IF IT wasn’t for Adam Gibbens, the Barnsley Jazz Orchestra would be missing plenty of drummers.
That’s because when Adam joined in 2015, he took on the mantle of tutor and shared his drumming knowledge with the younger musical generation.
Since then, 21-year-old popular music student Adam has seen eight or nine young people pick up drum sticks thanks to his tutelage.
It is made even more remarkable by the fact that other than a few months’ lessons with drum impresario John Settle, he is entirely self-taught from the age of 11.
Adam, from Lombard Crescent, Darfield, said: “When I started with the Jazz Ensemble I started teaching drums because they didn’t have a drummer in place at the time. I also play in the Dearne Big Band which helps fund the organisation.
“It is really good experience, especially with the jazz orchestra. Because of my age I can get on well with the younger, high school-aged jazz orchestra but I can get on well with the older Big Band.
“We are like a big happy family. It is just fun and we all enjoy it.”
In addition to drums, Adam can also play guitar.
The Jazz Association uses Netherwood Academy’s facilities as a base.
Adam said: “The youngest I have taught was six years old and the oldest is 12 or 13 so there is a big difference in age. But they are all capable of the same stuff. I love teaching them. I’ve always wanted to be a drummer or professional musician but when I started teaching it opened up a new path for me.
“I love to give the chance to play to other kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity. When you break it down the drums are what holds everybody together in the band. So it is a lot of responsibility, but it’s good responsibility to have.
“It is weird to find out I have been nominated because it is nothing I ever thought would happen. I just go to teach the kids and help them get better. But it is really nice to be recognised.”
Adam was nominated by his lecturer Susan Donnelly.
She said: “Last week I observed Adam as part of his ‘music in education’ module which he has taken in the final year of his degree in Popular Music at University Campus Barnsley. He was co-leading a rehearsal with the Barnsley Youth Jazz Orchestra.
“As part of his work there, which started at the beginning of his degree, he teaches and plays drums. His teaching enables young people of Barnsley to access tuition which is also funded by his performances with the Dearne Big Band.
“It was so good to see him working with feamle drummers and inspiring the next generation of musicians. His own love for music and enthusiasm makes me very proud. This is an amazing opportunity for the children of Barnsley.”
