Written by: Rick Sorrels
The year was either 1957 or ’58 when my playing music began. I was about 9 or 10 years old. My parents got me a toy accordian for Christmas– can’t remember why, but I took to it and was making up my own songs. I guess my parents thought there was some talent there because the next thing I knew, I was taking lessons at the nearest music store. During my second week of instruction, I was taking a test that was for those in their 6th week of lessons.
You may be thinking; 1957??? Actually, I think this was a good time because I was subjected to many types of music as I was growing up. I grew up on some Classical, Rag-time, Bluegrass, the Big Bands such as Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Mitch Miller and Lawrence Welk, to the ‘Crooners’ like Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Jazz as well as R&B. Of course we had the twangy, through-the-nose singing of country songs which I could not stand, but, I had a grandmother who liked it and even gave me a record of someone like Tex Ritter — but I wouldn’t play it. Then came the good music; Motown and Rock-n-roll with the likes of Buddy Holy, Elvis.
Then of course we had the 60′s with the British envasion with The Leaves, Rolling Stones, Herman Hrmits, the Monkees and the legendary Beatles. Other groups included Cream, Buffalo Springfield, the Doors, Foreigner and the Turtles and a host of others. Up to and including what we have up until this day. So, I have been brought up on most types of music and have learned to appreciate most of it. (If you noticed– no mention of Opera).
My accordian days were short-lived however. The reason was because we lived in Alaska and as soon as I got home from school, I would rush outside to play because there would not be much daylight left during the winter months. But then I would hear my mom calling me to go in the house and practice. So off I’d go, head hanging down and dragging my feet, taking that accordian out of it’s case, putting my arms through the straps, my right hand though the keyboard strap and would start playing whatever came to mind– only to hear; “that isn’t what you are suppose to be practicing“. So it became more of a ‘job’ than something to have fun with, so, bye-bye accordian.
About 2 years later, when I started the 7th grade, I took band class because I wanted to learn to play the trumpet. I suppose it was due to my being brought up listening to the big bands. I liked the sound the trumpet made. However, my trumpet playing days turned out to be a lot shorter than my accordian playing days. Seems when I was a little kid being pushed in a stroller by my mother, a dog came up and bit me on the mouth. It sounds funny, and actually it is when you stop and think about it, but, it meant no playing any brass intruments. So my band teacher handed me a pair of drum sticks and I became a drummer, actually a percussionist. From the 7th to 9th grade I played everything from the triangle, xylophone, cow bells, cymbals, gongs, snare, toms and bass drums. When I got to the 9th grade, I took up the kettledrums, or, better known as timpani. I loved playing them because there was no sheet music for them so I could never be told I was not playing them right. They were great because I could change the pitch and just wail on them to my hearts content and the teacher just let me have at it.
I never got a drum set until after I got out of the military. During my teen years and when my parents were not at home, I would play on the dining room table. It provided a good bounce for my playing to music from the stereo. I used to buy all my drums, cymbals and other hardware from the Pro Drum Shop in Vallejo California on my way home from work. They are no longer in business because my good friend and owner died of cancer. When I would get home from work, the first thing I’d do is turn on the music as loud as I could stand it and sit behind my set and play to my heart’s content. I was in my own world doing what I liked and always trying new things to perfect my playing.I had to buy a 26 inch fan because I would get such a work-out that I’d get drenched- even with the fan.
My oldest son and a cousin also play drums, a son who is a DJ, and one of my cousins and my grandson are guitar players, my ex-wife played the flute in school– she really surprised me when she “flipped” someone off using her ring finger instead of her middle finger like everyone else– what a talented family don’t you think? My grandson is in a group and although he is only 16 his band has been hired to play at a few gigs and is entered to play in the “Battle of the Bands” this May 19th and 20th in San Fransisco California. So, proud of him and his playing, but I hear his grades are not up to par. I can relate because when I was in school instead of hearing the boring teacher, I would be hearing music. Of course I don’t advocate not learning and completing school– just saying I can relate to what is important to some.
So the reason for this blog is because music has been a part of my life and hopefully it can bring enjoyment to others and this blog will help them along the way. Weather it is to play someone else’s music on a MP3 player or whatever, learning to playing an instrument, being a DJ or a Music Producer, I am in hopes that this will be a beneficial site for all those who love music in whatever part they want to play.
Battle of the Bands San Fransisco California May 20th 2012
