Totally Psyched!...

I started playing drums a little over 4 years ago. I got my kit on January 3, 2005 (still remember the day ), and from day one I've been self-taught. I play pretty much exclusively "rock", but within that broad category there are many styles I enjoy.

A few months ago, I was really regretting not getting lessons when I started, so I was considering taking lessons either from RIT (nearby our house), or from the jazz-band drummer at our school (who is extremely talented). I eventually decided, due to cost, to stick with the school drummer, and I took about a month or two of lessons, once a week, with the eventual intention of possibly joining jazz-band next year. I knew it would really help my skills, so I figured, "Why not? I gotta do SOMETHING besides hockey, right?"

Well, we kinda lost touch over Christmas Break, and I pretty much decided to dump jazz-band because I thought it might be too much on top of school, job, hockey, dual-enrollment, etc. I was deluded and lazy, and this was simply my excuse to not have to take lessons any more and not have to worry about it.

Then, about 2 weeks ago, our band teacher passed me in the halls and asked if I still was considering auditioning for jazz-band. I told him I didn't know for sure because I didn't have the balls to say "No". Even so, it rekindled that desire deep down to go for it and actually try something for once (I should add that next year is my Senior year, so I'm running out of time ). That Thursday, my brother asked the same question, and finally convinced me to try out after all. The only problem: auditions were the following Monday, and I only had about a month of jazz experience total, and even that was 3 or so months ago. As part of the audition, I was required to play a tune with the current jazz-band. With only a month under my belt, I was prepared to be humiliated. Big time. I scheduled an emergency lesson with John (my teacher), and we went over the audition requirements.

This past Monday came and went, and I felt like the audition went quite well. I avoided any major errors, and only had to play about a third of the song I was given. I could tell by the teacher's look and by the rest of the band's reaction's that they were surprised and impressed, so I was confident. On Tuesday, I walked past the band teacher on the way into school, and he told me that I got the part! He said my audition was excellent; they only had 3 other people try out, and they were all terrible! Needless to say, I'm quite pleased, and am proud of myself for finally going outside my comfort zone. And I pretty much owe it all to my teacher, who taught me more in a month than I've learned in the 3+ years of self-teaching combined. He pretty much saved my a$s, so here's to him!

Sorry for the long-winded monologue, but I just had to get that off my chest. I'm pretty happy right now!

Now I have to go practice jazz some more so I don't suck come next year.

awesome! playing drumset with the jazz band is one of the greatest feelings ever. its so much fun. congratulations!

Nice to hear, Its gonna be alot of fun. Glad you decided to try out for it.

Thanks, guys! I'm definately excited for next year.

Which, I should add, is saying something, because I despise school.

Congrats, and just so you know, the drummer in any high school jazz band is always the absolutely coolest cat in the entire school.

That's great to hear DT. Congratulations!!!!!!!!! Jazz is a very cool genre. My son played in the H.S. jazz band, and he still leans towards Jazz, even while playing rock. I'm the same way also. I've always felt that a drummer who has played Jazz makes for a much cooler rock player, if that makes any sense.

Certainly makes sense, and I agree. Rock evolved out of jazz, so if you are fluent in jazz, it will make you a much greater rock drummer.

At least I think that's what you're saying.

Congrats, man! Jazz is my favorite style to play (especially big band!)

I want to learn JAZZ! Congrats! CAT!

So cool! Congratulations! You know, thats a very inspiring story. I have a buddy who wants to hook up with me, my wife, and another guitarist for a jazz project. Like you, im not a jazzer, and Ive been avoiding it.

But what the {censored}, ima gonna give it a shot.

Thanks for the shot in the arm!

So cool! Congratulations! You know, thats a very inspiring story. I have a buddy who wants to hook up with me, my wife, and another guitarist for a jazz project. Like you, im not a jazzer, and Ive been avoiding it. But what the {censored}, ima gonna give it a shot. Thanks for the shot in the arm!

Hey, anytime, anytime....

And thanks for the props!