Guys and gals, it's your friendly neighboorhood drummer James McDonald III. 

On Nov. 1st, I will be participating in an incredible percussion event of epic proportions... seriously.  Myself, along with thousands of other drummers in 11 different cities, are joining...THE BIG BEAT for the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.  This charity provides new and refurbed musicial instruments to underserved schools, community music programs, and individual students nationwide. 

Music has been, and always will be, a huge part of my life.  I've played music since I was 4 yrs old, and because of my parents understanding and constant support, I was able to continue my studies no matter which instrument I chose to play.  It paints soundscapes to everyday life, personal struggles and successes, and major events in one's existence.  It can bring a grown man to tears, and can bring a smile to the world.

There are many untapped talents out there that can't afford the instruments, the keys if you will, to unlock their full potential, and far be it from me to keep them from realizing their dream of playing music.  

I'm asking you, my family and friends, to please donate to this worthy cause.  I know with the economy the way it currently is, budgeting is a huge part of life (trust me I KNOW!! :o)), but any little bit of help counts.  Let me put it like this.....

The average american pays approximately $5.00 for a fast food lunch, per day.  Now think about this....if 10 people took their lunch to work one day and donated that money to this cause, that would be $50.  20 people, $100 dollars, and so on.  That is a huge help no matter how you look at it.

I'm not asking for you to give your life savings....just one or two days of lunch money to help out kids that wouldn't get the chance to play a piano, strum a guitar, or beat a drum because they couldn't afford to.  Somewhere, there is the perfect piece of music, that is waiting to be written.  But if the person who holds the melody to that music, has no medium to create it with, we (the world) will never hear it. 

Please help sponsor me, and donate to this very worthy cause.  Also, come by and see first hand, what we will be doing.  The event is being held at the St. Charles Family Arena on November 1st from 12 noon to 5 pm.  Also at 4:45 pm, we will be attempting a world record for the most drummers playing the same groove simultaneously (via video uplink).  There will also be raffle drawings for great prizes, and World's Fastest Drummer organization will be holding a competetion throughout the day.   Thank you, and we hope to see you there!!