Re: Any musicians here?
Yes, I be drummer, I know how to hit things.
Seriously I've been doing the percussion thing for about 19 years now(since I was a wee little thing). I hate being called a drummer, they can be so mindless, I take pride in what i do.
I started playin in band in fifth grade, and all through my school career. In high school I was in marching band and held the Center Snare/section leader position for sophomore, junior and senior years. We competed heavily as most marching bands do, and won many accreditations here in Ohio. At our peak we were ranked 4th in the state. I also played in every band I could find, including, concert, mixed symphonic, pep, and Jazz band.
Funny story with the pep band we were playing the almamater one day and the director pi$$ed me off, so I broke into a rock beat right in the middle of it. Kept time, and kept it "tasteful". He didn't approve, however the entire gymnasium gave a standing ovation for it, even the principal commented, "that was different". He never made m mad again.......
I also participated in percussion ensembles during the winter months, as well as solo competitions. My best rank there was 9th in the state my senior year. Not to shabby if I do say so myself.
My senior year and and for a few years after I marched indoor percussion with "Matrix IMPE" during the winter. In the summer months I marched DCI (Drum Corps International) with Both The Cavaliers (snare) and Bluecoats (snare) until I aged out. I have gone back with a few area high schools and taught marching band working primarily with the battery section of the drum line.
I haven't sat behind a drum kit in a few years, actually it's funny this thread came up, I just pulled out my 5 piece kit from storage, and will be setting it back up this weekend. I miss playing, and hope to find a local band looking for a percussionist. I enjoy playing everything from jazz, to rock, to rockabilly, to Latin.
Bill
