I am currently fundraising in preparation for the 3rd annual Texas BigBeat.  Please consider helping me drum up support for youth music by making a tax-deductable donation.

BigBeat 2009 is a charity drumming event raising funds for the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF).  This program will bring musical instruments to schools and kids in the greater Houston area.  The event itself will be held Sunday, November 1.  It will feature thousands of drummers jamming together in 11 different cities across the US and Canada.  In addition to supporting a great cause, it should be a lot of fun!  BigBeat 2009 also promises to be really loud.

Billed as the world’s largest multi-city drum set event, last year’s Big Beat drew 1,286 drummers and about 4,000 spectators in nine cities, raised more than $45,000 for music and other charities and collected 7,000 pounds of food for the needy.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved schools, community music programs, and individual students nationwide, in an effort to give youngsters the many benefits of music education, help them to be better students and inspire creativity and expression through playing music.  Among other contributions, I believe last year’s BigBeat donations provided drumline equipment to a Houston high school with limited instruments.  When I think of all the magical hours I have spent in drumline activities, I would like others to have those same experiences of teamwork, creativity, and accomplishment.  Music plays an important role in the enrichment of the human spirit.

Please assist me in reaching my fundraising goal as I team up with other drummers to help others.  Donations of any amount ($5, $25, $100, $1000) are greatly appreciated.  Your support will make a difference with young people who need a chance to pursue their musical talents.