John Wooton

Drumming has always been a constant in my life, whether I was performing, listening, or simply dreaming about it. I took a different path after high school and chose to study engineering at university. While there, I briefly participated in the marching band at the University of Iowa and had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Wooton himself. Although I had to set aside music to focus on my engineering studies, Dr. Wooton's instructional methods and approach to snare drumming always stayed with me.

After graduating and moving to the Chicagoland area, I reconnected with my passion for music. I started a ska-like band with a friend, and we recorded a few albums. I also delved into songwriting and picked up other instruments. It was through the band that I met my wife, a trumpet player and singer. We had an incredible time playing and performing frequently in the Chicago area throughout our twenties and early thirties.

Life, however, took its course. Family commitments and an increasingly demanding corporate job led me to stop playing. Yet, drumming was never far from my thoughts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given me a new perspective, prompting me to consciously scale back my professional life and prioritize activities outside of work for a better balance.

And here I am, back at drumming and enjoying it more than ever. I am grateful for this group and the opportunity to learn and relearn the art of rudimental drumming.