How long have you been playing drums, and what style do you play?
I’ve been playing the drums for over 30 years, but received my first drum set when I was 13 years old. I don’t have a favourite style - it all depends on the mood I’m in!
How did you get into drumming?
I began drumming because my dad was (and still is) a drummer. I wanted to be just like him and so I started very young with a pair of sticks and his old snare drum.
What’s your favourite kind of song to drum to?
Any song that makes me smile and challenges me is my fav!
Who are your top 5 favourite drummers?
So hard to pick only 5, but here we go! (not in any order)
Aaron Sterling (Session Artist & Producer)
Benny Greb (Clinician)
Darren King (Solo Artist)
Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy)
Anika Nilles (Solo Artist)
What musical projects have you been a part of?
I’ve had the opportunity to play in all kinds of bands, streets, churches and stages with varying genres. To name a few you can look up - Andrew Judah, JoyfulDoor, Nuuka and Joshua Smith.
What’s your favourite kind of student to teach?
This answer is corny but I love every student that walks through the door, whether they are awesome to work with or challenging - people are worth getting to know and I enjoy teaching people from all walks of life and skill levels.
Why do you love drumming?
I truly believe that drumming is a language and a very powerful one at that. I have been trying to learn this language my whole life. The feeling I get when I am able to express myself on the drums is truly transcendent. When I play, I feel a sense of peace, excitement, nostalgia and joy all wrapped up in one.
Why do you like teaching?
There’s a really great quote from Fred Rogers that says “I believe that I am here to help young people through the difficult modulations of life…” Well, I happen to feel the same way about my calling. By using drumming and music, I believe that relationships and trust can be established. My goal is that BTN would be a healthy and safe place for students of all ages to flourish.
How long have you been playing drums, and what style do you play?
I've been hitting buckets with large sticks I found in the yard for as long as I can remember! After upgrading my set up from buckets to real drums, I've been playing professionally for the past 13 years! My favorite style of music to play is metal and progressive rock.
How did you get into drumming?
My parents have been extremely supportive of my passion for music and once I got my hands on my first pair of drumsticks, there was no turning back!
What’s your favourite kind of song to drum to?
Since I specialize in a very fast pace style of music that demands lots of focus and technique, I love to drum to rap and pop songs while I improvise fun grooves and relax. I find it helps put me in a better mood and allows me to generate new ideas behind the drum kit!
What’s your favourite snack food?
Depending on my mood, I'll either make myself a bowl of popcorn or help myself to some apples and peanut butter!
Who are your top 5 favourite drummers?
These drummers were huge inspirations for me because they were able to play what I never thought was humanly possible. Thanks to them, I've learned to chase after their great achievements and carve out a style that's unique to myself!
1. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
2. Mike Wengren (Disturbed)
3. Alex Rudinger (Session Artist)
4. Danny Carey (Tool)
5. Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
What musical projects have you been a part of?
I've played in several metal bands in the Kelowna scene as well as Vancouver and Regina! My time in highschool has given me amazing opportunities to play in jazz bands and jazz combos which helped me improvise and work together with other musicians!
Why do you love drumming?
It allows me to bring all my focus to what's in front of me where I enter a kind of meditative state (the zone) that helps create balance in my life. I'm grateful to have this gift and I believe it's my responsibility to share this beautiful craft to those who wish to see their dreams come true as well!
How long have you been playing your instrument and what styles do you enjoy?
I have been playing both guitar and bass for over 20 years, and have been singing since I was a child. There are few styles that I actually don't enjoy. I think that there is wonderful music in every genre! That being said, I particularly love rock, indie, alternative, punk, metal, and hip-hop.
How did you get into music?
I first learned how to play the bass guitar in a homeschool jazz band. I then took guitar lessons, and also joined my highschool jazz choir. Once I had learned how to play the bass I started to play in bands with my brother and friends, and the music hasn't stopped since!
Who are your top five musical influences?
Pedro the Lion, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Nick Drake, and Radiohead.
What projects have you been a part of?
I've been a part of many different projects throughout the years of many different genres, and am currently in a band called 'nightshades'. I also write and perform under my own moniker 'N. Sherman'. Other projects I've played in include local Kelowna artists Andrew Judah, Common Fires, and Windmills.
Why do you love music?
For as long as I can remember, I have had a deep love and connection with music. There was always music playing growing up, and my family was always singing around the house. For me, music has always been able to give words and meaning to the many unknown aspects of life. It's also been a safe space to feel and experience emotions that are so often difficult to understand. To put it simply, music is a space where I feel freer and freer as a human being.
What else do you love apart from music? What do you like to do?
I love bird-watching in the outdoors, board games, going camping, eating good food, and listening to records with friends.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Danika!
"I absolutely love life! I'm a naturally enthusiastic extrovert who enjoys all that life has to offer; from the great outdoors to keeping busy in the gym, trying new foods, travelling and learning about new cultures, and any opportunity to pet a dog.
Beyond my love for adventure and animals, I really appreciate music! I grew up in a very musical home and have been heavily influenced by my family's excellent and diverse taste in music. Having learned piano and singing from a young age, I take any opportunity I can to jam out.
Driven by a desire to help others, I always want to lend a hand where I can and I believe in having fun while making meaningful connections along the way."