Learning Percussion At 8

Remembering the first time I played drums 

The coordination was a lot to learn 

Learning new ways to use fingers and thumbs

Looking deep inside, that was where I’d turn 

Tapping on my desk like a singer hums

To become the next Buddy Rich, I’d yearn

Never learning a drum roll, I would fear 

Mastering this technique took me a year…

-AAA 01/15/2024

Drummers Feel The Beat 

Playing the skins is never quite easy

Much dexterity is required

That’s why drummers are never cheesy.

They’re far more respected and admired

Despite the difficulty under which they play

At the end of the set they are often tired.

Each time they play, it’s a different way 

That’s how we create our licks 

Practicing both night and day. 

Crafting ad libs and other tricks

In the arsenal of skills

Using two fine wooden sticks.

The kits aren’t cheap and fetch high bills

Why many a drummer doesn’t have a set 

Always keeping the beat with thrills.

Leaving their best at each gig without regret

Pouring it all into every song

Strong forearms are the safest bet.

Ask any percussionist if I’m wrong

Giving their all to preserve the beat

Sitting in back as the guitarists throng.

Learning anew from all we meet

Ever expanding the repertoire

Until our skillsets are complete

Hauling our gear in a van or car…

-AAA 08/27/2024

Rik-ah-tick-ah

(For Mr Milton Greg who taught me this word to help me subdivide my high school field show music)

“Rik-ah-tick-ah” is a word that emotes

When subdividing, percussion notes.

It keeps me in time

And drum playing, sublime.

It makes an interesting word in quotes…

-aaa