Rhythms part 2.

I have a memory when I was about 8 to 10 years old. My family would visit my stepdad's brother’s house from time to time, where the whole family would hang out, and the kids and parents would get together. Now and then, honestly, I think I only remember seeing him one or two times. There was this kid in the neighborhood who would play the drums with his kit set up on the back of a truck. This was the first time I witnessed a real drummer REALLY playing the drums. If you've seen part one you know by this age the drums were already in my heart. They were so loud and sounded amazing. His kit was shiny and black. He was playing beats, something reminiscent of hip-hop but unique from that. I noticed how tight his playing was. I saw the love in what he was doing. I admired his confidence as the whole neighborhood would stop and listen. So inspiring to an extremely shy and traumatized kid. I saw and heard hope, and one day I promised myself I would see them for myself.

Drums are an unique instrument because to play them, you are using multiple parts of your body at the same time, while using your mind both mathematically and for organization. Not to mention being able to control volume and passion like knobs on a board. As you hit the drum, the reward bounces back to you in an instant with sound and vibration. When you learn and begin to apply rhythm you watch your hands begin to build something in front of you.

The drum dates all the way back to 5500 BC. Cultures all around the world have been making and playing them for thousands of years for celebrations and ceremonies and for fun. I can only think of the future of them.

A great artist in Tyler The Creator, is quoted in saying, “We need electricians, we need more drummers, painters, teachers". I’d agree and say we need them all. We need drummers because bands need them. And if we are going to get music back on track. We’re going to need to get to work. No matter the genre.