The
background.....
Justin began his love for drumming and music
as most
kids do. Following his instincts, he found his way into the first
meeting of
the 5th grade school band. As this newfound interest grew,
he found himself a member of the concert band, and shortly after,
the marching band.
As a high school student in southwest Virginia, he
began to study drumming
extensively. By playing in high school talent shows, jamming with
friends,
competing in rudimental solo competitions, attending marching
percussion camps/clinics, and listening to new music
everyday,
his musical abilities and passion were growing at a phenomenal rate.
Yearning
for more after his high school years, Justin sought out mecca and
attended Morehead State
University, located in Morehead, Kentucky.
While there, he was a member of the award winning marching band,
indoor drumline, concert band, symphonic band, and percussion
ensemble. While
at MSU, he had the opportunity to study all areas of percussion with
Frank
Oddis, Todd Wright, Greg Strouse, and Brian Mason. During these years,
he was
also active as a performer in the DCI drum and bugle corps activity.
Since
aging-out, Justin has served as a caption head/arranger/tech
for
various groups in DCI Div II/III. With experience in the indoor
drumline realm,
Justin has most recently been involved with scholastic and independent
programs
in central Kentucky.
Since graduation from MSU in the spring of 2001,
Justin has been highly active in percussion education. This has
seen him become involved with local scholastic music programs, as
well as helping musicians develop on the individual level. His
passion and desire of sharing knowledge has lead to developing
regionally acclaimed marching and
concert ensembles, and building a
constantly growing private lesson studio. The flourishing musical
environment
in Lexington, KY is a
perfect vehicle for his teaching, as well as drum set performance
opportunities.
As a
performer, a busy schedule of club dates provides the
fulfillment of Justin's passion for the art of drumming.
Justin’s primary
drumming philosophy: “if the music doesn’t feel
good, chances are, it
doesn’t sound good”.
He is a current member of the
Percussive Arts Society.
Also, part of the Vic
Firth Education Team as an MPS
(Marching
Percussion Specialist), since 2001.
