I began playing Snare Drum when I was 11 years old. I was in the school band and was lucky enough to have had my choice of instruments. My Mother was a Piano and Vocal Teacher and I wanted to try something different. I was fortunate to have two parents that were supportive of my musical endeavors for so many years.

I got my first kit for Christmas after I had turned 13. Never was there a better surprise, for me, than to find a beautiful Silver Sparkle Ludwig 5 piece kit with Zildjian Cymbals under the Christmas Tree. Along with the kit, my parents were able to give me lessons from one of the best percussionist in Kansas City. The Assistant Director of Percussion at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, Dennis Rogers. I took lessons from him for about 3 years and learned a great deal. Thanks Dennis, for all the inspiration you gave me.

One of the first named bands I was in was called Aquillian. I formed it with a person called Flint Wynn and we played together with a number of different people for about 6 years. That band also had the same instrumentation as my current band. (2 guitars, bass, drums, and female vocals)

We played mainly cover tunes and had some sucess and this gave me some important lessons as to how bands work, both with each other and with venues that we played. Flint, should you see this, contact me. I would love to chat about old times!

Soon after Aquillian, I fell into a group with two outstanding musicians, Dave Mincey and David Kelly, and formed a Fusion group called Trinox. We played quite a number of gigs and focused on Jeff Beck styled music. I really enjoyed the experience with these two fellows.

I went through a stint of about 4 bands in KC and never really got "in the Groove" with any of them. I did have a good time playing in a group now called "Pizzadude". They still play in KC and are worth a listen if you get a chance.

Once I moved to Columbia, Missouri, I fell into the group with Chuck and Mark and found a comradery that I had been searching for since I was with Trinox. We are playing a completely different style of music but I feel that it has a definite niche and I hope we keep things rolling as they are going now.

Sweet Jayne has entered the building!