Bucket brigade

I’m a drummer. I suppose there was a time when I wasn’t a drummer, but those memories are faint. I started on the snare in the 5th grade, moved to drum set in the 6th grade, and the rest is history. I’d like to think that my drumming skillz came from innate talent and hard work, but there’s more to it. My parents invested in my playing by putting me in drum lessons from a young age.

Side-note: not only did my mom have to endure living with three boys (my dad, my brother, and myself), but we’re also ALL three drummers. I’m sure it was a labor of love enduring all of that racket.

I’ve played in marching bands, praise bands, rock bands, jazz bands, symphonic bands, and percussion ensembles. It’s hard to explain the euphoria that comes from playing music with a group of friends and knowing that for better or worse they are following the drummer.

Sometimes I’m tempted to think that I’m a self-made drummer, but in reality, I owe a debt of gratitude to the many teachers I’ve had that invested hours into my success. I’m at the age now that I feel a need to “give back.” One way I’ve been able to do that is through a group called Bucket Brigade.

I started the group in the spring of ‘22, essentially to fulfill a need for childcare at our church. It was a way to pass the time on Sunday night while the parents were in Bible study. What started as a time-killer became something more.

With some 5-gallon buckets and cheap drumsticks, we make a joyful noise together. Did I mention we have t-shirts? We do. No ensemble is legit without t-shirts.