Full Resume
Profile
Versatile, creative and innovative professional with advanced skills in rudimental percussion, drum set, world percussion, many different musical styles and the ability to translate those ideas to kids and adults in a fun and effective manner. Believes in hard work, persistence and consistency with an importance on basics and a foundation of the history but also embodies a high level of patience and understanding. Some past students have went on into the pro music world but most have went on to the business world, the medical field, engineering, other arts and some into IT. No matter where their path has led them in life, their training in the discipline of the study of music and their experiences with different performance ensembles and learning how to work with other people have helped them in many facets of their journey to where they are now.
Technical Skills and Strengths
Can sight read, arranger and composer for percussion, technical experience on many world percussion instruments, advanced rudimental knowledge and ability, uses Sibelius notation software, Virtual Drum Line sound pallet, can play in time with a click track, can drum and sing backup or lead vocals at the same time.
Strengths: Strategic Planning, Team Leading, Team Player, Detailed Oriented and a Realistic Optimist.
Repertoire of instruments
Contemporary and Orchestral Percussion: concert snare drum - fundamental marimba studies - bass drum - cymbals - accessories
Ethnic Percussion
Latin Percussion: tumbadora - timbales - bongos - cajon - güiro - maracas/maracon - guacharaca - alegre - llamador - planera - guasa´ - barril de bomba - guagua/cua´- tambora - hand accessories
West African Percussion: djembe - sabar - ashiko - bougarabou - dunnun - kenkeni - talking drum - udu - shekere
Indian Percussion: dhol - dhaff - an understanding of konnakol counting and tihai phrasing
North African/Middle Eastern: tar - riq - muzhar - dahola - Egyptian tabla/darbuka - karkabous - zils - bendir - dayerah - mizhar
Spanish: cajon (Flamenco) - castanets - pandereta - palmas
Brazilian Percussion: pandeiro - repinque - tambourim - surdo - caxia - atabaque - chocalho/rocar - rebolo - caxixi - zabumba - shekere -
Rudimental Marching Percussion: contemporary drum corps style - (snare - quads, split basses), contemporary cymbal playing, 1800’s fife drumming and interpretation, New Orleans Second Line brass band style
Drum Set music styles: Jazz - Rock - New Orleans 2nd line - Colombian Folk, Urban and Atlantico - Afro Cuban - West African - North African Rai -Gnawa - Chaabi, Spanish Flamenco, Turkish Art Music/fusion, Funk - Afro-Beat - Brazilian pop (mbp) and Jazz - R&B - Soul - Blues - gospel - Country - Pop - Neo Soul - Soca - Zouk - Break Beats - Drum'n'Bass - Jungle
Electronic Percussion: Experience on Roland SPD SX - zendrum - abelton live - Apple Logic - kontact player
Notation Software: Sibelius - Virtual Drum Line
DAW Studio One 5, Abelton Live
Studied With
Christopher Hardy, Kit Chatham , Orlando Cotto, Abdel Tahour, Abdou Bayefall, Abdoulaye Sarr Ndiaye, Jessica D Albino, Jacobo Alvarez, Benja Russel, Tim Church, Mark Thurston, Eddie Capps, Diaz Clark, Joe Southard, Eugene Fambrough, Tom Mazzeo, Paul Gansmer, Jack Starling, Mark Smith, Rob Minier, Rick Adams, Mike Neidhart, Dino Riccio and William Meyers
Performance Experience
"Aint Too Proud: A Life And Times of The Temptations"
As a local musician/percussionist for Florida tour stops for the off Broadway theatre show tour
Tampa 2023/Orlando 2022
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”
As a local musician/percussionist for Florida stops for the off Broadway theatre show tour Tampa/Orlando 2023
Dolly Parton Tribute by William Claire Entertainment March 2023
Divas 3 by William Claire Entertainment March 2023
Kafkasso As a drummer/percussionist in a band fusing Flamenco, and Turkish melodies together in one completely captivating audial experience. Current
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Buc Beat Line. Bassdrummer 2022 - Current
Wahh! World Fusion Band- Indian Classical/Western funk, rock and jazz fusion
Drummer/Percussionist in national touring band 2013-Current
Jazz Phools New Orleans traditional jazz, zydeco and 2nd line Drummer 2017 - Current
The Jammitors. - A trash can rudimental trio
sub Musician/Performer at E.P.C.O.T 2012-March 2020
Main Street Philharmonic - Marching band at Walt Disney's
Magic Kingdom sub Percussionist/Performer 2018 - March 2020
Acme Jazz Garage - sub Drummer/Percussionist 2016 - Current
The Robin Swenson Trio
A trio that primarily plays jazz with some old Motown and pops
at Eddie V's Restaurant in Tampa
Sub Drummer 2017 - 2019
Element - Tao - Meditational, Ambient Soundscape, world music
Percussionist 2015 - 2017
Perseverance Brass Band - New Orleans second line style band
Drummer 2003-2004/2011- current
Kid Ditch's Harlem Madness A jazz orchestra which plays 1920s/1930s jazz - of the Cotton Club and the Harlem Renaissance. Drummer 2015 - Current
Madrin’ha Belly Dance school - Percussionist for classes and shows 2011/2013-2019
Jungle Book: Alive With Magic at Disney's Animal kingdom
Also for a special performance at the White House for
First Lady Michelle Obama
drummer/percussionist Summer 2016
The Music Box:Tampa - a percussionist with Rayzilla's Modified
Mosquito Massive special event 2016
Gloria West and The Gents Old School jazz Drummer/Percussionist 2014-2016
Blue Muse Quartet - played 13th century Spanish Cantigas
Percussionist 2012-2015
Justin Theory - Americana Drummer/Percussionist 2014
Mike Lapichino Brass Players - plays various genres for special events
sub Drummer/Percussionist 2013-2014
Mo’Rockin - Performed North African classics, pop and gnoua
sub Percussionist at E.P.C.O.T playing darbuka and zendrum 2012-2014
Walker Smith Group - IBC champ and 2009 Blues King of Beale Street
Drummer/Percussionist 2012-2014
Chris Walker Band - Florida rock, blues and soul sub Drummer 2013
Enrique Iglesias - performed with him at a McDonalds
business convention for all of the world franchise owners 2012
Timothy Bloom - 2 time Grammy winning singer/songwriter/producer
I was Director and Percussionist in his backing band for a few special events in Florida 2012
The Standback Band- Southern Steel, New Orleans soul and funk
Drummer/Percussionist 2011-2012
The Positive Solution band - Chicago blues, rock, R&B Drummer 2011-2012
John Stone and Loosed Chains - Drummer/Singer - Motown & oldies 2011
Z Street Beat - Percussion trio performed at Clearwater Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Festival 2011
Kitchen Beat Tokyo Disney Sea - Musician/Entertainer/MC , acting,
rudimental drumming and speaking in Japanese 6 shows a day April 06 - May 08 Oct. 08-Oct 2010
Tokyo Groove Nights- Performed with the W.B.C. drum set summit Fall 2010
Funcussion 14th & 15th annual concert at S.T.B. in Tokyo - Guest Performer- for group that performs school outreach, at nursing homes and drum festivals in Japan and South Korea 2009/2010
Cool Service Tokyo Disney Sea Summer event - MC/Percussionist ( in Japanese ) for
park wide show. 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010
Martin & Washington Choir - Drummer/Singer in regional touring family choir summer 2008
Rhythms of The World - Pre show percussion trio, main show Drummer with
60 other dancers, musicians, characters (MC in Japanese) Jan. 05-March 05/Jan. 06-March 06
Orlando Bridge C.F. church band - drummer Oct. 05 - Jan. 06
Ray Lasonne’s band - Drummer for established N.Y.C. jazz singer Sept. 05 - Dec. 05
Jinxed Dream - Drummer/Singer original/cover pop, funk, ska, rock. 2003 - 2005
Crunch Time - Trash can/world percussion group, performed at Universal Studios Orlando 2004
Cornerstone church band - Drummer spring 03 - fall 04
Journey Fellowship church band - Drummer 2002 - 2005
The Chris May trio - Drummer, performed on Carnival and Princess cruises Dec. 02 -April 03
Robert Dante - Drummer/Singer - backed R&B singer/pianist Jan 02 - April 02
Red Beans & Rice - Drummer - Jazz band Jan. 01 -Feb 02/ Oct. 04 - Jan 06
Daddy G and the Gangsters - Drummer - Chicago blues band Dec. 01 - Feb. 02
Movers & Groovers - Drummer - Self incorporated percussion trio, performed many
business conventions, Boy Scout awards and Fl. 2000 Special Olympics spring 2000 - May 03
Tapestry of Nations/Tapestry of Dreams parade at E.P.C.O.T - Drummer/Performer 2000 - 2003
The Jammitors - E.P.C.O.T. Rudimental percussion trio performed 7 shows a day. Performed business conventions, school outreaches April 99 - Feb. 02
The Jammitors - Tokyo Disney - same as above but spoke in Japanese fall 98 -April 99
The Spirit of Atlanta drum & bugle corps - Drummer, performed shows and clinics all over the south, northeast, midwest, southwest. 8 week summer tour 1995-1998
Shuma - Drummer, Performed inspirational jazz and world beat music around Tampa Bay at art galleries, festivals, Tampa Theater My first gigs 1995-1997
The Modern Jazz Quintet - Drummer, performed at Hillsborough county school
functions and local parties. We won a few amateur band contests. 1994 -1997
Southern Pride Percussion - W.G.I. indoor percussion Performed in competitions
and parades. 1996/1997
H.C.C. - Performed with the big band, percussion ensemble while studying
music theory and basic piano 1995/1996
Suncoast Sound drum & bugle corps - Performed and competed against groups
from around the world while touring the US. We did an Energizer Battery
commercial that was aired in Canada. 1993 - 1994
Bloomingdale H.S. - Performed with marching band, chorus,
symphonic band and W.G.I. drum line 1993 -1995
Light House Christian Center praise team - drummer 1993 - 1995
Mclane Jr. High - performed with marching and concert band 1990-1991
Dowdell Jr. High - learned in beginning band 1989
Living Faith praise team - performed with church band 1988 -1992
Martin & Washington choir - (South Carolina) Singer with family choir,
toured regionally and performed at radio stations regularly, I was a singer from age 4. 1980 - 1985
My interests include: Traveling, going to concerts, taking photos, language and cultural study, snowboarding, automotive technology, watching documentaries, comedy and wuxia flicks, drumming
and teaching kids and young adults and seeing them grow into mature and creative musicians
Teaching Experience
Private Instruction - Elementary through high school students 1995 -1997/2013 -2020
Wiregrass Ranch H.S. - Percussion consultant
Helped them with middle eastern percussion and sounds 2018
Banda de Marcha de Somondoco in Boyacá, Colombia 2018
Medellin Gran Banda in Medellin, Colombia 2017
percussion instructor helping prepare for international competition
Colombianidad Festival in Tocancipá, Colombia
I taught at all the local schools and judged a competition 2016
Dance From The Heart Belly dance Convention:
Middle Eastern Percussion Masterclasses 2016
Banda Show Latinpre de Colegio Nacionalizado in Boyacá, Colombia 2016
Colboy Band de Marcha de Colegio de Boyacá in Tunja, Colombia 2016
Escuela de Formación de Bandas Marciales in Guasca, Colombia 2016
Marching Band Fundacion Monluar in Facatativa, Colombia 2016
Elementary and High schools in Tocancipá & Villapinzon, Colombia 2015 late summer
TOQUEMUS music festival in Tocancipá, Colombia
I taught clinics and master classes for a week. 2015 early summer
Wiregrass Ranch H.S. - drum line/percussion instructor/arranger 2011-2015
Finished 2nd at state marching band championships
John Long Middle School - Percussion Instructor/Consultant 2011 -2015
Weightman middle school- Percussion Consultant 2014-2015
Wesley Chapel HS - Percussion Consultant and Arranger 2014
Medellin Gran Banda (in Colombia) - Front ensemble technician 2014
Bay Area Percussion Ensemble - FFCC Silver medalist and WGI PIA World Finalist
Percussion Consultant 2013
Bay Area Percussion F.F.C.C. - Percussion Technician, Arranger. First year group that
placed 5’th in state finals and second at WGI regional 2011-2012
Tampa Bay Thunder drum & bugle corps D.C.A. - Percussion Technician 2011-2012
Private Teacher - Private drum instruction while in Tokyo. 2008 - 2009
Teal Sound drum & bugle corps D.C.I. - Percussion Technician - 3’rd in open class Div III finals,
won High Percussion award in 2004, placed 5th Open Class Div II World Finalist 2005
Avalon School of Music - Private sub Drum Instructor - Dec 04/ Aug. 05 - Dec. 05
Countryside H.S. band - Consultant Percussion technician - Superior at F.B.A. 2004
Riverview H.S. band - Consultant Percussion Technician - Superior at F.B.A. 2005
Kiwanis Kavaliers - (Ontario, Canada) - Percussion Technician Quarterfinalist 2002-2003
Tampa Bay Thunder drum corps - Percussion Technician DIV III World Finalist 2000-2001
Percussive Arts Society clinic (central FL)- Percussion Technician, Arranger 2001
Cypress Creek H.S. band - Percussion Technician - Class 4A State Champs as
well as state Grand Champion - Superior at F.B.A. 2000
Synergy Sound Youth Parade Band - Percussion Technician 1996/1997
Seminole H.S. band - Percussion Technician Superior at F.B.A.
BOA Southeast regional finalist and the National AA division champion
at the WGI Friendship Cup Championships 1995/1996
Seminole H.S. drum line - W.G.I. - Percussion Technician, Arranger
Miami Regional Scholastic open Champ 1996
Robinson H.S. band - Percussion Director, Arranger Superior rating
at F.B.A. 1996
Bloomingdale H.S. band - Percussion Director, Arranger, W.G.I. Fl Miami
regional scholastic A champs 1995-1996
Burns Middle School - Taught rudiments and basic technique, helped kids
transition to H.S. 1993 - 1996
Clair Mel Elementary - Helped up coming 5th graders with reading (6th grade)
The beginning of learning basic teaching skills 1988