UNDER HIS WING "
In 5th grade I was given the opportunity to learn drums through an after-school program. I continued learning variousl percussion instruments through middle school, high school, & a bit of higher education. I was one of those "at -risk youth" who struggled in the traditional classroom because I am a gifted visual spatial learner. Shop & Music teachers were patient and empowered me to listen inward & take a holistic approach to life. One day my percussion teacher handed me a replacement Counter Hoop and asked if I wanted to paint the hoop. It was a simple task which connected my two interests, it allowed me to continue exploring sound and expresses "negative" emotion with my hands in a positive light."
START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
"I was later hooked up with a gig working for the lead Keller Drum Shell Supplier as the "drum guy" overseeing inventory, basic manufacturing, and warehouse deity’s. They sent me out my first week on the job to deliver shells to some band on tour named Poison. The drummer Rickey Rocket & his 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 on the road. I walked away realizing it doesn’t take a bunch of sqft or fancy machines to create something special, just a willing heart."
BLESSED
A regular named Roger (Battlefield Drums) often stopped in for shells & I noticed something was a bit different about him. Regardless of life’s trials, he wasn't empty like the drums I was building, often saying "I am blessed" in a cheerful manner. I had no idea what it meant, but that little phrase stuck with me.
While I did not grow up in a "Christ centered home", I surrender my life to Jesus in 2009 after a series of life altering events. Life is certainly no walk in the park though I can cheerfully say the void in my heart is filled, I am blessed."
Shawn Ryan
Owner/Craftsman
Salt Drums #6149
1350 E Chapman Ave
Fullerton, CA 92834
Email: info@saltdrums.com
Phone: +1 (805) 387-DRUM
SALT equips and empowers others to take ownership, unite with community, and to make more than noise. More than a campaign or a movement, we are using sound to become sound.