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PH

Music

I've played drums almost my entire life. I studied theory, ear training, arranging, composition, performance & songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and Cabrillo Community College in Aptos, CA.

In the 7th grade I was described as a "real band rat, who will play with anyone, any time." This turned out to be prophetic.

I love music, especially playing rock music. Being on stage w/ the band between all the amps and monitors playing drums is to literally be at the center of the music, both sonically and physically because you can feel every note in your body. It's an amazing experience.

I recommend everyone from all walks of life learn drums.

“The best thing for drummers is to have fun.”

— Jeff Porcaro

Highlights

Forest Rising

Drums, 2026-present - Forest Rising, playing covers and original music. We're booked through the rest of the year — check the website for upcoming shows!

The Coasters & The Shirelles

Drums, 1997 - Ad-hoc band on Redding, CA tour stop.

Thirsty Curses

Drums, 2018-2019 - A garage rock/eclectic/Americana band based in Raleigh, NC, performing original material regionally from SC to VA.

Merges

Drums, 2017-2018 - An alternative rock band performing original material in Raleigh, NC.

  • "EP" - 3 track E.P., 2018

Marc Ganancias

Drums, 2012

Signals From Satellites

Drums, 2008-2012

Music Education

Berklee College of Music

1994 - Drum Set – Theory, arranging, private lessons, songwriting club, songwriting competition. Formed pop-folk duo with a friend. Numerous school work and demo recordings. Performed “caff-show” with Dr. Anthony Fesmire – Original progressive rock – Trip to Nashville – Met Janis Ian, asked her who the "brown-eyed girl in hand-me-downs" was.

Cabrillo Community College

1990 – 1996 - Music Major – Theory, ear-training, 4 part writing, 5 part writing, arranging, improvisation, private lessons, numerous performing ensembles (listed above). Also public speaking, mass media, English, Spanish, study skills, and more.

Private Lessons

1991 – 1994 - Drum Set & percussion – Latin grooves, hand technique, time.

Associations

B.M.I.

1994 – present - Registered writer/performer with B.M.I. I've received actual royalty checks!

Equipment

Drums

TAMA Walnut/Birch Starclassic, standard depths, black lacquer
  • 22″ x 14″ virgin kick
  • 12″ x 8″ tom
  • 16″ x 16″ floor tom
  • 14″ x 6″ S.L.P. G-Maple Snare
  • 14″ x 5.5″ 1980s Imperialstar Steel/Chrome Snare (alternate)
    This thing is a cannon

Cymbals

Left to right

  • 13″ K/Z Series Hi-Hats (it's like a pair of New Beats, but on crack)
  • 18″ Paiste Signature Series Thin China (used occasionally)
  • 18″ Paiste Signature Series Full Crash
  • 22″ Paiste Masters Twenty Dark Ride
  • 19″ Paiste Signature Series Dark Energy Crash
  • 20" TAMA Ride used as a crash (used very rarely)
    (Yes, it's one of those cheapo practice cymbals, but makes a great crash)

Sticks

Vic Firth SD2 Bolero Model, wood tip, just about my whole life

Previous Drum Sets

TAMA Swingstar (2000s)
  • 5 piece (but I only used 4)
  • "accel" depths
  • black wrap finish
Yamaha Stage Custom
  • 5 piece
  • fusion sizes
  • cherry finish
TAMA Artstar II
  • 5 piece
  • "xtras" depths
  • amber finish (I miss these babies)
TAMA Swingstar (late 80s silver badge)
  • 7 piece
  • "xtras" depths
  • misty chrome wrap finish
CB-700
  • 5 piece
  • standard depths, w/ 20" kick. Punchy little sucker!
  • blue sparkle wrap finish
  • TAMA Swingstar 5.5" Steel/Chrome snare