Bronx middle school students are forming a line—a drum line with the help of Vic Firth pads and sticks.  Although the students at Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School are hoping to eventually graduate to real drums, they see this as a great start.  “Our students are being exposed to drum basics and ensemble drum line playing with the help of something as simple as a drum pad and a new pair of sticks,” says instructor and Firth endorser Brian Doherty.  “These kids are extremely motivated and come for drum lessons, every day, before school begins.  That, in itself, gives you an idea of their level of interest and dedication,” Doherty explains.

Fannie Lou Hamer Middle School is a small, progressive school in the West Farms area of the South Bronx.  Like many city schools, however, it lacks an instrumental music program.  This drum line is the first music ensemble experience for the students.  “This year, our goal was to learn thirteen drum rudiments, and read simple music notation.  In the first three months, we accomplished the goals, due to high motivation and consistent student attendance.”  Doherty continues, “But first we needed pads and sticks. That’s where Vic Firth, Inc. came in.  They shared our vision and commitment to education in the percussive arts.”

Best known for his drumming with bands like Grammy winners They Might Be Giants, British super group XTC and The Silos (Rolling Stone’sBest Band in America), Doherty has also played with Ben Folds, Freedy Johnston, M2M and Frank Black of The Pixies, among many others.   

In 2001, Doherty got involved with the New York City Teaching Fellows and began a second career as a general education, classroom teacher in the Bronx.  Besides teaching, he’s still active playing the drums in the Broadway productions of Hairspray and RENT.