... Mr. Manny Rivas was our Special Guest on March 8th. Mr. Rivas brought in his drum kit. After Mr. Rossi, Mr. Griffin, and Mr. Rivas warmed up with a few songs that the students had been learning all week, Mr. Rivas told the kids that he became interested in playing drums at the age of 16. Mr. Rivas was working at Wise Music in Salinas at the time. While working there, one of his duties was putting together drum kits. He became very interested in the instrument. He took a few lessons and then continued exploring the instrument. 12 years later he continues to grow as a drummer and a musician. His latest gig (since October) is playing drums in Mr. Griffin's band,
The Lightfighters. Mr. Rivas also demonstrated all the different drums in his drum kit. Mr. Rossi narrated the basic beat that a beginning drum student will learn, while Mr. Rivas demonstrated. Mr. Rivas told the kids that it takes practice to teach your left foot, your right foot, your left hand, and your right hand to work independently, but at the same time. He told them that it takes work, but it's worth it in the end. It was a great lesson. Mr. Rossi, Mr. Griffin, and Mr. Rivas also jammed a bit on Roadhouse Blues, Peggy Sue, Johnny B. Goode, as well as, all the other songs that the students had been learning all week. Thanks you, Mr. Rivas ...