Drum Masterclass with Jeff Rich

Hacton pupils were very lucky to have a visit from professional drummer Jeff Rich (who famously played with Status Quo for 16 years) for a music masterclass that both entertained and inspired. In the thrilling educational workshop, Jeff not only displayed his astonishing command of rhythm but also explained the history of the drums and how they are played. Drums from the most primitive to the most technologically advanced were expertly demonstrated. Some lucky pupils were invited to try drums from around the world that included the djembe, the talking drum and various snare drums.

Jeff explained that he started drumming at the age of 9 with knitting needles on biscuit tins. After working hard and saving up enough money he bought a snare drum. By the time he was at secondary school he had a full kit. With a combination of hard graft, perseverance and some good luck he went from playing in school bands to playing on television adverts and then performing with famous groups such as Stretch, Judie Tzuke, The Climax Blues Band, Def Leppard and Status Quo. His setup now centres around a rare Ludwig Black Beauty snare drum worth over £10,000!

When Jeff sat behind the kit to demonstrate his mastery of the instrument, the children were clearly amazed: many clapped along and wiggled to the beat; some listened with fingers in their ears, surprised by the sheer volume; hearing-impaired children felt the powerful vibrations through a balloon. Everyone was astounded by the dexterity of the performance. Percussion was handed out for the grand finale - a jam where all pupils and staff joined in with a steady beat from the drum kit.

Learning about the drums and hearing a professional musician perform in the school hall was clearly inspirational and, as the final cymbal crashed, the children showed their appreciation with a huge cheer.