In 6th grade we were allowed to take band. I didn’t even have to choose, I knew I wanted to play drums. From what I knew of rock music then, it seemed like the best seat in the band house. I walked with big-gig-a-tude all the way to the band room, holding my sticks for my first lesson. My excitement was shattered when I sat down with the teacher and started tapping away on his PIANO STOOL.
I had also auditioned for choir, and was seated with the alto section. I knew I would be seated there. I had been one of Mrs. Roth’s little singing stars from 1st grade on. What I didn’t know was that I was about to meet my best friend ever, in the alto section.
Recovering from my intial dissapointment with drum class, I learned about grips and paradiddles, meter, patterns, rhythm and beats… yet still no snare drum or kit. I used a drum pad that was soul-less and played around with the classroom rhythm instrument, and still no snare or drum kit. Then came the day that the ensemble was being put in place for a performance. I was crazy excited to find out what piece I would be featured on with my newly acquired skills. I was offered the cymbal crash and gong position for the entire performance – talk about soul-less duty! After that performance at the end of the first semester, I withdrew from band. Choir now had my entire performing commitment (outside of sports).
The pic on this page was taken in my glory days as percussionist for The Imports. I was never hoping to jump-in on a Crystal Taliefero level, but I wanted to contribute to the band sound, with some rhythmic extras. So I did, and it was straight up fun for me.
Thank you again to Keith for taking me shopping at all of his favorite local drum shops and helping me get set up. And a great set up it was.