Namish Joshi
This Star Alumni introduced himself to me during one of our shows, and related “I want to be a good drummer like Ayden” (one of our RRD students) - and he did!
“Taking Rock Drums lessons with Mr. Ed has always been the highlight of my week. One lesson I will never forget is when I first met Mr. Ed. Coming into my first lesson, I was terrified, but the next 30 minutes changed my life. Mr. Ed started the lesson by asking ‘Tell something new about you’ and I answered by saying I was scared. As the lesson went on, however, I slowly felt more and more comfortable. Mr. Ed then taught me how to hold drumsticks and how to play a simple beat, and I caught on pretty quickly! I instantly fell in love with the drums and wanted to continue. Every week from then on, I looked forward to my lesson, especially the million dollar question, ‘Tell me something new.’”
Namish attends Round Rock High School. He loves STEM related concepts such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, etc. and his dream college is UT Austin.
He presently works at two nonprofits, Austin Nautanki and Hack United. Namish works in web development and general volunteers department at Austin Nautanki and is Head of Blog Writing at Hack United to aid in spreading the love of Computer Science and finding sponsors for events.
Namish spends a lot of time in band. He is part of the Round Rock Dragon Band Drumline, specifically the Front Ensemble, and plays the Marimba. He’s a Front Ensemble Officer and in the Dragon Band Leadership Team. In addition to the band, he is also the founder and president of Round Rock High School Music Club. Along with other pursuits Namish founded the Generative AI Club as well.
“My love for music has no limits and I aim to keep the fire ignited my whole life. To spread the love of music, I founded the RRHS Music Club and am in the Dragon Band Drumline. I am also in the top band at Round Rock High School.”
His awards include being an AP Scholar, being certified in ITS Java, being certified in Microsoft Workspace (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), being a UIL State Marching Band Finalist with the Dragon Band, UIL State for Robotics with Dragon Bytes, and solving countless problems for the places I work and in band.
Namish also received the distinction of being “Drummer of the Year” here at Round Rock Drums.
“Drumming and Music have had a significant impact in my life. Music has been something that frees me from the stresses of school. Being a junior in High School is always hard; SAT, hard classes, personal conflicts, etc. but for me, music/band/drumming have been something I look forward to everyday because I forget what’s bothering me. While playing the drums or my marimba, my problems disappear, my stress, is absent, and that’s why I love music and hope to keep drumming and playing percussion my whole life.”
We are happy to remain in contact with Namish and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
Brian Barnes
This Star Alumni holds the unique distinction of being the first student here at Round Rock Drums.
“I remember having my grandpa who got me into drumming, sit in and play a solo at one of our yearly drum shows with us.”
Brian attended school at Round Rock High School where he performed in band. And marched in the drum line playing on the snare drum.
He also graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma, receiving a bachelors degree in marketing and also found himself on the dean’s honor roll UCO College of Business.
He presently works as a freelance marketing consultant, producer (“Pretty Boys”, short film) and the team attendant for the Dallas Stars.
“I’m not actively playing as much these days. But, I still love finding new music and live shows to go to. I’ll sit down on the drums on occasion just to make sure I still got it!"
Brian enjoys golf, skate boarding, wake-boarding, surfing, cycling, working out, and hockey.
“Drumming taught me practice, discipline, and routine. And it’s amazing how listening to music can take you places and make you feel certain emotions. I’m forever grateful to be a drummer.”
We are happy to remain in contact with Brian and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
Colton Siegmund
This Star Alumni has always hit hard here in the studio - he continues to do so, and with great passion.
“There are far too many memories to count but a big one is having one of my last drum lessons with the guitar player of my new band sitting in as we were leaving for tour as soon as the lesson was over. Ed was so welcoming to my bandmate and left us with such a warm send off after just having a fun 30 minute drum off/hang out.”
Colton was homeschooled through High School and has worked in the music industry since graduating.
He does a lot! Colton works as a Lighting Director for a band from Austin. And he also plays full time in two bands, and also in cover bands.
“I love biking. My wife and I have a State Park’s Pass and love to go biking and hiking in new places.”
Colton plays drums in a Punk/Hardcore band called Drip-Fed. He also plays drums in a death metal band called Feed Your Body To The Void. And to top it all off, Colton has a project called Lout where he occasionally releases music that he writes.
“Every friend I have (including my wife), I’ve met through music. It has created the best community and outlet I could’ve dreamed of. It has taken me across the country and the world. I’ve seen so many places I would’ve never seen, and met so many beautiful people. I may never be a millionaire but I am very rich in experiences and relationships thanks to music.”
He has earned coding certification through the University of Texas, and also received the distinction of being “Drummer of the Year” (2009) here at Round Rock Drums.
“Mr. Ed is the best drum teacher in the world. His attitude and knowledge has shaped the way I play music forever. Every time I play drums I just remember Ed telling me to have fun and make it look like it too!”
We are happy to remain in contact with Colton and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
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Anirudh Margam (Ani)
This Star Alumni has always thought about how his actions can benefit others. Ani (along with fellow Star Alumni Gaurav) created & donated a custom designed drum kit for students to use here in the studio.
“I am more successful as a tennis coach when I can replicate Mr. Ed’s energy. Playing/performing music makes listening to music more enjoyable because I can listen for different parts and appreciate how they come together to compose a piece of music.”
Ani graduated at Westwood High School, received his degree from Texas A&M University (BS in Computer Science, Class of 2024), is a Brown Scholar - National Merit Finalist, and received the distinction of being “Drummer of the Year” here at Round Rock Drums.
“I found drumming to provide me a creative and mental outlet in middle and high school.”
He is presently a software engineer at Dell Technologies, is a tennis coach, and continues to enjoy playing tennis, pickleball & basketball.
“Drumming with Mr. Ed has taught me lots about music, life, community, and education. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Ed for sharing his skills, time, and passion with Round Rock youth.”
We are happy to remain in contact with Ani and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
Justin Walters
This Star Alumni knew the value of practicing - even at an early age. And he learned how to channel an overabundance of energy into a rhythmic release.
“Drumming was a unique outlet for getting the frustrations of the world out of my system in a constructive and less chaotic way, even if the solo's were crazy!”
Justin was homeschooled and went on to graduate with his Bachelors in Computer Science and Associates in Liberal Arts - continuing on to gather his certification as a General IT Technician
He also played in several bands, performed at talent shows and volunteered for extra performances as part of Round Rock Drums.
“I always remember and enjoyed the days we used the ‘crazy colorful lights’ in the studio while pretending it was the actual day of a show!”
He received both “Rookie of the Year”, & “Drummer of the Year” here at Round Rock Drums.
“Music has been instrumental in my life, no pun intended. It taught me the fundamentals of rhythm, it helps me focus when I need to get work completed and it’s always been a passionate pass-time of mine to both listen to and assist in producing new music.”
We are happy to remain in contact with Justin and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
Levi Kania
This Star Alumni began at an early age, and his performing journey started by creatively decorating his drum kit - especially with Star Wars stuff (even had cool-looking lightsaber drumsticks)!
“Drumming has always been more than just music for me - it’s been an escape from the stresses of school, a way to build lasting friendships, and above all, drumming has been a constant source of joy and growth in my life, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
Levi graduated from Round Rock High School, and he’s currently majoring in Civil Engineering at Kansas State University.
“For as long as I've been able to walk, I've been banging on things, and my parents knew I was going to be a drummer.”
He marched in the Round Rock High School Dragon Band (and earned the title Drum Captain), is a BSA Eagle Scout, 3x UIL State Marching Band Finalist as part of the RRHS Dragon Band, and received the distinction of being “Rookie of the Year” (2015) here at Round Rock Drums.
Levi spends his time playing Bass Drum in the Kansas State Marching Band, playing disc golf, and playing cards.
“One of my favorite memories from my time at Rock Drums was playing a duet with another student. My partner was about the age I am now, and at the time, I thought he was so cool. We had a number of awesome practice sessions with Mr. Ed, and by the time we performed, we had really become a great pair. I always hoped that one day I’d be as cool as he seemed then, and I’d like to think my career as a drummer has lived up to that hope.”
Mr Ed: “Yes - Levi has not only lived up to that hope; he’s most certainly surpassed that expectation”.
We are happy to remain in contact with Levi and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
Dylan Becker
This Star Alumni has a special place in our history in that he performed duties as an assistant drum coach here at Round Rock Drums, and also supplied the “house band” for students performing during our BASH shows.
“Drumming has given me so many opportunities and has made me a lot of friends over the years.”
Dylan graduated from Meridian World School, and presently attends ACC & Texas State.
“One of my favorite memories was getting to be teach at Round Rock Drums and perform with our students on the stage.”
In addition to his history of teaching at Round Rock Drums, he presently plays with his funk-rock-band Aviator, jazz with Texas State Players, and also for Rane Simmons. Dylan earned his IB diploma, and received the distinction of being “Rookie of the Year,” “Mentor Award,” & “Drummer of the Year” here at Round Rock Drums.
Dylan spends his time playing in bands, lifeguarding, and (to use his own words) “lots of drumming, duh.” :)
“Drumming gives me a drive to keep getting better at my instrument and also allows me to improve in other areas in my life. I’ve been drumming since I will a kid and plan to do it all my life.”
We are happy to remain in contact with Dylan and glad to see the growth in this Round Rock Drums’ Star Alumni.
Mr Ed (aka: Ed Francis)
Master Drum Coach
Our Master Drum Coach, Ed Francis (students call him Mr. Ed), graduated from the Austin Graduate School of Theology, Austin, Texas, USA. After years of marching in high school bands, competing in the Jr. Drum Corps, touring with the USAF World Wide Talent Contests and performing in local bands, Mr. Ed decided to bring his passion for percussion into the heart of his community where he began teaching as a drum coach at a teaching facility he created called Round Rock Drums and also co-founded Rhythm Workshops. The latter being a non-profit dedicated to bringing musical experiences into the community, at no cost to the children – focusing on groups of people who have little access to making music. He also devoted 8 years in the USAF, Mr. Ed worked for the Center for Health Care Services MH/MR where he served adults with special needs. Mr. Ed never forgot how music and drumming helped him to work through the pain of growing up in an abusive and dysfunctional home environment. It’s worth mentioning that Mr. Ed is featured in the London produced film, “The Rhythm Session,” interviewed live with his students on Drum Talk TV, and part of his life’s story is included in the book, “From Bullied to Brilliant.” The students and parents at Round Rock Drums appreciate what Mr. Ed brings to our program.
Our Drum Coach has a history.
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Here are some highlights...
Began playing the drums (1976)
Performed at Gutierrez Middle School (1980-82)
Marched and performed with Bristol High School Band (1982-87)
Assistant Drum Major at BHS Band (1985-86)
Drum Major at BHS Band (1986-87)
Performed with the Toreadors, jr. D&B Corp (1985-87)
Winner "Rookie of the Year" Toreadors (1986)
Winner "Most Improved" Toreadors (1987)
Winner "Toreador of the Year" (1987)
Performed with the USAF D&B Corp (1987)
Performed in many local bands (1988-1996)
Founded his teaching business; aka: Round Rock Drums (1990)
World Wide Talent Competition,USAF (1992)
Winner "1st place Instrumental Solo" WWTC (1992)
Winner "Best of Show" WWTC (1992)
Winner "1st Place Musical Potpourri" (1992)
Lead drummer at the Palo Alto Jazz Band (1997) - taught under Armin Marmolajo (Trombone player for Ray Charles),
Lead drummer at the Fellowship (1997-2006)
Winner at Local Level Austin Guitar Center "Drum Off" (2006)
Winner at District Level Guitar Center "Drum Off" (2006)
Successfully auditioned for The Blue Man Group (2007)
Honored as a Judge at Guitar Center "Drum Off" Finals (2007)
Winner at Local Level Austin Guitar Center "Drum Off" (2008)
Honored as a Judge at Guitar Center "Drum Off" Finals (2010)
Honored as a Judge at Guitar Center "Drum Off" Finals (2011)
Keynote Speaker at the City of Round Rock's EOY Parks & Recreation Department (2011)
Guest Speaker at the United States Air Force's World Wide Talent Contest (2012)
Honored as a Judge at Guitar Center "Drum Off" Finals (2012)
Winner at first ever Drum Off TV (Trans-Atlantic) (2013)
Performed with his Round Rock Drums’ students at America’s Got Talent (2014)
Performed with his Round Rock Drums’ students at the Dell Diamond (2014)
Performed with his Round Rock Drums’ students at X Games Austin (2014)
Founded the non-profit Rhythm Workshops (2014)
Featured in the film “The Rhythm Session” (2014)
Included in the book “From Bullied to Brilliant,” written by Karen Clark
Interviewed on many platforms including Modern Drummer’s “On the Beat” series, the Drum Talk TV “Master Educators” series, and most recently shared his story on The Power of Investing in People podcast entitled “Drumming to Your Own Beat.”
Mr Ed continues to share his love of drumming and life with his students at Round Rock Drums where he creates group performances, solos, duets, trio-drumming, playing songs with a band, and performance based drumming.
More that just drum lessons…we care about our students.
Happy drumming…. :)
