Loren Thompson – Percussion

How long have you been playing and when did you start? (School, age, etc.)
Since 5th grade on snare drum, then bass drum, cymbals and bells.

What other groups (if any) have you played in over the years or are you currently playing in? Please include military.
Hometown of Brooten MN:
1969 – piano
1973-80 – percussion basics and drum set
1981-84 Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – timpani
1991 – drum set on waltzes and polkas at my barn/wedding dance
(wife danced a lot with Dad I guess)
Drum set at CTKB church – 6yrs
Same with Minneapolis Letter Carriers Band (dissolved)
St. Paul Letter Carriers Band (active on special occasions)
Keyboardist/drum set with South of the River Community Band – 10 yrs

What do you like about playing in Northern Winds?
Music selection is really diverse (not too mainstream) and pretty challenging. Some pieces take us a minute or two to set up equipment-wise and that gives Joe some good quality time with the audience. Good camaraderie, liveliness and spunk between sections. The percussion section just cracks me up sometimes. They see and read music just fine. It’s just that their personalities come out at the most unexpected time, and it fits with that section of music! Uncanny understanding of creative licensing.