Great inspiring people have influenced people in every area of life throughout centuries. Henry David Thoreau, the great 19th century transcendentalist writer, was influenced by the great Ralph Waldo Emerson. Thoreau was the impetus for Ghandi's and Martin Luther King Jr's civil disobedience, which ultimately changed the shape of the world for a better humanity. Socrates taught Plato who taught Aristotle, who collectively remain the greatest philosophical trio in history. We often stand on the shoulders of giants. And we can notice connections such as these throughout history--a lineage--a passing down of wisdom. Such is the case in the drumming world as well. It only takes a spark. And that spark can potentially inspire many to enter a new encouraging world, accompanied by enthusiasm, new hope, and excitement.
This lineage is evident in the drumming world. I know, because I've been experiencing it. On a fall night last year, my drumming friend and I went out to see a Rush tribute band. I looked forward to a night of great drumming, but did not expect that I would afterward decide to pursue drumming to a higher level. As the drum solo began, the audience began to walk toward the stage, similar to a magnetic effect. I soon realized why, as drummer, Joe Bergamini, displayed a dynamic, inspiring solo, marked by incredible technique and musicality. From experiencing the solo, one can understand how drumming can entertain, excite, and elicit the need for total expression. At that point, I had realized the power of drumming, and the reason to elevate my drumming to the next plane.
I went to the website of Joe Bergamini, and found that he studied with legendary Dom Famularo for several years. That knowledge brought me to the website of Dom Famularo. I then discovered that Dom studied with Joe Morello and Jim Chapin, among other drumming greats. Moreover, I read that Joe Morello studied with George Lawrence Stone, author of Stick Control, which many consider the bible of drumming! He also studied with Billy Gladstone. As if that wasn't enough, I realized that Jim Chapin studied from Sanford Moeller, the man who directly observed the great civil war drummers, and teacher of Gene Krupa. Everything began to make sense: This was the true essence of drumming ... And it was all passed down collectively ... I knew I was following the right path.
I began to study with Drumming's Global Ambassador, Dom Famularo. Besides learning from one of drumming's greatest educators, I realized that the visit to Dom's woodshed and his influence was one similar to the inspiring experience of the students in the movie Dead Poet's Society. Based on a global humanistic approach, I found that everything I've learned there I never even considered in 16 years of drumming. Not only has it been inspiring, but some of the guidance was geared toward my health that affected every aspect and quality of my playing; some based on the laws of physics; other things were based on techniques I had no idea even existed. This was more than I ever expected. I also had a few lessons with Jim Chapin and Joe Bergamini.
As if that was not enough, I learned of Dom's Cycle of Self-Empowerment book and began to discover concepts such as Choice Power, the Flame, and the Tombstone Test. As a co-author of a psychology research project, I was intrigued and amazed by the power of his words, and how they moved me to pursue drumming to such a high level. I now had a heightened awareness of how drumming was a part of me--and I had an obligation to pursue it and share it--that if I did not pursue it, it can eat at me. Dom refers to this inner identity as "The Flame". And no matter how much you ignore it, it will not go away! You cannot remove it! It just the way us drummers are internally wired!
I cannot overestimate the power of finding something and someone that can influence you, and "spark" this "flame". Since my own rekindling, I have pursued drumming to a higher level, and many great things have happened. Some of the same knowledge and enthusiam that came from Gladstone, Stone, Morello, Chapin, and Famularo, have been passed down to me and then to my students. This energy has also spread to my own band, friends, and anyone who I encounter in conversations about drumming. Most recently, I had the opportunity to perform with the legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan. To put it mildly, things have certainly begun to happen since my night out last fall--the night I was inspired.
As Dom says, "The cycle of self empowerment begins with respecting that flame and feeding that flame until if glows from you, turning you into a beacon that not only has the power to show you the way, but can be a source of guidance and inspiration for others. Do it before it's too late. Find that flame. It's where a happier life begins."
Finally, to revisit the title, "It only takes a spark ... Pass it on", I have to admit that a song I used to play drums for in a church years ago, has more meaning and validity than ever, and sums up this whole experience: "It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing . . . Once you've experienced it . . . You want to pass it on."
About The Author
Dan Britt is a NJ Drummer/Instructor who conducts clinics in public schools. With a background in psychological research, his inspirational writings have appeared in international magazines. He can be contacted at danbsticks@aol.com or via www.dannybritt.com
The news came as a shock to us all. He... Read More
continued.....Then onto my teen years. My mom had a few... Read More
If you were an Angel what could you do to... Read More
When you have your dream clear in your mind and... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 1,... Read More
I'm often asked the question, "How can I best help... Read More
Oh my God, I'm not immortal anymore! What happened? Where's... Read More
Here's a quote from the late great columnist Sydney Harris... Read More
A LOST WORLD OF SOULWhen you hear the word 'divination',... Read More
Over my extended Thanksgiving weekend I took some time to... Read More
The rewards of life come to those who do, not... Read More
Robert was so strong that I once saw him pick... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 6,... Read More
We set out walking along a route where one foot... Read More
One day Mr. Shoaff said, "Jim, if you want to... Read More
Wonders never cease. Just when those in our area of... Read More
Even immediately after my car accident, every single person who... Read More
Continued....I have since grown a lot. I have grown through... Read More
I love to talk about Purposeful Living with others and... Read More
Many of us are unable to move forward with our... Read More
Everyone who is anybody has a hobby or at least... Read More
Human mind which is well known as a fluctuating prodigy... Read More
Practising extreme self-care in our life involves practising good "daily"... Read More
I've always loved the awesome majesty of mountains. They are,... Read More
The Thorns of Opportunity...What are you trying so hard to... Read More
The story of the three bricklayers has been around for... Read More
My perception is that universe infinitely blesses us every moment.... Read More
What kind of bad habits do you struggle with? Most... Read More
I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and... Read More
What does it take for you to pay attention?You've probably... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 9,... Read More
I understand that all the self made people of this... Read More
Excerpt From The Relationship Handbook: How to Understand and Improve... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 19,... Read More
In the moment of completing a thought or action, it... Read More
No, this isn't going to be a sermon or anything... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 28,... Read More
Riding a rush, being juiced, flying high-this is the feeling... Read More
At some stage of living your life you will ask... Read More
In the pursuit of the life we dream of, this... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 2,... Read More
The tiny dogwood sapling was only a twig when my... Read More
1 Samuel 16:7"...The Lord does not look at the things... Read More
(Excerpted from the 2004 Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event)To really... Read More
The lines below come from this weeks mind treatment, written... Read More
Most of us, at one point or another, take a... Read More
I recently had to take a trip to Germany. It... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 9,... Read More
Are you overwhelmed with so many activities you don't know... Read More
Great inspiring people have influenced people in every area of... Read More
Another preposterous idea from yours truly, even the thought makes... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 29,... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 17,... Read More
For one who takes pride in being involved with different... Read More
A near middle-aged man in one of my last workshops... Read More
Perhaps I should ask my doctor if there is a... Read More
Rejection! Who hasn't experienced the horrible feeling of being rejected?... Read More
Growing up, as a child of the 60's, peace, love... Read More
It has been six months since I left the corporate... Read More
What would your life be like if you lived each... Read More
"It doesn't interest me who you are, or how you... Read More
Water is the source of life, yet so few of... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 7,... Read More
Oh, this is a great topic! I remember when I... Read More
This is the eighth article in our "True Power" series.... Read More
Inspirational |