Student Highlights
Ollie
“My favorite part about taking drum lessons is that there is always more to learn - no matter your skill level. I love being able to make creative grooves with the simplest patterns. Ultimately my goal as a drummer isn’t just about me, it’s about elevating the band as a whole”.
(13.5 years old)
Ollie enjoys biking, running, playing catch with a football and going to the gym.
He also likes listening to different styles of music, going to concerts, and playing in his middle school band.
Ollie received the “Spirit of St Francis Award”, is on the A+ Honor Roll, and also received the “Most improved” award here at Round Rock Drums.
His favorite quote: “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
We are happy to have this drummer here at Round Rock Drums.
Colton ​
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“My favorite part of taking drum lessons is being able to meet cool new people.”
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(12 years old & 7th grade)
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Colton enjoys drumming and gaming.​​
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He also plays percussion at his middle school and is in the top band! And has received numerous accolades for character throughout elementary. He won the Hutto Superintendent “Hippo of the Month” in 2021 and 2023 (this is an award given to only one student in the entire school each month. Winning it once is rare, he received it twice!). While in middle school Colton has been an Honor Roll recipient every quarter. He also received the highest rating on his percussion solo at school last spring.
Colton got his first drumset when he was 3 and started taking lessons at RRD when he was 5, just right before he turned 6!
And his parents always say he is “the most chill dude” ever.
We’re happy to have this drummer here at Round Rock Drums.
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…. :)
