Hello all! Here is the down low on how I got started in the universal language of music. Even before I played my first beat, I was always around music from my dad being a musician and from the records (mainly gospel) that he would play throughout the house. I would find myself playing along with the music using pencils, hangers, and whatever else I could find. Noticing my enthusiasm, my parents bought me my first drum set at the age of six. From there you know the old saying, the rest is history. I begin to play at church which was televised nationwide. I participated in the Guitar Center drum-off competition in which I made it to the semifinal round. I became the percussion section leader in high school. After graduation, I attended Roosevelt University on a music scholarship. While at Roosevelt I got my first major gig playing for the famous musical/play Ain’t Misbehavin and I was a member of the Classical Symphony Orchestra.

From this point on to now the present, I have had the pleasure of performing at churches, theaters, stadiums, studios, clubs, and hotels throughout the Chicago land area and the United States. Here are just a few, Arie Crown Theater, Regal Theater, Ivanhoe Theater, Touchstone Theater, Chicago Symphony Center, UIC Pavilion, Petrillo Bandshell, Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Green Dolphin Street, Navy Pier, churches, hotels, and clubs (too many to name). Some of the other states that I have performed in are Nevada, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio.

Along with playing at night and on the weekends, during the day I teach instrumental music for the Chicago Public Schools (Juarez High School).

My gear includes the Yamaha Absolute Birch Nouveau drum kit, Zildjian cymbals, Evans drumheads, Vic Firth drumsticks, and SKB cases.

Finally, to who ever may read this, I definitely have to thank God for my success and everything I have. I say to all

NEVER GIVE UP!

Lee Taylor