About the Author
Early Life
I grew up in the oil fields of West Texas before the internet, about as far from a bagpipe band as anyone can get. I'm intimately familiar with a feeling you may have experienced yourself—reaching and grasping for information about pipe band drumming without a clear path forward and a mentor to show you the ropes. In the beginning, uncovering the mysteries of pipe band drumming seemed like a monumental hurdle. I was clueless about where to begin, but I was instantly hooked and had to figure it out!
My dream is to watch you sail past those years, miles, and lengths I went through and to watch that musical void disappear!
Education
I'm a lifelong musician. I started on the piano before joining my junior high band as a percussionist and snare drummer in the marching band. I moved to Oklahoma City when I was 14, playing snare in the high school drum line, and joined the local group Red Lion Pipe Band. I studied music education at Oklahoma City University while playing drum set in an experimental indie rock band and began traveling with the bagpipe performance group Scotland Rising.
Career
I ventured into a more competitive realm, twice participating in Grade 3B at the World Pipe Band Championships. With Lyon College under Pipe Major Will Muirhead and Drum Sergeant Tom Foote, we clinched an impressive 2nd place in 2001.
After my academic journey, I embarked on a new chapter in Branson, MO, honing my skills as a self-taught drum set artist in the vibrant entertainment scene. Collaborating with exceptional artists of all kinds, I carved my niche and thrived for nearly 15 years in the breathtaking Ozark Mountains.
In 2012, I claimed a gold medal in the Grade 3 snare solo competition at "Winter Storm," and performed alongside the powerhouse drum group The Ruff Drags. The next year, I joined the prestigious Oran Mor Pipe Band from Albany, NY (Grade 1), led by Pipe Major Andrew Douglas (Piper's Dojo) and Drum Sergeant Michael Eagle (Rhythm Monster).
Another highlight was my three-year role in the Tony Award-winning production, Million Dollar Quartet, as drummer and understudy for the iconic role of Johnny Cash. This identified me as a versatile and accomplished musician, setting me apart in the competitive Branson music scene.
My journey extended globally as I sailed across oceans and toured extensively in China with the legendary act, The Haygoods.
The Next Chapter
In 2018 I was ready for a break from drumming full-time and moved to Denver, CO, to work for the historic Rupp's Drums and get to know a new scene. I worked remotely with Rupp's during the pandemic and began teaching virtually. This unique situation finally enabled me to embrace one of my lifelong dreams - teaching pipe band drumming to people I love.
Slowly, as the country opened back up, I felt ready to get back to playing. I began traveling again and found my footing working, competing, composing for, and performing with different pipe bands, groups, and artists from around the country. I eventually moved from Denver, CO, back to Oklahoma City, OK, where I became the Drum Sergeant for the Oklahoma Fire Pipes & Drums. In 2021 I began competing and working again as a snare soloist and won the gold medal again at my first competition as a Grade 2 drummer.
Currently, I'm fully immersed in music once more, serving as the drummer for Infinit-E, an electrifying Elvis Tribute group hailing from Nashville, TN. Since its launch in late 2022, the band has swiftly become a sensation in the ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist) realm, captivating audiences nationwide. Alongside renowned Tribute Artists, Infinit-E stands out as a revered ETA band, setting new standards for excellence in performances across the country.
Vision
I've loved playing music my entire life. I've learned more about life and music than I ever could have guessed before I started, and I'd love to teach you some of the things I discovered along the way.
I want to help you understand the fundamentals of music and learn to feel the rhythm deep down in your bones.
I want to see your love of drumming open new doors, expand your friends/family circle triple-fold, create countless unexpected life lessons, and change your life the way it changed mine.
I want to help you make your own unforgettable moments and rich, genuine experiences as a lifelong musician.
I want you to fall in love with this style of drumming the way I have and ensure you keep picking up the sticks again and again!
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My Drumming Channel
