tag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=1Blog2023-10-16T07:56:06-07:00René's Drum Studiofalsetag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/65804222021-03-20T22:10:58-07:002022-04-01T22:17:04-07:002021 update<p>Hey all, It's been a minute. Boy what a year. Lots of things have changed in the last year.</p>
<p>COVID: Yes, I had to switch my entire studio to Zoom online. It was challenging, but I figured it out and even folks who were skeptical at first ended up returning. Those who didn't were replaced by new students. I am now again at almost capacity at 28 drum, mallet, piano students of varying levels. Very strict protocols for teaching in person have been in place. At first, it was strictly online. Now as of March 2021, I'll be fully vaccinated since I work in the schools as a drum line director.</p>
<p>PARENTING: After my then 14 year old had his first real girlfriend experience at the beginning of the pandemic, it was a roller coaster ride of toxic crazy teenage puppy love. I'm sooooo glad it's over and my son can focus on his drumming. He is studying with the best in the country now and will be auditioning for DCI drum corps (already has done a couple). I'm very proud of him. The pandemic has a few silver linings. We became closer as mother and son, and as drummers. We regularly pad out and now he wants piano lessons again. Cool. Mom win there.</p>
<p>My MOM: At 88 and due to the pandemic isolating many elderly, my mom passed away on Dec. 4th. This was extremely painful for my family. Luckily, she wasn't alone and it was fairly quick. If you are reading this and a musician, thank your parents. I would be nowhere without my mom and dad's support in music. RIP mama. Love you.</p>
<p>DRUMLINE: Boy it has been a shit show. First in Spring 2020 the Rex Putnam HS Winter Indoor Percussion had it's season cancelled. We were winning first place again too! We had to make lemonade and I started virtual in August 2020 and we only just as of March 2021 were able to rehearse outside in person. The age-old argument of how the school district treats athletics vs. arts is alive and well! Definitely double standards and I definitely have decided to be more vocal about advocating for my program (after 13 years and award-winning etc). Grant writing continues with success. Although, I kinda resent that I've had to become a good grant writer to support this wildly popular program. Folks are starting to notice, so now some admin is starting to advocate. We'll see....It's for the kids and the best youth development ever. I love drum line. It keeps my chops up and adds some credibility to what I do. LOVE. LOVE LOVE.</p>
<p>GIGS/RECORDINGS: I had the honor of working with John Neff, (David Lynch's music producer for all his 8 films, Journey Recording Engineer, and bassist for Steppin' Wolf). Drumming on Christie Josef's album was super fun and I'm slated to sing some backups.</p>
<p>HERE COMES EVERYBODY is releasing "Unfinished Business" a collection of previously recorded music that deserved to be unleashed into the world. Go to CDbaby and buy it or to the herecomeseverybody website. GET IT. It's dropping April 2, 2021. </p>
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<p>As things get back to a new normal, keep practicing, and keep music in your life. Peace peeps. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rene'</p>
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<p> </p>René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/62816902020-04-13T21:53:25-07:002023-12-10T08:32:54-08:002020 Updates & the COVID-19<p>Holy Cow!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have really been so busy that I haven't updated this site or a blog for quite some time. Let's see, it's been 3 years. Over the last few years, I've been so gratefully busy that I haven't paid much attention to updating this website. I will try to be better about that. I've been teaching like crazy...both privately, group classes, camps, and clinics, as well as my beloved Rex Putnam KINGSMEN THUNDER DRUM LINE. We finally clawed our way up the food chain of Winter Indoor Percussion shows competing on the NWAPA and WGI circuits and won 1st place last year, 2019 in Scholastic A. Also, this year, we were on track for huge wins (not just squeaking by our competition last year), but huge point spreads and took 1st in the two competitions we were able to do before COVID-19 pulled the rug out from EVERYBODY, including Winter Indoor Competitions, DCI Drum Corps, and school, life, and the world. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Since they I've converted my private music studio of drummers, mallet players, and piano students to online. Most made the switch, a few stopped and I'm filling in with new students. I was playing in 3 bands, Nicole Campbell Band (you MUST check her out, voice like butter female singer-songwriter power trio), I was playing in an all-female David Bowie Cover band but am no longer involved in that group. I was also filling in for the ever-popular Nu Wavers, one of the most sought after cover groups in the NW. My husband plays for them and I found myself filling in for a few gigs. I also did some other freelancing in other bands, recording some marching drums on Kit Taylor's album, taught at Free Beat Nation summer camp last year, and the Alan Keown Drum Camp (the premier marching camp in the NW, I'm honored to be on staff there for at least 4-5 years now). </p>
<p>Soooooo....yeah....pandemic....It totally sucks. Especially for us musicians. We make our living performing, instructing, sharing our knowledge to inspire all ages, to sooth the souls, anything from a night out with live music to music therapies used in medicine, to stress relief and back to the ultimate creative outlet. DRUMS ARE THE OLDEST INSTRUMENT y'all. Our tribe is the best. We hang out in groups, support groups, and are the backbone. Our skills sets are the highest in any musical group and those of us who pursue excellence and knowledge end up being the most vital rhythmic part of the musical economy. Yet, here we all are, (not just drummers, but musicians who do this for a living), scrambling to make a living adjust to online, having to roll out entire new lesson plans, and marketing, investing in equipment to get ourselves out there.....Jeez. </p>
<p>Yet, part of this does reconnect us in certain ways. I'm blogging here again. Working on updating my site. I'm reconnected to Tom Tom Magazine and will be doing a live Instagram mini-lesson for thousands of drummers all over the world. Pretty cool. I joined Drummergirls on Facebook and am looking forward to strengthening new relationships and old. </p>
<p>Another fun thing is my now 14 year old son, is HEAVY into the drum line I teach, has become quite the rudimental chorister and he is padding with me on a regular basis since we're stuck inside and as a result, we're both getting better. In some cases, he is smoking my left hand. Jeez, where did that come from? So proud of him. At 14, he is starting to audition for DCI World and Open class drum corps in our area (Columbians and Seattle Cascades) and he will probably enter that world as a younger than usual player. I'm very excited for him. Our house is full of drummers. I'll be doing more videos. </p>
<p>A funny thing about videos is that i have this great website, but I've been so busy teaching that I've never posted much in the way of videos of my playing. I'll be fixing that so stay tuned. Folks know I've been around awhile, degreed, credentialed, experienced,...blah blah blah, but it's time to put it out there. I may even enter the Hit Like a Girl Contest. It's time people. It's time. Stay tuned. let me know you read this stuff, reach out. I'm here for all things drumming and music related. Peace and wash those hands for gawd's sake!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rene'</p>
<p> </p>René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61116032017-11-10T16:00:00-08:002022-05-19T01:32:11-07:00Finding Balance, Making a Living
<p>Hi all,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been awhile! I don't know how many folks are reading this, but it's just a check in. I have been very busy doing this teaching, performing, recording, musician for a living thing. It's tough (insert whine here). It is possible to make a living doing music, but in order to do so, one must be diverse. I am that person. Here's what I do in my purely musical professional life:</p>
<p>Teach drums, Piano, record with others, write songs, direct a Drum Line (huge time commitment), fundraise & grant write for drum line, play weddings and events, consult band directors and do clinics in schools, perform in musical theatre gigs, give recitals for my students and perform at them, freelance all kinds of gigs from recording to improv, to jazz, reading charts etc. I blog for Tom Tom Magazine, ArtemisArts.org, and am a full time music advocate. </p>
<p>So balancing that with my personal life: mom, wife, cancer survivor, caregiver to an aging parent, pet rescue advocate and owner, involved community member.....THAT IS TOUGH STUFF. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finding the time to be an effective teacher and human is a balancing act. I am striving to find it. However, I love what I do. My students are my teachers and inspiration, and my son and family are something I am eternally grateful for. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>So as I move forward with a very busy studio: 30 students and a constant wait list (for over 3 years), I am grateful. Hey it's Thanksgiving, so there you go. Keep practicing, but take a break too! stay in touch. Let me know if you read my blog spew. xo xo</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rene'</p>
<p> </p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61116012014-12-28T16:00:00-08:002021-12-23T01:48:47-08:00Updating the drum studio and other things
<p>Well, I haven't blogged for awhile. It's been a crazy year. I am busier than ever teaching private drum and piano students, directing Rex Putnam's KINGSMEN THUNDER Drum Line (year 6 and going!), and performing in musical theaters for several shows. I've also had a year that through me for a loop: I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am one of the lucky ones though. It was caught early and very small, NOT in the lymph nodes. So I had two lumpectomies and radiation treatment and the support of all my lovely friends, my husband and son, and my wonderful students. Telling them all was difficult. With younger students, I told the parents and let them decide what to share. Eventually, my being tired after all the surgeries and treatments began to show. But I must say how wonderful everyone was in supporting me. So now that I am "cancer-free" (I'll always be looking over my shoulder of course) I can get back to what I love: playing and teaching drums and piano. </p>
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<p>The drum studio needed updating, so I'm pleased to announce that new lighting, paint, carpet, and decor (going with funky modern) will be a fresh outlook and help me and my students be in an organized and inspiring environment for learning. I'm also slightly raising my rates, registering my students, and providing more practice parent support materials to ensure higher success rate in progress. While I'm not 100 percent back to my full energy level, I am energized about moving forward. I am blessed to have had a waiting list for my services for over a year (meaning that at no time am I worried about filling a spot, there seems to be calls almost every week or month and very little turnover). So moving on, I will be blogging more and writing more. Hope you like the new look and pics! I was lucky to keep my hair with my battle with cancer. I am grateful to be here and will continue to rock on! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Love and sparkles, Rene'</p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61116002013-12-18T16:00:00-08:002022-05-21T11:05:13-07:00Anyone reading this?
<p>Hey do me a favor will ya? Email me if you are reading any of these blogs. Considering opening my own blog site. Cheers and have a great holiday!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rene'</p>
<p> </p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115992013-08-21T17:00:00-07:002022-03-07T00:09:37-08:00Keeping busy with diversity
<p>So I haven't blogged in awhile. I've been trying to keep busy. Let me list the ways I try to make my living as a musician/teacher:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Teaching Drums: I love teaching all things drums/drumset/all styles and levels to my private students. Been doing it for over 25 years now. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Teaching Piano: I also love teaching piano and have a nice little gaggle of students. </p>
<p>Teaching Rex Putnam HS Drum Line (KINGSMEN THUNDER): I'm just starting year 5 and really like the students I have so far. I usually get around 8-10 students and the drum line is wildly popular as we play at the schools in and out of the district, local events, and the drum line represents the community.</p>
<p>Professional Drums in musical theatre: This is something I've done on and off for the last 10 years, but in the last couple of years, I've been fortunate to get alot more calls for this. I get to play with some of the best PDX musicians, read lots of music, and be in the musical theatre environment (usually in a sort of orchestra pit). Last year, I played It's A Wonderful Life at PCPA downtown Portland, RENT in Vancouver at Clark College, Putnam Co. Spelling Bee with New Century Players Theatre Group, and Ari Maria at Triangle Productions. Last year I got to do Hairspray with New Century, and Andrews Brothers at Broadway Rose Theatre in Tigard. </p>
<p>Recording: I occasionally get asked to record drum tracks on people's projects. I was recorded on a Canadian singer-songwriter's song (a kind of folky-latin groove thing).</p>
<p>Weddings/Events: I play piano at these. Classical to piano versions of Red Hot Chili Pepper tunes. Whatever the couples want!</p>
<p>Gigs with my band Here Comes Everybody: This is my other baby (I have a 7-year old boy Emerson). HCE has been around since 1986. We aren't gigging alot, but I hope to change that. We're recording another CD and hope to release next Spring.</p>
<p>Clinics in schools: PPS, N. Clackamas areas and Gladstone.</p>
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<p>Okaaaaay! So with the HUGE exception of my own music, which is only an occasional money-maker (it's mostly a money sucking machine), this is what I must do to make a living at music. I ALSO WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. I love what I do. I truly like my students and their families. I also feel the return-love from at least most of them (unless I'm pushing them to another level....then I feel the tension of their growth). Sometimes, it's feast (full student load and musicals going at one time) and sometimes it's FAMINE. Which is not good because I have chosen to do this for a living and baby needs new shoes (the 7-year old one). I recently toyed with the idea of dabbling in real estate. But have decided to grow my own business of music instead. It just wouldn't be fair to my students, not to mention my family to put another iron in the fire that may potentially take me away from what I am called to do.</p>
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<p>So I will be looking at ways to grow my teaching business. I did get a beautiful new A-Frame sign (which is actually working!). While I have backed off on any kind of extreme rate hike, there will be a slight one for new drum students just coming on starting Sept. 3rd. 2013. We'll see how this year shapes up! I hope to gig more with my band and will start booking them for next summer's festivals and outdoor concert series. </p>
<p><strong>So look for me, refer me, buy local music and check out HERE COMES EVERYBODY. BECAUSE A MUSIC TEACHER WHO WALKS THE TALK IS MORE VALUABLE THAN ONE WHO SIMPLY GRINDS THROUGH.</strong> I am looking forward to a wonderful musical year! I will also be performing in the It's A Wonderful Life musical again this holiday. Hope you can come and check it out!</p>
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<p>Love and sparkles,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rene' Ormae-Jarmer </p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115982013-01-12T16:00:00-08:002013-01-13T07:40:17-08:00On raising rates for lessons
<p>So, as many of you know who have been with me for over a year, I have not raised my rates for at least 3 years. I have put this off for several reasons: </p>
<p>I want to keep it accessible for kids to take drum and piano lessons</p>
<p>I fear folks leaving because they think it's "too high"</p>
<p>I am lazy and just haven't done it</p>
<p>After realizing that I have been a "heck of a deal" for so long, I decided to just do it. The result has yet to be tallied. First off, there is no good way for instructors or any business to raise rates. Also there are always new students joining and it will seem too much too soon for those who aren't actually checking around on prices. I have had to stick my plan though. It has come to my attention from other instructors and the fact that I am having to work twice as hard to make a fair living that I just needed to bring things in line. I pay for lessons much more than I charge and even with my rate increase, I'm still shy of what others are charging. </p>
<p>You get what you pay for, especially with professional musicians. I'm going to toot the horn here: I've been teaching for over 20 years, I do recitals (something many other drum instructors won't do because they are so time consuming), I am a credentialed teacher, have a degree, and am a currently very active performing and recording musician. I bring all that to my lessons with my students. Students learn how to be a whole musician, not just the mechanics of playing the drums or piano. Only experienced pros can teach how to be a whole musician: not just a performer, but a professional and how to act accordingly so you get hired back. There are many music lesson teacher "clearing houses" that offer teachers to come to your house to teach your student. I don't recognize ANY of those percussionists. Why? Because they are usually not credentialed, have no degrees, or simply lack experience. Many are young and without the finesse to relate to all ages and types of students. I know, because I was one of them years ago. Granted, I did have my degree before I started actually accepting money for giving lessons to anyone, I went from home to home, and was NOT prepared for some of the questions, technics, and finesse that teaching requires. I also didn't get paid very much back then and it was a ton of effort to go around and drive to people's homes. The companies who set these up make a pretty penny off the teachers/musicians with little or no effort at getting quality serious students. There are exceptions, but these clearing houses drive rates down and give the public a cheap watered-down version and possibly a bad first introduction to music and playing. </p>
<p>So you want a good teacher for your child? Do your home work. Check out what the top music stores (and I'm NOT talking about the Walmart of music stores, Guitar Center for example). I'm talking about real music stores run by real musicians who care about your music education LONG TERM and about having a relationship with you, the actual customer. They will refer to the best teachers in the area. Then from there, it's just about finding the right fit. The rates for those teachers are and should be similar. The more $$, the higher up the food chain of teachers you will go. Don't bottom feed for lessons, you will most likely be leaving your student with an inexperienced teacher who may not be the right fit. </p>
<p>On the other hand, how do these inexperienced teachers get experience? By being so active in the schools and music scene, that they GET on those referral lists at the real music stores, schools, colleges, and word-of-mouth. </p>
<p>I did agonize about raising my rates. I know we are still in a recession. I have a strong intrinsic desire to teach and love it, but as my utilities, my own continuing music education, and everything else goes up, so eventually do my rates. I'm only sorry it seems shocking to some and it's only because I put it off for too long. In the end, I know in general that I don't get to "keep" all my students all the time, but I hope that it the value of a good music education can be seen in a broader sense. I don't just teach the mechanics, I teach the passion and hopefully inspiration of music and all it offers. </p>
<p>Well, gotta run and go take a music lesson....BTW, I'm playing more for this one than I'm charging at my new rates....and I'm happy to do it.</p>
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<p>Love to all who bother reading this.</p>
<p>Rene'</p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115972012-11-22T16:00:00-08:002022-04-25T03:18:28-07:00A good problem to have
<p>Hello everyone who actually reads this blog.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been awhile and I have good reason to be so late in blogging. I have a good problem: I'm too busy with my teaching and playing! What is too busy? Well, so busy that I've actually had to say no to some gigs and that I am starting a waiting list for students. This is a good problem, but here is the flip side. Music is always "feast & famine". One moment you are crazy busy and the next, it seems like no one is calling. Should I even say that I'm too busy? Hmmmm, well let's examine what happened when I mentioned that on facebook. Most were happy for me. Surprisingly, there was one fellow teacher who will remain anon that seemed to question my honesty by "competing" in a sort of agro way, stating that his studio always had room for more students and that what is "busy"? I was kinda peeved at this, but actually not surprised. It's called jealousy. Yes, I am busy as a professional drummer teaching a full (yes, I call 20+ students full) studio, running a drum line for Rex Putnam, training in a cadet line for Alder Creek Middle School, sitting in with Tom Grant, teaching at Oregon Episcopal School, playing weddings, giving drum clinics, and performing in professional musicals this year. Yeah, and I am a MOM, wife, and caregiver to my aging mother. So, hell yeah, I'm busy and very thankful for it. </p>
<p>Let's look at the other side of being busy as a musician. What does that mean given the above amazing list of stuff I do? Well, it means I don't always take care of my own needs like sleeping and eating and staying healthy. It all came to a head last month when I was once again in the car coming home from Oregon Episcopal. I have only a certain amount of time to get home, eat if I'm lucky, and start teaching again at my studio into the evening, often till 8pm, which is bed time and my 7-year-old son is wanting my FULL attention. Here's my what happened:</p>
<p>I had stopped at New Seasons and grabbed a salad roll since I knew I wouldn't be able to eat dinner until after 8pm. I had said salad roll in the car, slammed on my brakes due to some typical heinous traffic on Barbur Blvd, and lo and behold....my beloved salad roll rolls to the floor of the passenger side of the car. I looked longingly at my salad roll, just out of reach.....I was more than pissed, I was devastated. I actually pulled over into a parking lot, retrieved said salad roll and ate what seemed to be safe from dirt and dog hair. It was a new low. At that point, I actually starting crying. I was so busy, blood sugar had crashed long ago, that I was definitely NOT taking care of my own basic needs. Pathetic! </p>
<p>So lest I sound like too much of a whiner. I must make it clear. I am actually a good time manager. Most important, I absolutely love what I do and my students and their families. What is apparent though is that I'm doing a bit too much. I have some ideas that will ease some of the craziness. More next time on that. In the meantime, come see me drum in "It's A Wonderful Life". I'm actually taking a break from my boot camp to stay sane in December. I will be meal planning better and hopefully not eating salad rolls off the floor of my car!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>xoxoxo</p>
<p>Rene'</p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115962012-05-30T17:00:00-07:002022-03-10T22:55:15-08:00Stolen Drum recovered!
<p>OK, so who remembers back in Feb. 2011 a couple of Marching Snares belonging to Rex Putnam's drum line that I direct getting stolen from my car? Remember how angry I was and how I got on KGW news and they did a fantastic story? Also remember how the community came together and donated over $3,000 in funds so we could get new snare drums? Well. Shortly after the theft, I stalked Craig's list and located a snare drum at A-1 Pawn in Gresham. The police retrieved it. Good job Rene'. And yes, I WILL pat myself on the back for that because I was the one checking all the time (probably OCD-like). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well, last week I checked Craig's List again for the second drum and "BOOM". There it was, with a nice picture displaying the serial number and everything. So I called the owner, feigned naive female drummer stereo-type and got the serial number, name, address and everything of where the drum was. Guy said a friend gave it to him for helping him move. He was asking $200. These drums are unique. To replace, for snare, harness, and case it is $400 new. No small chunk of change in a climate that is cutting music funding at schools not adding or supporting (another bog topic for later!). So after almost arguing with the Portland Police, who by the way insisted I meet them in Portland, not Milwaukie, I finally got him to ask his supervisor to go get the damn drum. I was surprised by how grumpy this particular officer was. But he did go get it, and to my surprise, he called me about 30 minutes later and asked me to go back to our coffee shop location in Portland so he could get me the drum. </p>
<p>Justice was served! I thanked the officer profusely (by the way, my coffee shop friends were a little surprised by how unwilling and surly this particular officer was). I have nothing but high respect for our law enforcement, but he was obviously having a bad day or needed more friends or whatever.....</p>
<p>Come to find out the guy's friend who gave the drum to him (the Craig's list person didn't know it was stolen...he says) said his friend was in JAIL FOR ID THEFT AND FRAUD. Yes! Crime doesn't pay and tenacious people like me will hunt you down. </p>
<p>So I shamelessly congratulate myself for tirelessly checking Craig's List for over a year to get stolen drums back for my kids. When it hurts kids, I definitely made the damn lemonade. You kinda have to do that these days. Don't give up. As a musician, if I gave up every time someone said I sucked or wasn't good enough or whatever, I would never be where I am now. By the way, I still strive to get better, because there is always someone better than you.</p>
<p>In closing, don't ever ever steal from me. I never tire to see things put right and that goes for many levels and many meanings.</p>
<p>Have a great day and stay in school kids!</p>
<p>Rene'</p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115952012-05-13T17:00:00-07:002021-03-20T22:13:23-07:00Falling into the Musical World
<p>Soooooo yeah. In the past I never enjoyed musicals. I just wanted the story without everyone stopping to BURST INTO SONG! I would literally sit there and get irritated whenever someone just had to sing their feelings instead of saying them in a more dramatic style. </p>
<p>Well, guess what? I am doing a total 180 degree on that. I have, by sort of accident, fallen into the musical world by being hired to perform at several high profile musicals of late. I've done them in the past. They were usually connected with a high school and never really paid that much, but that has changed now. I am having a blast AND getting paid decent wage for performing in a musical at the Broadway Rose Theatre. "The Andrews Brothers" is set as a 1940's USO show where the stage hands end up in drag as the Andrews Sisters in order for the show to go on. It is a HOOT. The top-knotch talent singing, dancing, and doing tons of on stage antics (while singing and dancing) is incredible. And the musicians I'm playing with are amazing. Bassist Jonathan Lakey and Musical Director/Pianist Jeffrey Childs are A-List players and super-nice and fun to be in a band with. We swing it hard and the production shines. Almost sold out shows for the entire run, we have one more weekend. Show ends May 20th. Don't miss it (shameless plug).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>www.broadwayrose.org</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, yes. My snobbery has turned around quite a bit. As a drummer, playing musicals really takes ALL the discipline I have studied for: reading, timing, dynamics, and tactful drumming. You have to pay attention, no spacing out, and in this production it is even more important since the band is on stage (not relegated to a pit and dressed in black to disappear). I cannot ad lib (too much) and get to enjoy the wonderful actors as they prepare to do their thing. Louise, James, Norman, and Adam are wonderfully talented singers and actors who pull off 4-part swing tunes with amazing precision. The comedic timing is amazing! Backstage, I have had to stop myself from choking on my sparkle water (as you all know, I am addicted to the stuff) because backstage banter and high jinx are keeping everyone in stitches. Being in bands is one thing, but being with a multi-faceted talent like a musical actor is over the top.</p>
<p>There you have it. I am having a GREAT time and hope to continue working with this lovely theatre. The manager, Dan, is wonderfully talented and has a way with the audience. He is also hilariously funny. With all of this, it doesn't feel like work to me. I am enjoying doing this kind of drumming for pay (a nice perk) and getting to be on stage in front of appreciative crowds! I also get to work on my brush work in this musical. The music of the 1940s has certain demands of a percussionist: stirring the soup, keeping great time for the band and singers/dancers, and swinging hard to make it all hip. Who would have ever thought that all that high school and college jazz band work would come in so handy? There you have it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Go see this production. The band is in costume on stage. The sound and lighting are pro and you won't be disappointed! Bring on the musicals! I am for hire!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Love and sparkles, </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rene'</p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115942012-03-31T17:00:00-07:002023-12-10T08:33:20-08:00Being busy, being thankful for being busy
<p>Hello everyone! </p>
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<p>Just a few words about being busy. I am right now, about to be very busy and am very thankful for it! I only have a few openings left for piano or drum students. Yes. Really this is no fib. I have 16 private drum students, 3 up at Oregon Episcopal, and 9 in the Drum Line that I direct at Rex Putnam HS. I only say that because sometimes I think some teachers say they are truly full in their schedule when they are not. So yes....I only have a couple openings left and of course summer is a different story....</p>
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<p>I also have been:</p>
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<li>Subbing for band classes up at OES</li>
<li>Tracking keys and drums for an upcoming Here Comes Everybody album</li>
<li>Tracking some drums for a lovely Canadian Singer-Songwriter</li>
<li>Learning songs for an upcoming wedding I'm playing piano at (wedding season is gearing up)</li>
<li>Sitting in with Tom Grant's and his amazing band at the Blue Diamond on a few Thursdays here and there</li>
<li>And coming up in Apri/May I will be doing approximately 30 shows at the Broadway Rose Theatre as a pit drummer. The show is the "Andrew Brothers" http://www.broadwayrose.org/shows/andrews-brothers and I get to play many 40's standards on kit with a trio. Basically, I will be running around like a chicken from rehearsal to rehearsal and event till May 20th.</li>
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<p>All this and I am happy to be busy. This teaching/playing business is usually feast or famine. It's nice to be able to feast once in awhile, although it makes for a very busy schedule and I'm sure my six -year-old boy, Emerson, will miss me. I love to play and it's nice to be able to get paid for what I do and what I have studied so hard for in school. I can honestly say I am actually using ALL of my music degree smarts right now! Ha. </p>
<p>However: Don't think for a second that I'm burnt out, because I am not. I love to play and the more I play, the better I get, and the better I get, the more gigs I get....and so on and so on. Even though I am busy, though, I have not ARRIVED: I continue to better myself through advanced lessons and going to see other drummers play is like a drum lesson for me. I also feel lucky to have a wide variety of students and I enjoy learning from them as they hopefully enjoy coming to take in the information I am heaping on them.</p>
<p>Come see the musical, tickets are selling like crazy and they've already added more shows! See you out there!</p>
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<p>Rene' </p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115932012-03-10T16:00:00-08:002012-03-11T08:47:35-07:00The generosity of drummers and karma
<p>I wanted to spew about something I have noticed throughout my performing and teacher career that most don't think about. It's musician karma and the generosity of percussionists and drummers. I have been the recipient of percussionist "luv" lately. And it's feels great! </p>
<p><strong>LET ME JUST SAY PERCUSSIONIST GENEROSITY IS BIG....VERY BIG. And, yes, I am specifically pointing out drummers because I have also noticed that over the years, drummers have huge hearts and tend to pay it forward.</strong></p>
<p>I was approached by fellow percussionist and mallet player extraordinaire Rob Lewis recently about some "things" he wanted to give me. I don't know why he chose me out of all the established teachers and performers out there, but he did. After chatting a bit (and inquiring if I had a larger truck or car), I met Rob near Reed College. There we chatted a bit more and he bequeathed, rather just gave me a ton of really amazing stuff: hand drums, small percussion, hardware, cases, and many many boxes of music and drum mags and literature, some dating back to the 70's. I was blown away and very thankful. I was actually concerned that maybe Rob had a fatal illness and wanted to gift this stuff to another percussionist. I was only 1/2 right....After hearing that Rob was indeed healthy and happy, he told me he had a "ZEN" moment and wanted to clear out some stuff from his studio. I looked him in the eye and smiled and said "You have waaay more stuff don't you?" We laughed and he explained to me that he wanted this stuff to have a life and he wanted it to be shared and moved on to other percussionists. He had no interest in selling it all on Craig's list (that would take more time and effort than he wanted to dedicate). I was just blown away at Rob's generosity. A stellar person in my midst.</p>
<p>So I filled my yellow Xterra to the top with all these amazing goodies. I was in drummer heaven and very thankful for his gift. I have been paying it forward and giving out mallets to Sellwood Middle School, a cymbal to a student who couldn't afford one to complete her kit, sticks to kids who didn't have them or had some about to break. I was even able to turn some hardware in and get some badly needed items for a drumline student of mine who had a parent pass away suddenly and unexpectedly. I even took a few items and made a auction basket with proceeds going towards the drum line program at Putnam. We operate on a very tight budget and are always looking for ways to raise money to help the program along. I have much more to distribute here and there.</p>
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<p><strong> I have told all my students:</strong></p>
<p><strong> "You guys/gals need to PAY IT FORWARD. Go out, and do something nice for someone RIGHT NOW: TODAY." </strong></p>
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<p>I hope Rob's generosity and my example will inspire the percussionists I teach to not only be a good musician, but a great PERSON. Be that drummer that everyone wants to work with. Have high integrity and pass along good 'karma' as much as possible. It just might come back to you. </p>
<p>I pay into the 'karma' pool, as much as possible. I search for scholarships/grants for my drum line students who are low-income or need some help to stay in lessons. I volunteer at schools by giving many pro bono clinics and master classes. I have been involved with the Oregon Big Beat for two years now, raising funds for Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation ($$ stays in Oregon and gets instruments into the schools). I have helped the Rock-n-Roll Camp for girls, I have donated lesson packages for auctions and other organizations that help under-served communities keep music and specifically drumming accessible to kids who would otherwise not be able to have the opportunity to learn from a pro.....and etc. </p>
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<p>So does paying into the 'karma' system eventually pay you back? YES! I truly believe so. I have been getting a lot of attention lately, article in Tom Tom Magazine published this month, article in Clackamas Review in February on my studio, and my drum line also got a grant from Onpoint for $500 recently. So this blog is a shout out of THANKS. Thanks to Rob Lewis, Onpoint, Clackamas Cultural Arts Foundation, The RPHS Booster Club, , the Bald Faced Truth Foundation, to generous drummers out there everywhere, to my peers and instructors, and most of all to my students, drum/mallet/piano, who are my inspiration. Sounds corny, but it's true. So there. Go out and pay it forward people. It will come back to you. The more positive energy we put out, the better this world can truly be. </p>
<p>Till next time....</p>
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<p>René </p>
René's Drum Studiotag:renesdrumstudio.com,2005:Post/61115922012-01-01T16:00:00-08:002022-03-22T05:18:23-07:00Hello Oregon! and beyond.....
<p>Hi Everyone!</p>
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<p>This has been long overdue, my own website that ends in dot.com. Very exciting. In this space, I will be posting musings of a drummer and teacher as well as any articles I've written (publishing or unpublished). I welcome comments and encourage reading, and I thank you in advance for your attention to my general spewings about drumming, musicianship, and music in general. </p>
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<p>I am very excited to announce my presence in the Milwaukie areas of March 2011. I grew up here. On the Willamette River to be exact. After living and teaching in Sellwood, which I still love, for almost 20 years, it is a sort of "coming home". I am nearer to my drum line activities at Rex Putnam High School and hope to expand my studio. It is much bigger and I have recently added a set of vibes and a 4 octave Marimba. The baby grand piano is upstairs and I am now offering lessons again on Piano. Many of you know I play weddings as well as the principle songwriter and co-founder of HERE COMES EVERYBODY, an established PDX band that has been performing, touring, and releasing music since 1986. I also play weddings and events. Call now to schedule Drum, Marimba, and Piano lessons, discounts for more than one instruments and families will apply. See my new studio policy .</p>
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<p>Look forward to more postings here in the next few weeks and beyond! For now....WELCOME TO MY NEW WEBSITE!--René </p>
René's Drum Studio