In 1968, T.W. Andrews High School was born and so was the, "Drumline". It was comprised of a group of dedicated kids who loved the sound of music. Fast forward 25 plus years to the mid 90's, and the same traditions continued to bless even those that weren't musicians. Little did I know, but by default, I had learned the art of musicianship by watching those traditions in motion. Our drumline was the heartbeat of the community. When you heard Ray Epps, Tommy Simmons and what I like to call, "the pulse", it changed the rhythm of your days. After a long day at school and intense athletic practices; the drumline was the pick me up that most of us needed.
Fast forward 15 more years to Baltimore. If someone would have predicted that I'd be afforded the "Drumline" experience all over again, I never would have believed them. At least until I met Mark and Tova Baker. In years past it would have been Mr. Tyson bringing out the best in my peers, cracking the whip with a stern hand with eyes to match. This time it was Mark and Tova. I had never seen anyone's passion match that of our band conductor, Mr. Tyson. The love for the arts and the "TLC" for their students is almost unheard of in today's society. I shouldn't be to surprised though, like the old folks in the south say, "there is always somebody out there that reminds me of you".
Mark and Tova Baker, the owners of, Drum Production Company, they are my reminders. They reminded me of greatness with their willingness to not compromise they're spiritual and moral foundation for the sake of just saying that they're doing something. That speaks volumes. Most people would say it's easy to speak well of a new client. I would disagree. Mainly, because not everyone is note worthy of being compared to the most influential persons and periods in my life.
While we were filming I grabbed my still camera and snapped a few shots of the Drum Production Company in motion. If you're in the Baltimore area I wouldn't hesitate to reach out to them for musical instruction. (Drums, Piano and Guitar) Their head quarters is at the infamous, Eubie Blake Center.
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