"It's not so much that I am an artisan who created the worlds first drum, yet an empowered craftsmen equipped to design
artistic works. While a labor of love, crafting instruments does come at the cost of sweat, tears and risking calloused fingers around heavy machinery. Indue of perceived risk, I believe a sound heart, mind, soul, and strength is character worth pursuing."
Shawn, an audio engineering music major is one flexible thinker who finds joy in taking the unconventional approach. Often seeking out unlikely paths, mixing his willingness to experiment with his personal creativity. He consistently uncovers novel solutions for the underlying issues we didn't recognize before us, and for that we are eternally grateful.
UNDER HIS WING
"In 5th grade I was given the opportunity to learn drums through an after-school program and continue to learn various percussion instruments to this day. As one with a visual-spatial deficit, I was often despised by teachers who struggled to teach outside of the typical linear style. However, shop and music teachers cultivated a holistic environment gifting me a confidence found through grit, problem-solving and self-motivation.
One day my high school percussion teacher handed me a raw bass drum Counter Hoop and asked if I wanted to paint it to match the one I broke. It became the small spark connecting my two interests and ultimately put me on the path toward research and development."
START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
"I was later hooked up with a gig as the in-house "drum guy" working for a small family operation supplying Counter Hoops and other specialty plywoods across the globe. They sent me out my first week on the job to deliver raw drum shells to a rock band on tour named Poison. The drummer Rickey and drum tech "Tango" had converted an Airstream trailer into a drum workshop. Here we were hanging behind the tour bus and the duo were building custom drums right on the road! I walked away inspired, realizing it's not about sales or massive advertising which make's something purposeful. It took all the things I lacked, a humble heart, teamwork and integrity."
I AM BLESSED
"A regular, Roger K. (Battlefield Drums) often stopped in for shells and would reply to my greeting with a peculiar "I am blessed". I had no idea what it meant, however that little phase stuck with me as his attitude towards life's tragedies and trials was peculiar. Unlike me and the drums we were building, he never seemed to be empty on the inside.
While I did not grow up in a "Christ centered home", I am extremely fortunate to have been discipled through the LA Dream Center where I began confronting my faulty truth with written biblical truth. I surrender my life to Jesus in 2009 as I accepted I could not fix myself or anyone else for that matter. Overcoming opiate addiction and learning to manage PTSD is certainly no walk in the park, though I can say the void in my heart has been filled, I am blessed."
Ideal breakfast?
I enjoy walking my dog to the local coffee shop for a light roast coffee and everything bagel.
Time travel to what live band?
Not so much a band, I would love to walk through the Philips Pavilion at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.
Personal Purpose?
Use rhythm to unite so that all might transcend as one.
The Sound Choice
SALT equips and empowers others to accept ownership so that we might transcend as one. It's more than a campaign, a movement or brand. We are using sound, to become sound.
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