If you know me, then you obviously know that I drum, any chance I get. So many people ask me, why do you do this? Why would you spend hours in a practice room? Why would you choose to go into a music field?

Well let me tell you.

1. Being involved in music someway is one of the most satisfying things you can possibly do.

The feeling when you finally nail something that you have practiced is so amazingly overwhelming. The feeling of passing your talent on to another generation is so rewarding. The feeling of showing your work to others is both rewarding and revealing, remember it's a way to express yourself and show your voice.

2. "There is nothing stopping you from playing better. All you have to do is practice." - Michael Zocchi

Yes, I do spend hours in a practice room and no I'm not crazy. If you want to get better grades in school, you study. If you want your musical skills to get better, then you must practice. With typical school work you can actually reach a point where you reach a mental limit of what you understand. However, with music you can always get better if you put in the effort to practice.

3. It's a stress reliever.

Some big problem sprung up today, how nice would it be to just go smack some drums. I will tell you it's pretty nice. Plus it's a way to channel negative energy into something positive. The more you practice, the better you get.

4. Percussion is one of the best instrument groups.

You don't only get to learn one instrument really well, but instead you get to learn many, many instruments really well. Plus imagine any noise and know that there is some percussion instrument out there that can imitate that noise, whether it be a keyboard instrument or a flexatone or a djembe. There is never a dull moment.

In all honesty, this list could go on and on forever, but more reasons just all spring off of these main 4 reasons. Percussion is one of the biggest parts of my life and I wouldn't give that up for anything. Thank you to all those who influenced me in anyway.

Thank you to my cousins for being involved in the Waconia Drumline and giving me my first taste of marching band.

Thank you to my brother for ALWAYS playing music around me and making me fall in love with new songs all the time.

Thank you to my mom for keeping up with my crazy music schedule and always encouraging me and supporting me in any way I needed.

Thank you to my dad for understand my music rants and the crazy feeling behind performing for a crowd.

Thank you to my music educators. ALL OF YOU! Elementary, middle school, and high school. Thank you Ms. Snork, Mrs. Kidder, Mrs. Sauer, Mr. Brose, Mr. Olsen, Mr. Snyder, Mr. Pohland, Craig Meyers, Joe Asleson, Mrs. Palmer and Mr. Palmer.

Every single one of you has influenced my passion for music and there are not enough thank you's to let you all know how much my musical journey has meant to me.

Love what you do. There's not enough time in life to waste your time with things you dislike. If you make what you do what you love, then you will never work a day in your life.