year at the WROC. Class members use an exercise ball placed on a stand (often a circular ...