In 2018, I landed my first professional drumming role with Dayton’s rock and roll oldies sensation, The Avalons. I was introduced to the group through a mutual acquaintance from my hometown’s community theatre. After one audition, I joined the band and began touring across the Midwest, performing at amusement parks, festivals, fairs, and private events.

As the drummer, I played a wide repertoire of rock and roll favorites from artists such as Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Sonny & Cher, and many others. The band’s performances blended music with comedy, often incorporating skits that involved direct crowd participation. This format required me to stay highly attentive to the vocalists’ timing and adjust musical cues on the fly to match the pace of each performance.

Playing with The Avalons was a unique and rewarding experience. It sharpened my ability to adapt quickly during live shows, improved my communication as a band member, and taught me how to support both musical and theatrical elements in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.