My drumming experience began in the fall of 1966 when I
started seventh grade. My parents got me a used 3-piece
Ludwig set for Christmas that year. This thing must have
been from the forties or fifties. It had a huge Zildjian ride
cymbal mounted in the middle of the base drum. After I
demonstrated to my parents that I would stick with
drums, they later bought me a new Ludwig Rocker set
(pink Champaign wrap finish).
My first drum set in 1966.
Over the course of the next five years, I
gained experience with a variety of
percussion instruments and played in both
marching and concert bands. Competition
was tough but I was able to maintain
first-chair position though most of my
tenure. My training was focused more
towards a rudimental drumming approach.
Marching snare drum in the L.D.Bell High School
Raider band in Hurst, Texas. 1971
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Drums were placed on hold after high school. This
gave me a chance to complete my Bachelor's degree at
The University of Houston, get married, and begin my
career as an electronics engineer.
Years later, one of my two daughters started
percussion in seventh grade as I had done. Hoping to
stimulate her interest further, I purchased a Ludwig
Rocker set for her, just as my dad had done for me.
That set rejuvenated my interest in playing drums and
I have continued ever since.
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