Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Kairis.
Paul, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was encouraged to join my high school band by my first drum teacher. He said everyone that played in the band got better, quicker. He was right.
I visited three schools and when I met Bob Black, Lou Ricci, and Al Galan, I knew St. Rita was where I belonged.
I struggled at first because I played traditional grip (they played matched), and wound up marching cymbals freshman year.
I was kind of devastated and it made me practice harder. Thanks to a very patient mom, I played night and day all summer.
The next year, I made a snare. I then became section leader junior and senior year. I was a four-year band officer and band president.
While playing with the pep band, my high school English teacher Don Gray asked if I could play a wedding. I wasn’t sure. He gave me three hours of music to learn… Polkas, Waltz’s, Pop, Swing… I’d never heard anything like it before.
Thanks to my Dad, I drove the family wagon across town. Rehearsal went well.
I went to a Chicago neighborhood called “Maxwell Street “ and bought a cheap Tux and nice shoes (gotta feel good about how ya look :). After the gig, Don handed me a $100 dollar bill. We ate, drank, people danced and had a great time and I got paid!?! I was hooked on gigging.
I called Joe and told him what happened. He said he was going to college to study percussion and found a great teacher.
Joe told me about his teacher Don Skoog of the Contemporary Music Project. He was helping Joe get ready for auditions.
I finished high school band. I was a four-year band officer, band president and was awarded by Lou Ricci “The United States Marine Corps Sempre Fidelis” award for a most outstanding musician.
Here’s where I take a left turn… I went to college, finish top 5%, Deans List, and National Honor Society member, but something’s missing. I haven’t played drums in a while, and feel lost.
I remembered Joe and Don. So, I called Don. Here’s where my story starts:
Don is the best teacher/friend/mentor that I’ll ever have. I’m so lucky. He took one look and asked what I was doing. I wasn’t sure how to answer. He said, “you don’t belong in those clothes, we’re gonna get you in music school”.
Not sure what I had on, but he kicked my a$$ for six months and got me a scholarship.
I got to study with Brad Stirtz, Mark Smith, Patsy Dash (CSO), Ed Poremba (Lyric Opera/Grant Park Symphonic Orchestra), and St Rita grad. They’re all great. Every teacher I ever had was great. I feel very lucky.
So, I started teaching too. One school at a time. Gig after gig at night. Lots of great music, lots of great bands.
Funny, recently a couple of friends, Mike Smith and Mark McNulty and I got together. We played together for years, It prompted me to post some pics on Facebook. Soon, everyone I played with started reconnecting. It’s incredible how much talent they all have.
I could go on and on, but what Don and every one of those great teachers said to me was simple: “it’s most important to pass on what you know”.
“The student that doesn’t surpass me has failed me…” – Don Skoog
I’m trying Don, haven’t done it yet, but tomorrow I’ll be back at it, thank you, all of you!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. Is this a trick question, lol.
People will laugh at you. They won’t try to understand you.
You want to be the best artist you can be, but all you have is you.
It’s like listening to a great drummer and you think, “I’m gonna play it just like they did”.
But when you do, you sound different. You learn, in time, it’s because you play like you.
If we all copied the same picture. We’d all draw it different.
That’s why they call it ART.
It doesn’t matter what I think, do you like it? Does that picture speak to you?
There are only two kinds of music, good and bad… you have the artistic right to decide what that is… that’s the beauty of being human.
UpbeatPercussion – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
UpbeatPercussion is my home studio. Here you can study a variety of percussion instruments. Everyone learns what they want.
I encourage you to study what you like while encouraging you to study what might make you feel less comfortable. Take your weakest thing, and make it your strongest. Then, there’s no telling what you can do! All ages and skill levels are welcome.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
That’s a tough one. The Sempre Fi. The award, playing with so many great musicians. Having a track nominated for a Grammy my groove made come to life…
Honestly, my wife Diane, and my children. When you look at what’s really important, it’s the love I feel for music, my family, and all that they give back… it’s just like playing a really great show… the band puts it out, the crowd gives it back, and like waves, it keeps getting bigger and better. That’s the best feeling in the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: Upbeatpercussion@hotmail.com
- Phone: 815-730-4858
- Email: paul@stefonik.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
