"I May Look Like a Librarian, but I Play Like a Barbarian"

Dorothea Taylor, the Godmother of drums, has been a drummer since 1963. This is her impressive resume:1963:  Started Drum Corps in Upper Michigan for 6 yrs, state champs 4 of 6 years; watched Buddy Rich on TV;  Studied piano for six years.1972:  Red Stocking Review:  Myrtle Beach ladies.1972-1974:  Played local groups basically country music.1985:1990:  TrIcycle: Theatre productions: Peter Pan; Nunsense; Once upon mattress.1986-1996. Socastee High School band drum instructor; would go to D.C.I. shows.1987-1997. Long Bay Symphony.1990-2010:  Special events throughout the years with local and surrounding churches.1990-2014: Worked in local music stores.1972 to present:  Active musician.She has taught in clinics in local schools; played Dixieland for several years;  plays festivals, played with a swingtime orchestra; played and plays in classic rock bands throughout her adult years; she has been teaching drum lessons for 39 years; Performed with: Elvis Impersonator, Barry Williams, Debbie Boone, and Ray Charles.She received Monthly Drum magazines early on in her career and is constantly reading and listening to new and innovative styles.She has attended Drumming Clinics: Billy Joel; Liberty Devito; Dave Weckl; Tony Royster; Dave Garibaldi; Terry Bozzio; Jim Mola; and Steve Gadd.Her favorite drummers are Vinnie Coliauta, Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Benny Grebb, Anika Nilles, and JoJo Mayer.What we talked about:Dorothea always wanted to be a drummer. As a little girl, she took piano lessons, but ultimately, went on to try out for drum corps in her hometown in upper Michigan. She was one of two girls there.How she hears rhythms in everyday activities, even when she is climbing stairs or driving!She tells us how the idea that she "looks like a librarian” and other factors may have kept her from being hired to play in rock bands.She did not let anything hold her back from finding opportunities to showcase her drumming. She played in bands and posted instructional videos on Instagram and YouTube.She was discovered on Instagram by Drumeo and was invited to Vancouver to film a cover of the metal song “Down with the Sickness” by Disturbia. She delivered a powerful message - “Don't judge a drummer or anybody by their looks.” By delivering that message, she has been an inspiration to many aspiring drummers.Dorothea also teaches online and she even taught a nearly 90 year old man.She encourages us not to deter ourselves from pursuing a passion.You can find Dorothea on YouTube and Instagram. Here is the Drumeo video for the cover mentioned in the interview.The Mindful MinuteWhenever you are doing an activity that requires sitting for long periods of time, don't forget to take breaks. Here's an easy one to let go of tension in your neck, shoulders, and wrists. Start by establishing long and even breaths in and out of your nose. Don't hold your breath at any time. Sitting up tall in Mountain Pose, tilt your head side to side. (PAUSE) Next, turn your head side to side like you are saying no. (PAUSE)And now tilt your head up and down as if you're saying yes. (PAUSE) Next, roll your shoulder forward five times. (PAUSE). Roll them backwards five times. (PAUSE) And now, interlace your fingers, roll your hands forward, one at a time, holding on to the interlace. (PAUSE)Release your fingers and  now stack the opposite thumb and fingers on top as you interlace your fingers again. This is going to feel uncomfortable because this is not the way you're used to interlacing your fingers. Roll your hands...