Reunited or My Drumset and Me

I was a member of the percussion section from 6th grade through 12th grade band. I loved it. Every song was a new adventure and I had the opportunity to try out so many instruments. (I actually assigned parts as I was section leader from my freshman through senior year. Matt B. always played tympani as he was the only one with perfect pitch). Other than that, I moved people around or tried to have them play some instrument they enjoyed.

Around the end of my freshman year, my parents purchased a drum set for me. It was a Slingerland 5 piece set made of teakwood. I played the trap set for the pep band mostly. I was also in a garage band for a brief time. Then I graduated from high school and my set traveled to a friend's house and stayed there for years until it ended up at my aunt's house. Now it is with me.

Considering the set is 26 years old, and it hasn't exactly been treated as a piece of fine furniture, it's in good shape, with the exception of the high hat which is missing a vital piece.

I just like looking at the set. I have played around on it a bit and am slowly remembering some of the patterns I frequently used in pep band. It is as if I am reunited with some of my fun memories of high school. Playing "Wipe Out" for example brings back memories of setting up in a corner of the gym and playing my heart out. Frankly, I wasn't there for the boys basketball team. I was there to rock. And rock we did.