Drummer

Raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Bob has been playing drums, piano, trumpet and other percussion instruments since the age of 9. As a professional percussionist, he has performed on stages worldwide as a member of the US Army Band program and as a member of the Windborne team. Before retiring from the US Army after 21 years, he was a faculty member of the Armed Forces School of Music for 10 years, where he served as the Percussion Department Chair. Bob holds graduate degrees from Thomas Edison State College and Regent University where he is currently a doctoral candidate. He regularly enjoys performing with the VA Symphony, VA Musical Theater, VA Stage Company and numerous orchestras around the country. He also has had the privilege of performing with the O’Jays, Take 6, Irish Tenors, Bill Watrous, Chita Rivera, and Il Divo. He has numerous recording credits as well as an original movie soundtrack featured in a published documentary.

What equipment/instruments do you use?:
I play on a Yamaha Phoenix kit outfitted with Sabian HHX Evolution cymbals at home, in the studio, and at various venues around town. When on Windborne performances, I typically play on DW drums. I also am endorsed by Vic Firth sticks.

Who are some of your musical influences:
Joe Morello, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Dennis Chambers, and Liberty DeVitto are a few of my favorite drummers, while other musicians such as Arturo Sanduval, Michel Camilo, John Patitucci, Maceo Parker, and Joe Sample are also on the top of my list!

Tell us about the various Windborne shows and how they impact you:
I truly enjoy the experience of performing for various Windborne shows. The preparation (homework) process is both challenging and rewarding and has definitely expanded my musical tastes and understanding. I have learned an incredible amount from the great performers of the Windborne team as well as the hundreds of musicians I have played with across the nation.

What's on your IPod?:
Where to start?… while my listening is often preparation based (ie….listening to nothing else except for the Eagles, 2 weeks prior to an Eagles show), I really enjoy listening to Latin jazz from artists like Poncho Sanchez and the Caribbean Jazz Project. I also enjoy the sounds of Bruce Hornsby, Van Halen (80’s), and Earth, Wind, and Fire.