A "Behind the Music" on myself . . .
Inspired by the musical passion of my late grandfather, Warren Johnson, horn player
for the legendary Dick Rodgers Orchestra, I joined the elementary school band at
Elmore in 5th grade as a percussionist. Little did I know then that percussionist did not
necessarily mean drum set. Come to think of it, I don't think I knew what a
percussionist even was!Before I could hop on the kit I had to play my fair share of
mallets, timpani, triangle and others before I could "rock out". Drum set playing arrived
in middle school in the form of a red Pearl Forum with Camber cymbals that my dad
rented for me. He bought himself a guitar and together we started a band. We didn't
claim to be great, but we could play the beginnings to at least a dozen songs. What I
wouldn't go back and listen!
As the year's passed and my playing progressed ,there were two individuals that really
inspired me to further my musical career; my grandfather and Dave Schepp, my high
school band director. My grandfather was always sharing stories of gigs and tales from
the road, insisting that I push forward with my playing. Sadly he was taken to Heaven
for a "gig" in the summer of 2004. I'd like to think he is still watching me when I play.
My band director Dave Schepp was also instrumental in fueling my musical fire. He
arrived at West De Pere when I was a freshman and made an immediate impact.
Throughout my high school career I participated in every area of the music program and
enjoyed loved every minute of it. I still remain in contact with Dave and lend a hand to
the marching band when I can. A few other people who I owe a debt of gratitude to are
Mark Budwit, Craig Hanna, Mark Powers, Jay Edgertone, Doc Rock and Dennis
Panneck. I thank them for all of the inspiration they have given me and the lessons they
have taught.
So where am I now? I spend my weekends playing with the country-rock band Grand
Union and occasionally dawning 80's rock god in The Glam Band. You never know
where else I might turn up so keep checking out my schedule!
Inspired by the musical passion of my late grandfather, Warren Johnson, horn player
for the legendary Dick Rodgers Orchestra, I joined the elementary school band at
Elmore in 5th grade as a percussionist. Little did I know then that percussionist did not
necessarily mean drum set. Come to think of it, I don't think I knew what a
percussionist even was!Before I could hop on the kit I had to play my fair share of
mallets, timpani, triangle and others before I could "rock out". Drum set playing arrived
in middle school in the form of a red Pearl Forum with Camber cymbals that my dad
rented for me. He bought himself a guitar and together we started a band. We didn't
claim to be great, but we could play the beginnings to at least a dozen songs. What I
wouldn't go back and listen!
As the year's passed and my playing progressed ,there were two individuals that really
inspired me to further my musical career; my grandfather and Dave Schepp, my high
school band director. My grandfather was always sharing stories of gigs and tales from
the road, insisting that I push forward with my playing. Sadly he was taken to Heaven
for a "gig" in the summer of 2004. I'd like to think he is still watching me when I play.
My band director Dave Schepp was also instrumental in fueling my musical fire. He
arrived at West De Pere when I was a freshman and made an immediate impact.
Throughout my high school career I participated in every area of the music program and
enjoyed loved every minute of it. I still remain in contact with Dave and lend a hand to
the marching band when I can. A few other people who I owe a debt of gratitude to are
Mark Budwit, Craig Hanna, Mark Powers, Jay Edgertone, Doc Rock and Dennis
Panneck. I thank them for all of the inspiration they have given me and the lessons they
have taught.
So where am I now? I spend my weekends playing with the country-rock band Grand
Union and occasionally dawning 80's rock god in The Glam Band. You never know
where else I might turn up so keep checking out my schedule!
www.ericjohnsondrummer.com
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