The 2024 End Of Year Recital!
I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for this Academy. There are many moments when I feel as though I must pinch myself to wake up from this “dream.” You see, I’ve been a drummer my whole life, but never in my wildest imagination would I have thought of myself as being an educator or business owner. And now, with 9 years behind BTN Drum Academy and another unbelievable night of celebrating what we’ve done together, I am behind the keyboard once again, writing a post about how sweet it is to be a part of this journey.
On Friday, June 21st, the doors opened at Metro Hub on Ellis at 5:30 for our 9th Annual BTN End Of Year Recital. There was a palpable buzz in the air as folks checked in, snagged a program, and made their way to the red carpet for a picture. Entering the main performance room was electric, with 5 drum sets fully equipped and ready to rock on stage. The night was epic as groups and solo performers worked their way through their hard-earned repertoires. Each act had a short, pre-filmed intro on the big screens that allowed the audience of 235 people to get acquainted with the artists a bit before they performed.
With a short intermission, some prizes given, and some thank you’s expressed, we got right back to the show. Set two was full of amazing performances, followed by the finale which had all artists on stage and a handful of confetti cannons because… why not!!
The night was a blur of chaos, fun, clunky moments, and, overall, memories made.
I need to say a huge thank you to a few people for making the night what it was: PJ Hermann, Taylor McDonald, Jamie Thrasher, Kristian Power, Nils Loewen, Lukas Ord, Graham Ord, and Jakob Thompson; my mom and dad for serving at the door; my insanely beautiful wife for not only giving birth to our 3rd child a week prior but showing up and supporting all the same; and to the parents and grandparents who allow us to spend time with your kids each week. These students are amazing. They are one of a kind, and they are the most valuable and amazing people—thank you.
Please enjoy this roll of photos, courtesy of my dear friend Steve Wickenheiser, who has supported and captured so much of what we do here at BTN.
