Scientifically, music makes us feel good or sometimes bad. It stimulates the mind and body. All you have to do is try an instrument or at least listen. Growing up, I enjoyed music. You could hear it everywhere. I love the sound of music, the depth of music, and its emotional connection. But what does that have to do with drums and healing?
It’s story time.
My family was full of musicians. My father and uncle played trumpet. I had a cousin who played saxophone and another cousin who played guitar. Come to think about it, we should have been a band! But anyway, I didn’t ascribe to that path of musicality. I chose the drums!!!
The Drum
Discovering the right kind of music or instrument makes a world of difference. Why did I choose the drums? Or why did drums choose me? Here’s the thing. As mentioned before, music was everywhere. They played all of the hits from the 70s and 80s. But one group arrested my attention, and it was because of their drummer. The name of the group was Parliament/Funkadelic. It’s true, Dr. Funkenstein reigns supreme as the one in front. But drummer Jerome “Big Foot Brailey” was on the one!!!
Sign Me Up
Right before Middle School, I heard the track, “Hard Core Jollies” and it was a wrap!!! Lead guitarist Eddie “Smedly Smorginoff ” Hazel was at the helm, backed by Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton, and Jerome on the kit was epic!!! My mind was blown!!! After hearing that, I was beating on everything!!!
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
When school finally started, I got out of wood shop to join the band! Unfortunately, my bout with hearing issues would return. For many years up until then, I had hearing problems. Which resulted in having surgery. So, it came back. Due to loud headphones, my eardrums ruptured.
The Healing Begins
Dismayed at this set back, I would have to spend the first month or so of school not being able to play the drums. However it was during this process, my Dad taught me how to listen to music. This was a healing experience and an exercise I’ll never forget.
“Son, you hear the notes. But what about the other notes in the background.”
This changed my perspective on how to play music. So when I was able to play, I learned from my father and band director:
“Drummers should be felt and not heard.”
In this life, we should be felt by the ones around us and not just heard. Don’t rush it, this takes time and healing.
I would eventually go on to high school and play a little in college. I learned a lot, but it was the foundational lessons of drumming that healed my broken spirit. My hearing has gotten better. However, let Mrs. Cameron say something about it, “I still can’t hear.” She would call it “selective hearing”.
Thanks for coming. Talk to you later
Dedicated to: Mr. Alan Bables (Middle School Band Director and a great percussionist)
For Books and Gifts:
1. Ear Buds: https://amzn.to/3K6zAsI (Amazon)
2. Hand-Carved African Djembe: https://amzn.to/4afbgzG (Amazon)
3. Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4bFT7fF (Amazon)
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Need a freelance writer for history, education, and/or religion? Let me know.
Email: marqdcameron@gmail.com
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