Long, long ago in a township school not so far away... I began my percussion path. It was the summer between 2nd & 3rd grade that I rode my 20" bicycle 3-1/2 miles through the country to learn the rudiments of drumming. I pursued the rhythm line up through out my academic years running the gamut of percussion roles i.e. orchestra, marching, jazz & pep bands playing every percussion instrument I could get my hands on.
I joined a "Rock & Roll" band in my teens, and played schools & youth clubs and the like that eventually lead to playing in bars, before I was even old enough to be in them. Private parties and that sort of thing. Later on, I was able to be part of putting together a playing studio at a private residence, where I played for the next 15 years. For the next little while in life a blues band seemed to be the basis of my rhythm trek. Having the opportunity to "sit in" with musicians in Chicago deepened my respect for the relationship between rhythm & culture.
Well, so much for that, although I do believe it was all a part of the process that lead me to the path I now travel. Some where along the way I laid down my sticks & beaters, put away the need for the many and opted for the one.. HAND DRUM! Though I now have many, it is very pleasing to strap on my drum, not unlike long ago in marching band, and together create an energy that causes our hearts to pound smiles on all our faces. Together with the people with which I now play, thank you all very much, I have had the pleasure of seeing those smiles on a very broad range of people. Children, parents and grandparents all at the same time, all smiling, all dancing in the their own hearts. The energy within the music being played here must well be a good thing to be able to touch so many.
May the music never stop.
Peace, Dan
