Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Member Of The Week: Tom Montgomery!!

1. Name:  Tom Montgomery

2. Age: 58

3. Hometown AND State: Toledo, OH  
     
4. Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Toledo, OH

5. How long have you been in the group? 14 months (since we formed)

6. What is your favorite food? Barbequed Ribs

7. Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality? yes

8. How many HOURS per week (on average) do you play the drums, practice SR beats and songs, or just jam for fun? well….I play with several different “groups”, so varies from week to week. This week, about 20 hrs.  On average, 10-15.  

9. How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on Turbo Jam, work on SR choreography, or just work out? About 8-9 hrs a week. 

10. If you do your own work-outs, what do you like to do? Mostly weight training, but teach a step/body toning class also. 

11. How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on SR mission related things OR your own missions to change the world? OK. Have to work more on this one. Maybe 1-2.  

12. Who‘s your hero? My heroes were my parents. I now realize what an amazing job they did raising the 5 of us, and how much they sacrificed without ever letting on that there were any financial difficulties.  We were all different and they supported all of us fully in whatever we pursued. They were always there for us NO MATTER WHAT.  Wow! How did they do that!!??

13. What is your favorite show you have performed in OR seen from the audience?  When the Warren group came and played at what would become our site’s home church. Why is this your favorite? I had never heard of SR before, and did not know what to expect.  I was blown away by the music, the performance and the message. If not for that performance, I would have missed out. 

14. If you could thank one person for something they did in your life at this point in time, who would it be and how would you thank them? My mother for giving me love, support, and wise guidance (even pointed me toward the right career in the course of a simple easy conversation, just like best friends have).  I will place a toy drum at her gravesite, since she loved seeing me perform with the band. 

15. If you had to tell a random stranger, who has never played drums or any musical instrument, what Sheltered Reality is and stands for, what would you say? It is a national organization that uses the power of music, specifically drums, to empower youth and raise self-esteem through hard work, dedication and perseverance, while having a blast in a totally supportive environment. Whew! How is that for a dangerously long sentence.  Almost Steve-esque in scope.   

16. What is something that nobody knows about you?  My teen years were very awkward, between acne, braces and being stick-thin. But I was happy, thanks to great friends, mostly fellow band geeks.  So, thinking back, I can cringe and smile at the same time.

17. If you were to make a bucket list, what would be top of the list? To reconnect with all of the important friends in my life.  

18. What three things are always in your refrigerator? Milk, juice, grilled - ready-to-reheat chicken breasts. 

19. What is your favorite group/artist? Musical genre (pop, country, Christian contemporary, etc)? Heavily scored pop/rock bands like Styx, Chicago, Kansas, Electric Light Orchestra, Moody Blues. Oh, and funk/soul.  Janet Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire. 

20. What do you think people believe of you that is not true? Hmmm. Not sure how to answer this one. Pretty much, what you see is what you get.  Maybe that I am not as sure of myself as I may sometimes seem. But pretty good at taking things on the fly.  Keeps me on my toes, and it’s exciting to see how things turn out.   

21. What is your favorite beat? The entire Pirates (Wolves of the Sea) chorus fill. Big, long, crazy fun. 

22. If you were King/Queen of the world, what would you change? I would banish inconsideration. 

23. How do you hope to apply the lessons learned from SR later in life? I will continue with SR to spread the message to others. 

24. Pick one of the Steps of Success and tell of a time where it has paid off for you.
Take a chance. I had a fear of public speaking. But I have always loved music.  So I decided to become a mobile DJ, forcing myself to take the mike, knowing that the wedding reception (for example) would be ruined if I froze.  It worked out very well, and for every function I played, I got at least one more. 

25. What is your favorite Color? Blue Why is it your favorite color? It matches my eyes.  Oh, wait.  My eyes are brown.  But who has brown as their favorite color?

26. Do you have a favorite Sport and or a favorite Sports Team? I was an avid tennis player, but racquetball is probably my favorite sport.  

27. Who or what has been the biggest Influence in your life? Simple. MUSIC.
 
28. Do you like your Personality? I do. Do you wish you were stronger, braver, or bolder? No. I am plenty strong physically, and when I think of those who are bolder, most are pretty obnoxious. If you like it, why? God made me this way, and who am I to question that? I have been very fortunate and am extremely grateful for all His gifts.  If you do not like it, what would you change? 

29. Have you ever stood up for what you believe, even when it was very hard? Did I mention I dislike inconsiderate behavior? Littering is one of my BIG pet peeves. On several occasions, when I have been stopped at a light and see someone in the car ahead throw something out the window, I have marched up, picked up the trash and thrown it back in their car, saying they must have accidentally dropped it, totally acting as if I were doing them a favor.  TIP: Do not try this at home! One guy was much bigger than me. Yikes! Good thing the light changed.  

30. What is your favorite subject in school? math

31. Are you the person you want to be? I am. And getting to be more and more that person day by day, experience by experience. 

32. If you never joined SR, or never heard of SR would you be the same person you are now? Honestly, probably yes. But only because I am at a different point in my life. Having said that, I have learned some powerful lessons about the power of creating a supportive and positive environment where people can thrive. Why or why not?

33. What are five things that you have in your room that you love? My wife, my t-shirt collection, my stereo system, my DVDs, and my computer which allows me to connect to this blog (shameless plug!).  

34. Can you play any other Instrument other than the drums? Just other percussion instruments. Do you wish/want to play another instrument? No. If so, what? I would have liked to learn the piano at some point, but not now. Drums are way more fun. 

35. Do you do the SOS (Steps of Success) daily? Sure. How many times do you think you use it in a week? 42.  Which is also the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything. (See Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy)

36. What is your favorite movie of all time? Hmmmm. Three come to mind, in this order: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Matrix, and Tron. Why? I love British humor, action/sci fi and I was a computer science major. 

37. What is your favorite television show and/or shows? Right now, Flash Forward, V, Glee, Castle and Caprica.  

38. What movie do you want to see really badly but didn’t get the chance to? We are movie buffs, so make a point of catching them eventually. 

39. What is your favorite saying that you say? “See ya, wouldn’t want to be ya.” Actually, I don’t use it that often, but always liked the sound of it.  And then, to my amazement, heard it in the lyrics to one of Gloria Estefan’s (singer of Cuba Libre) songs. 

40. What's your favorite Step of Success and why? Believe in Yourself. Because, without that, you will be afraid to take a chance, to do whatever it takes, and chances are you will just give up. 

41. What are you most proud of about your life? Being married to my best friend for over 30 years, raising two wonderful, totally amazing kids along the way.
 
42. What is your favorite theme song? Tie between Rockford Files (instrumental), and Greatest American Hero (Believe it or not, I am walking on air, etc.).  

43. What is your favorite mission project, and how did it impact you? Feeding the homeless at Tent City last year. To think that, but for the grace of God, any of us could be in that position. 

44. Why did you originally join SR, and what are your reasons for staying? Having seen the Warren group perform, I wanted to be a part of that. Seeing the Toledo group progress and thrive, seeing the changes, seeing and hearing of all the success stories from other sites as well. Looking forward to connecting through national meetings, mega-practices and mega-performances.  

45. If you were all of a sudden out of the group what is one thing you have learned that you would take with you the rest of your life? That positive thoughts and actions can yield unbelievable results. Hearing how others have overcome adversity and are now shining, demonstrates that we can all do the same.    

46. What makes you, you?  I feel great helping others. I like to think I have a good sense of humor, and integrity is very important to me.  

47. How is your friendship different with SR friend and non SR friends? Friendships are similar to those with other musical groups I perform with. But the power of the music makes those friendships stronger than others. How are people in SR at your site/in the country different than people you go to school and/or work with?  We have a common purpose and have much more fun. 

48. If you had to move, would you try to stay in contact with Steve and Jordan and your site? Absolutely.  For one, I would probably form a site wherever I was, so would keep in contact that way. And, if not too far away, would arrange for joint concerts with the Toledo group. 

49. If this blog was never created do you think we would be as close as we are now? No. The blog has introduced me to many others I have never met, and am looking forward to meeting at Rushmore.  And, has kept me in touch with my Warren buddies as well. We don’t get to see them nearly enough. 

50. What is your favorite part about the blog? The craziness.  You just never know what direction a post is going to take you.  It is always entertaining to catch up.  

51. What other activities/organizations are you involved in? Fitness trainer at a local health club, and drum for a number of different organizations (community bands, church, play groups (musicals), Christian Orchestra and Choir).
 
52. What size drumsticks do you play with? 7A. I had always used nylon tips, but with SR drumming, I prefer the standard wood tips.   

53. What are the first three things you do when you get home from school/work/traveling? 1) empty pockets, 2) empty bladder, 3) read mail/newspaper
 
54. Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week?? Kelli Lair (OOPS...Tom, Kelli was first, so KELLI...pick someone random (and someone who is not also heard from on the blog!)...THANKS!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sitting In Nashville

Well, we are down here in Sunny Nashville, where it is warm, but NOT Sunny...it is raining out pretty hard today, but at least it is warm.  Had a good practice last night at 61st Ave Methodist Church (for those familiar with it)...and had some new kids there...YAY.  Today we are off to Hopkinsville, KY, where they also have some new kids for us to meet, and tomorrow is a busy one...Jordan is hopefully going to finish all the filming of the old songs, parts, and choreography, so we can get that all edited (with Scott Frech's help) and then get those videos all posted to Drum Stick...for new members to practice from AND to help all of the lead-teachers at in-between practice have easy access to parts they sometimes forget, or don't know how to teach...it will be a great tool for you all for sure!!

Flying back to Iowa on Saturday...meaning...we get back with only 7 days until MEGA practice ONE for this year!  It is awesome to think there are TWO mega practices/mega events to look forward to.  For me, personally, my favorite part of mega practice is watching the faces on those coming for the first time.  When they walk into the room and it is filled with drums, filled with members, and filled with energy, it is awe inspiring...to see what we have built in SR with God's blessing and continued guidance...if not for His hand we would not have made it to where we are today...with so many folks united through a drum lesson to change His world.  I know that new members hear about the size of SR...but it is not until you experience it that it truly becomes a Reality!!  Until you have been there, part of it, the sheer force of it, the sheer power of it (not to mention the volume of it)...well until you have done it once, you are living relatively Sheltered aren't you??  (Yes, a bad attempt at a Blog Joke)...oops!

We are starting to make progress on the Where to have the Mega Summer Event...specifically it looks like the practice and show will be hosted by Troy, IL...one of the many Southern Illinois churches that the St. Louis group has been to this year...they have the perfect place it sounds like for both practice and the show.  Additionally, Annette and the STL kids are working on mission ideas (and Kim R...we will soon be working on this formally with all the IL towns getting involved...we will talk about this at Mega Practice for Easter)...some truly great ideas are being generating in that area and I am excited to see it start to unfold once we get passed Easter weekend (which sadly will be over before we know it...but don't think about that...simply look forward to the time we will all have together...very soon!!)

Once again, I want to remind you all that summer shows are coming...and there are many of them...so start studying the calendar so we can get them all covered as efficiently as possible.  IF you are in an area where we don't yet have loads of summer shows...then guess what...Take A Chance and start talking to your local folks...at church...at school...at Chamber of Commerce...wherever and Whatever It Takes...because one great way to get your message further out in your area is to meet and greet summer audiences...and make new connections to local churches, schools, groups, conferences, etc...that we may not yet have gotten to.  If you are going to Take a Chance to do this and get someone interested in booking a show, make sure to then let Jordan know so he can get you dates on the calendar, contracts in the mail, and he can work out all the show fee details with whomever the group might be.
Speaking of meet and greet...less than 2 months until I get to meet and greet Cobra Starship!  I am very excited about this...as it will be the first time I have actually been able to talk with folks from another band that I really like...so looking forward to that!!

That is all for today...we are hoping Tom from Toledo has a chance to get his Member of the Week answers to me before MTR...(Tom, if you have not worked on those yet, I understand!)...so hopefully I can get those up soon.  We also MUST get a new chain story started, so will try to do that before Easter as well...so we can polish up some more writing skills.  We will talk more about the blog, the SR book, connection building, and the like at Mega Practice, so everyone look forward to that!

More when I get back to Iowa...and see you all VERY soon!!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Happy Spring!!

Well, the first day of spring in Iowa and Illinois was grand...it snowed all day.  And, I got to drive in it, again.  As did everyone who joined me at the IASCOE conference show in Moline yesterday.  What a way to begin spring...and to think that I felt safe that driving in snow was over for me this year.  Oh well...such is winter...I guess :(  I am still sick (as is Kelli)...I am through one entire set of antibiotics, and now, 2 days out of them, I am getting it all back again...so tomorrow it is back to the doctor for something stronger this time...maybe I will have it finally gone by Easter...so it can be cold, and I can get sick all over again.  HAHA!  At least I am almost done with my sick season for 2010 (for those who don't know me well enough yet...I have said for years that from Jan through Mar I am sick over and over...so almost to the end of March...and almost safe!).  At least I have had plenty of you who are sick during this time as well and we can all commiserate together...which is good!

Anyhow I wanted to share the show from yesterday for all who could not be there.  It was our 2nd time doing a show for folks that are part of Kathy Post's real life world (an adult drummer from Union/Washington, MO)...she works with this group in MO...and the folks she works with deal with farmers at the county level helping them with all things financial related to their business.  We first performed for them in Hannibal, MO last fall and the show was very well received.  Moline was some of the same folks, but many new faces, and the show went even better.  I did part of Kelli's story since she was at this show...and some of the audience members had heard her story in Hannibal; this time they got to review her story AND meet her in person which was great.  However, I also did part of the Faith, SD story because I knew this audience would truly understand it...and the difficulties of being a farm-based town in today's world...and the story went over VERY well.  Money was donated to the ever-growing Faith, SD drum fund (YAY for you guys!)...and more importantly, we set the ball rolling for doing more shows with this group in the future (another regional event scheduled in Indianapolis in April, and maybe even the National Conference this summer if we can make it fit our schedule)...regardless...it was wonderful to share drums to change the world with people who spend all of their time working with agricultural issues...two worlds that seem not to fit together...but once again, God allows a musical connection to be made...tears of joy for kids united to change the world flowed freely again this time, and afterwards, I had several conversations about how we MUST keep doing SR because we MUST keep helping kids stay on a positive course in their lives, show them that hard work needs to be done for all things in life, and most importantly, we need to keep sharing God's love for us all through all means possible...even the very loud ones.

Thanks to Kathy (SR Princess if you do not know her nickname!) for getting the ball rolling on this, and thanks to all in the ASCOE group for truly showing enthusiasm for SR and our musical mission in life!

Enjoy this one again...more traditional posts coming next week (as soon as I feel better and feel creative about writing that is!!)

Friday, March 19, 2010

My Tick Tock Update and more...

Well, I must tell you...I am VERY proud of SOOO many of you this past 10 days, as I have returned to sites that have had one practice already, and knew to work on my Tick Tock beat AND been to other sites where it should be the first time to learn it...but folks already knew it...because they used Drum Stick (your Facebook teaching friend!)...and I cannot  believe how many of you are not only doing it well, but doing it FASTER and FASTER everyday!  At this rate, we may be able to meet my mental goal...of debuting the new song by the end of the summer (keeping in mind that the middle, the moving, and the Sheila E fill will all take quite a few weeks to master).  Many of you have found ways to work on the beat that include NO drums...and that is even better!!  To see you all rising to the challenge of this beat, and then Never Giving Up, Doing What It Takes, and Believing in Yourselves and your ability to conquer something truly difficult...WAY TO GO!  I am very proud of each of you...no matter where you are on the beat, or how fast you are (but if you feel you are still struggling with it, or not getting it as fast as you want...tell yourself this...YOU CAN DO IT!).

Secondly, for those going to MTR mega practice, wait until you see the David, Drew, Elizabeth surprise they have planned for you all...it is wonderful and you will all be very proud of them!  Way to go in terms of Taking A Chance!!

Thirdly...summer shows are on the horizon...and I want to make sure you all know there are MANY of them and we will need to really work hard to cover them all (again this summer)...so start looking ahead, and figuring out what fits around other things you have going this summer (including jobs, sports, camps, etc).

Finally for this one...MAKE SURE YOU ALL KNOW THAT THE SUMMER MEGA EVENT IS OFFICIALLY SCHEDULED!  This is the new thing we decided to do last year at MEGA practice in Rapid City for Easter...to start scheduling a summer version of the same thing but do it through our sites this time.  This summer is the FIRST official SR Summer Mega Event...and the details are:

Friday August 6th: ALL DAY HANDS ON MISSION WORK/PROJECTS

Saturday August 7th: ALL DAY practice, most likely outside, weather permitting of course

Sunday August 8th: Afternoon MEGA show

This year the event will be taking place in the St. Louis, MO metro area...with events on both sides of the river there (MO and Southern Illinois in other words).  PLEASE MARK THIS WEEKEND DOWN and start talking about it with ALL of your SR site members, SR friends at other sites, etc...as we have set a goal...WE WANT 200 drummers!  We will be working hard to help you all do Whatever It Takes to make sure that our first Take A Chance Summer Mega Event succeeds for you all...so BE EXCITED...MARK IT DOWN...and PLAN TO BE THERE!!

We will be sending out more details on the mission projects, locations, times, sound equipment issues, etc...in the coming weeks, so watch the blog about this AND watch emails to all members.

I am off to a show in Moline, IL tomorrow then down to STL on Saturday night for practice in Centralia, IL which may become a new site by Sunday evening...news on that soon...and more blogs from me next week as I am not driving 10-12 hours each day...which is great...the last 2 weeks have certainly been OVER packed.
I look forward to your comments on this one...and anything else you want to talk about :)

Sunday, March 14, 2010

My turn this time

It has been awhile since I have just written on the blog...about things going on in the world of SR and my life...so decided it was time to do so.  There are some truly amazing things happening this year...we seem to be reaching out to a different group of kids who are joining SR for some truly wonderful reasons.  First of all, our exploding St. Louis site has made us all so excited there...they have nearly tripled their site in the weeks since mid-Jan...and there seems to be no stop to this growth.  We are currently in the process of adding a 2nd site near there...in Centralia, IL...and I do feel this will become a new site...from a great set of shows we did for a Lutheran school.  Then, we move onto all the new folks coming into Watertown, SD from the marathon of shows we did there...again, it is amazing to see kids of all ages come into the SR family.  I am excited to see them all again this coming Wed at practice...and all that they have done since I was last up there.  Our Inman, KS site has not grown in quite awhile, and suddenly, we have doubled it...with an influx of new high school members and 2 adults.  That has made everyone there SO happy...and excited.  One young lady and I had a sad, but yet wonderfully connecting, talk about her life.  She is a senior in high school and feels that her entire life has been filled with people who backstab her...who say they are her friend (or family member) but then, hurt her deeply when they feel they are not getting from her what they want.  She first saw a show in Marion, KS back in the fall, and the Believe in Herself step made her cry when she realized that she did NOT believe in herself.  In fact, she did not know how to do this...since she feels that her life has been one failure after another, especially in terms of connecting with other people.  We left that evening with her having a new light in her eyes as she realized that her new drumming SR friends were NOT going to do these things to her and that perhaps she had finally found a place that she could not only learn to drum...and have fun...and have friends, but she could also finally start to learn how to Believe in Herself.

Many of our other sites have added new folks this year already as well...and many of the new members are high school aged...which is awesome to see...especially because it rounds out the age groups...to have a site with elementary, junior high, high school, and adults all drumming together really does have a special strength and special power all to itself.  I hope hearing these things reminds you all once again of the amazing amount of lives we are touching each and every day in SR...and reminds you all again of the important of connecting with each other in EVERY way that we can.  

That does include HERE as well.  I know that reading the blog everyday is impossible...I cannot even write everyday (and will not be back online this week until FRIDAY since we are jam packed this week with shows, practices, and long drives)...so this gives everyone ALL week to do me one big favor...

TAKE A CHANCE!

So many of you are reading the blog...but still feeling shy/uncomfortable/unsure of how to comment, what to say...or whatever it is that might be holding you back.  I know you are reading it because you are telling me so at practice...everyday I hear this.  Then I hear things like "I don't know what to say...or someone already said it"...and I want to encourage you all to NOT WORRY ABOUT IT.  There is no right thing to say...there is no need to write as much as I do (or some of the daily bloggers do)...there is no need to worry about spelling (try not to text-speak in the blogs please!)...there is no need to worry about being deep in your comments...it is NOT about any of that...it is about finding a way to CONNECT that goes beyond drumming, practice, and even mission projects.  Even if you only make ONE comment a month, or ONE comment a quarter, or ONE comment a year on here...you have still done a very important thing...and that is connected with your fellow SR drummers all over the country...and you have stood up and said HERE I AM...and you have shared something from your heart...and I will tell you all one thing...right now, at this time and place in America's history, we need all voices to be heard...all people to be connected...and all of us to realize that we cannot continue to divide ourselves into ever-smaller groups...ever more bitter citizens, and ever-more lost kids who feel they have no place to belong, no friends in life, and no future to look forward to.
So, even if your blog comment reads something like "My favorite pizza is Godfather's taco pizza" (which mine is!)...COMMENT that...write it...let your voice be heard...and be part of our SR community in one more way.  We need to show unity to the world in all ways...and this is just one more...that you can all learn from and feel good about...at least I hope so!  I don't want you to feel pressured, or intimidated, or anything other than one feeling...that you can safely Take A Chance on here and do Whatever It Takes to reach out to others who you may not know...but share with them something...sometime...as much as you can, or as little as you have time for.

I hope this empowers some of you to say HEY on here.  We would love to see that :)

To all reading this...remember you are the greatest...and you make everyone in SR proud everyday simply because of what we stand for...unity through music, power through percussion, and strength through building lasting connections and friendships throughout America.

This will have to tide you all over until Friday...so until then...comment on :)

Blessings, 

Steve

Friday, March 12, 2010

Member Of The Week: Samantha Hurst!!

1. Name: Samantha Hurst {Sam}
2. Age: 13
3. Hometown AND State: hometown: Champion // state: Ohio
4. Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Warren, Ohio
5. How long have you been in the group?
About 2 years now..
6. __________what is your favorite food?_________________
________stuffed shells.__________
7. Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality?
No. I was never really interested in it before SR.
8. How many HOURS per week (on average) do you play the drums, practice SR beats and songs, or just jam for fun?
Maybe 4 to 5 hours a week..
9. How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on Turbo Jam, work on SR choreography, or just work out?
To be truly honest, I probably don’t work on turbo jam as much as I should.. But I love choreography. Maybe like 2 hours a week. Sometimes more…
10. If you do your own work-outs, what do you like to do?
I like to run, walk and jog.. Im really slow though. ^_^
11. How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on SR mission related things OR your own missions to change the world?
Between SR and Church, probably about 6 hours.. Maybe…>_>
12. ______________Who‘s your hero?_______________
________Lacey Mosley_ (lead singer of Flyleaf)_________
13. What is your favorite show you have performed in OR seen from the audience? Why is this your favorite?
The one we did at the Champion Presbyterian Church. a lot of people I knew where there.
14. If you could thank one person for something they did in your life at this point in time, who would it be and how would you thank them?
I don’t think I could thank just one person. All my friends, for keeping me together. I would.. Buy them all candy!
15. If you had to tell a random stranger, who has never played drums or any musical instrument, what Sheltered Reality is and stands for, what would you say?
We're a group of Christians who try to change the world by inspiring them through music. We use the drums to try to bring them a positive message.
16. What is something that nobody knows about you?
That I want some pie.. Really bad!
17. If you were to make a bucket list, what would be top of the list?
Traveling the world. I absolutely LOVE to travel.
18. What three things are always in your refrigerator?
Umm.. milk, eggs and…. Coldness.. Idk the contence of my fridge is ever changing.
19. What is your favorite group/artist? Musical genre (pop, country, Christian contemporary, etc)?
Flyleaf!! There a Christian rock/alternative band.
20. What do you think people believe of you that is not true?
That im shy.. I can be but once I get to know a person, I cant stop talking.
21. What is your favorite beat?
Tic-tock! Im so psyched I got it!!! xDD
22. If you were King/Queen of the world, what would you change?
I would try to change the way a lot of people in other countries live. My church is doing a thing called the 30 Hour Famine. And it really opened my eyes to how so many people are living in poverty. I mean im not trying to be a downer but this is ridicules! Did you know that one child dies every 7 seconds form preventable causes like hunger and disease?!? No Lie!
23. How do you hope to apply the lessons learned from SR later in life?
Well I guess I would want to use the same lessons to help me when I get a job and to probably teach my children. that’s not going to be for a while though… ^_^
24. Pick one of the Steps of Success and tell of a time where it has paid off for you.
“take a chance.” when I tried out for my school musical, I didn’t know if I wanted to or not. Now im playing one of the leads. Its going to be awesome! xD
25. What is your favorite Color? Why is it your favorite color?
Blue! To be more specific, the color of the sky on a cloudless day. Why? I just think its beautiful!
26. Do you have a favorite Sport and or a favorite Sports Team?
No. I really don’t like sports..
27. Who or what has been the biggest Influence in your life?
Sheltered Reality. Hands down.
28. Do you like your Personality? Do you wish you were stronger, braver, or bolder? If you like it, why? If you do not like it, what would you change?
For the most part im ok with my personality.. If I could, I would change how quiet and shy I usually am when I meet new people.
29. Have you ever stood up for what you believe, even when it was very hard?
Yeah, I always try to stick up for the underdog in situations. And more often than not, for myself for being a Christian..
30. What is your favorite subject in school?
Ummm…lunch.. Haha. No, probably World History.
31. Are you the person you want to be?
Not yet. But im getting there. -_o
32. If you never joined SR, or never heard of SR would you be the same person you are now? Why or why not?
No. SR played and is playing a big part in my life and without that part im sure I wouldn’t be the same person.
33. What are five things that you have in your room that you love?
Bed. CD player. CD’s. Posters. And my awesome bed spread.
34. Can you play any other Instrument other than the drums? Do you wish/want to play another instrument? If so, what?
No. but I wish I could play piano.
35. Do you do the SOS (Steps of Success) daily? How many times do you think you use it in a week?
I try to use the SOS daily. I don’t know if I cant tell how many times I use it in a week…
36. What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?
The Crow. I just thing the plot and the message is so beautiful. “Love never dies.”
37. What is your favorite television show and/or shows?
Modern Family, psych, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
38. What movie do you want to see really badly but didn’t get the chance to?
Princess and the Frog. Haha. xD
39. What is your favorite saying that you say?
Silence the violence. Increase the peace.
40. What's your favorite Step of Success and why?
“never give up.” I just think there good words to live by..
41. What are you most proud of about your life?
Well, Im not on drugs or anything. So I guess I can be proud of that..
42. What is your favorite theme song?
Like TV shows? The psych theme song!
43. What is your favorite mission project, and how did it impact you?
A few Christmases ago, we collected pocket change for some charity. It was cool to see how loose change terned into a little over $200. ^_^
44. Why did you originally join SR, and what are your reasons for staying?
Haha, funny story.. I originally went because my friend made me. But she quit and I kept coming. My reason for staying was I wanted to see where it took me..
45. If you were all of a sudden out of the group what is one thing you have learned that you would take with you the rest of your life?
One thing that I learned and will always take with me is even though you think you cant do something, if you work at it you can do whatever you want.
46. What makes you, you?
Well, I’m not entirely sure. I guess all the things I like to do. I don’t think I would be the same if I didn’t do things like camping and going places with friend.
47. How is your friendship different with SR friend and non SR friends? How are people in SR at your site/in the country different than people you go to school and/or work with?
My friendships in SR are really different that with other friends. I’m not sure why. I think because people in SR are a lot more open and just overall more friendly. Haha. ^_^
48. If you had to move, would you try to stay in contact with Steve and Jordan and your site?
YES!! I don’t thing I could make it if I didn’t talk to Dee and Sophia and all of them at least once a week.
49. If this blog was never created do you think we would be as close as we are now?
Well I still cant get on the blog so I’m not really the person to ask about that..
50. What is your favorite part about the blog?
Well I can read it sometimes so I guess that’s my favorite part.
51. What other activities/organizations are you involved in?
I’m really involved in the Youth Group at my church.
52. What size drumsticks do you play with?
Umm. Let me go check! 808. I think.. that’s what it said on the stick.
53. What are the first three things you do when you get home from school/work/traveling?
Hmmm.. Eat. Take a nap. Get on myspace..
54. Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week??
How about Tom from Toledo. xD

Thursday, March 11, 2010

RANDOM CHAT THREE

Since I have been traveling nonstop this week, and had many late drives, I have not had a chance to think about the next major posts I want to put up...which I will work on getting some new good ones up for you over the next few days.  For now...here is your chance to post what you want to talk about next...so whoever is first here gets to set the chain in motion.

Enjoy :)

Tick Tock and Sheila E Fill Update...

Now that I have seen LOTS of people doing the Tick Tock beat, and some doing the Sheila E fill (if you have not learned that yet, you will at the next practice with me, and/or from Drum Stick)...I want to know how fast each of you are with both of them...it is easier to talk about Tick Tock beat in terms of beat accelerator songs...so go ahead and comment on how fast you are...and how you worked on it (since very few of have 2 sets of drums at home)...and if you are getting really fast (say up to song 10 on Beat Accelerator 2009)...then give advice to those who may be struggling with it.  For example, David and Drew send me a video of David working on it...which we will post on Drum Stick here very soon...and he had a great method to work on the beat (and I must say...he is VERY fast).

Since the limiting factor of getting the new song into the show will be:
a.  The Tick Tock beat needs to sound clean and tight
b.  The Sheila E fill needs to sound clean, tight, and dynamic
c.  The Sheila E fill needs to succeed WHILE doing the "gallop" middle section of the song...

...we NEED to help empower each other to succeed at speeding up these harder drum parts...so go ahead and comment to each other, support each other, and help each other work on these things...and if you are still needing to get these up to speed...hopefully you will get new ideas here...that you can try...Whatever It Takes!!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Everyone MUST comment on this one :)

Hey All!  A new song is on your horizon as soon as we finish my new song AND Jordan's new song...and I want you all to see the words to it...and figure out what I love about them...so here they are...and I want you all to analyze them, and then COMMENT on what you think they mean...and then, talk about this with each other...this should be a great discussion :)  (and, yes, sorry, it is like English class, but this will keep your writing skills up for the book-to-come) :)

This place is not quite what it seems
Or anything that I was told it'd be
New York, you know you make my heart skip
In my dreams I make it into Vegas

Seattle hits me every time
I can't get Chicago off my mind
New Jersey taught me how to let go
And I've learned that's all that I need to know

In this moment we're connected
If we fall, we fall together

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now
Let's go, let's go

Get up, get up
Make my heartbeat pickup
Get up, get up
Be-be-be-beating to the rhythm

I spill my heart from coast to coast
Fall in love with everyone I know
Sometimes it isn't where you're going
It's who you're with

In this moment we're connected
If we fall, we fall together

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now
Let's go, let's go
[x2]

Get up, get up
Make my heartbeat pickup
Get up, get up
Be-be-be-beating to the rhythm

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now
Let's go, let's go
[x2]

Get up, get up
Sing it like you're screaming at me
Get up, get up
I love the way you make it look so easy
East coast, west coast, show me what you've got now

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Time for Thanks

Last night, after a GREAT practice in Columbia, MO we were packing the car and Jordan said LOOK UP.  It was night, and at first I didn't see them, but then I heard them...an entire flock of snow geese calling to each other as they flew through the dark, heading north, on their way home.  Most of you know my love of all of our avian (feathered) friends...and this really made my day...as it was one more sign that spring is almost here (Columbia practice started with robins outside the church, another good sign).  It was one of those little things that God gives to us everyday that we need to be thankful for...a reminder of how awesome and wonderful ALL of God's creation really is.

Therefore, and since it has been quite awhile since I have had a chance to post a thought-provoking question for you all to work on...here it is...what is ONE thing that you are VERY thankful to God for in the last FIVE days...something that truly made you smile...outside and in.  Something that reminded YOU that God gave us all an amazing world and we need to always remember to give our thanks and prayers back to God for all of the wonder around us.

Have at it!!  More from me probably NOT until Sat, Sun or Mon morning, all depending!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Next Member of the Week...Dee's Assignment :)

OK, as you can all tell, I have been traveling, showing, and practicing a lot the last few days, and therefore, you have been seeing no new posts (though you have been random chatting WELL...YAY!  I saw lots of new names on there making comments...that is great!).

Anyhow, Ben did not list a person for his next member of the week...but picked out two sites...Faith or Warren.  SO, Dee...here is your assignment...I will pass this to you and tell you that I have picked out Sam from your site.  Your goal is to get the questions to her (I emailed them to you) and have her email them back to ME...and then see if we can get her on the blog.  Deal?

For the rest of you...new posts by the weekend from me...hang on until then and enjoy getting to know Ben!!

Member Of The Week: Ben Arnold!!

Name: Benjamin J. Arnold

2.   Age: 19

3.   Hometown AND State: Ripon, WI

4.   Sheltered Reality Practice Site: Fox Cities

5.   How long have you been in the group? 3 years

6.   ____________________________________________________________________
7.   Were you a drummer BEFORE Sheltered Reality? Yes

8.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you play the drums, practice SR beats and songs, or just jam for fun? I practice every night before I go to bed and I'll jam out in the middle of the day so between 12 to 15 hours.

9.   How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on Turbo Jam, work on SR choreography, or just work out? I work out 3 hours almost every day and try to throw some SR choreography during my workout. Some people look at me weird when I'm doing Greased Lightning on the tread mill haha!

10.      If you do your own work-outs, what do you like to do? Run, Bench Press, Curls & Crunches, Push-ups

11.      How many HOURS per week (on average) do you work on SR mission related things OR your own missions to change the world? It goes from week to week, I've been working hard this past week so I'll go with 9 to 12 hours

12.      ____________________________________________________________________
13.      What is your favorite show you have performed in OR seen from the audience?  Why is this your favorite? The best show I have done would have to be the Relay For Life in Ripon. I got to lead that show and it felt super great to deliver the message Steve & Jordan give to people. I got a ton of great feedback from the crowd and made me feel great!



14.      If you could thank one person for something they did in your life at this point in time, who would it be and how would you thank them? I would have to thank my father. He has molded me into the person I am today. He brought me into SR and paid my dues every month and drove me all over the state to do the thing I love the most in life. I'm going to have to take him fishing this spring because that's what he loves the most.

15.      If you had to tell a random stranger, who has never played drums or any musical instrument, what Sheltered Reality is and stands for, what would you say? Sheltered Reality is organization that gives you the strength to believe in something very important... yourself! Through our Steps of Success Sheltered Reality has music with meaning. Whether if you have played the drums or not you will find that Sheltered Reality will hand you the tools to help you become a better person and help change the lives and change the hearts of others.



16.      What is something that nobody knows about you? I am terrified of clowns!!! I watched Stephen Kings' It at a young age (google it) there's a really scary clown that gave me nightmares!!


17.      If you were to make a bucket list, what would be top of the list? Crazy Frog! Over 3 years I still don't have the triplets down and neither does our site! When we play it at shows we look ridiculous and I get upset.


18.      What three things are always in your refrigerator? Orange Juice, Salad, and JELLO!!!!


19.      What is your favorite group/artist? Musical genre (pop, country, Christian contemporary, etc)? Bullet For My Valentine, they are a heavy metal band. I love playing double bass on the set!


20.      What do you think people believe of you that is not true? That I'm a quitter, no matter what it is I'm going to bust my bum 'til I succeed.


21.      What is your favorite beat? Metal/Tick Tock Beat


22.      If you were King/Queen of the world, what would you change? I will banish all clowns!!!! But on a serious note I would give everyone the opportunity reach a life-long dream. Lets say for me I've always wanted to be a pilot, but to get there I need to go to school which is really expensive. I don't have the money to do that right now but I'm not giving up! I would give everyone the chance to go to school and help them accomplish their dream.


23.      How do you hope to apply the lessons learned from SR later in life? Joining the National Guard in the fall


24.      Pick one of the Steps of Success and tell of a time where it has paid off for you. Believing in myself, things have been pretty tough lately but I hung in there and tried to make the best of it. It's not easy but I knew that if I believed in myself things will get better. I've always told myself that there will always be sunshine after the storm.


25.      What is your favorite Color? Why is it your favorite color? Blue (can't you tell already) I don't know really, it looks good on me!

26.      Do you have a favorite Sport and or a favorite Sports Team? My favorite sport is Hockey, I love the Detroit Red Wings

27.      Who or what has been the biggest Influence in your life? Sheltered Reality without a doubt! It has turned my life around completely!


28.      Do you like your Personality? Do you wish you were stronger, braver, or bolder?  If you like it, why?  If you do not like it, what would you change? I'm pretty content with my personality. I'm the funny guy at practice but have a serious side of me.


29.      Have you ever stood up for what you believe, even when it was very hard? I've been caught in situations where I knew it was wrong and I had to do something to keep me and my friends from doing the wrong thing. It was really tough, some of my friends thought I was a chicken but some respected what I believed in. It just shows who your real friends are!


30.      What is your favorite subject in school? Study Hall, I can catch up on my sleep!


31.      Are you the person you want to be? I want to become better and move up in Sheltered Reality. Maybe someday I'll be like Steve or Jordan... well maybe not like Jordan, I'll never be as cool as Jordan!


32.      If you never joined SR, or never heard of SR would you be the same person you are now? Why or why not? Not at all, I'd be going down a bad path with some worse people.


33.      What are five things that you have in your room that you love? My drums, My California King Size Bed, My photo album from my childhood, my medals and trophy's  from sports, my patch of the U.S. flag from the air force.


34.      Can you play any other Instrument other than the drums?  Do you wish/want to play another instrument?  If so, what? I can play the cow bell!



35.      Do you do the SOS (Steps of Success) daily? How many times do you think you use it in a week? I use them when it's called upon


36.      What is your favorite movie of all time? Why? Top Gun, it's a movie for fly-boys like me who loves fighter jets like me!


37.      What is your favorite television show and/or shows? Dog Fights on the History Channel. No its not dog fighting and little puppies get hurt. A Dog Fight is a battle in the sky between two combat fighter jets. It's a show about the greatest dog fights in history.


38.      What movie do you want to see really badly but didn’t get the chance to? Valentines Day, it looks pretty funny!


39.      What is your favorite saying that you say? The best thing in life is... life!


40.      What's your favorite Step of Success and why? Taking A Chance, if I never took a chance in the beginning I wouldn't be in SR.


41.      What are you most proud of about your life? That no matter what I'm doing in life, I'm loving it every day!


42.      What is your favorite theme song? The Benjamin J. Arnold theme song!


43.      What is your favorite mission project, and how did it impact you? Making pizzas for the local youth group. It was a lot of work but it all paid off in the end... free pizza!!


44.      Why did you originally join SR, and what are your reasons for staying? I joined to prove to myself that I could actually do it. Now that I've succeeded I want to show everyone that they can succeed as well. Also I'm one of the leaders of my site and helped create Fox Cities.


45.      If you were all of a sudden out of the group what is one thing you have learned that you would take with you the rest of your life? I can succeed
46.      What makes you, you? People have always known me by my sense of humor. So I'd have to go with that


47.      How is your friendship different with SR friend and non SR friends?  How are people in SR at your site/in the country different than people you go to school and/or work with? I treat all my friends the same but I tend to do crazier things with my non SR friends. Like try to sing Poker Face by Lady Gaga with an electric doggy shock collar! Good times...good times!


48.      If you had to move, would you try to stay in contact with Steve and Jordan and your site? Most definitely! I'd try to even start my own site!


49.      If this blog was never created do you think we would be as close as we are now? Not at all, especially for me because I havn't been to Mt. Rushmore before and it looks like I won't be able to this year. Most people make friends there but I've met a lot of people off the blog!


50.      What is your favorite part about the blog? Keeping in touch with the SR Universe!


51.      What other activities/organizations are you involved in? City league softball in the summer

52.      What size drumsticks do you play with? A5's, I actually carbon-fiber drumsticks that last 6 times longer than wooden sticks. They produce better sound and get better bounce.

53.      What are the first three things you do when you get home from school/work/traveling? Dive into the frig! Pull out a soda and maybe get some doritos and kick back and relax

54.      Who do you choose from the Blog Followers to be the NEXT Member of the Week? Anyone from the Faith, SD Site or Warren, OH Site. They are living examples of SR. They havn't given up and they are doing whatever it takes to keep SR alive for them and their community!