Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
“I’m gonna have some fun. I’m gonna play my drum,” sang Les DeMerle, founder and artistic director of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival. He performed for Callahan Intermediate Schools fifth graders April 7. He also showed them simple rhythms and drumming techniques.
DeMerle, joined by his wife and vocalist Bonnie Eisele-DeMerle, not only played for the students, but also invited them to participate in the show. Several students joined the couple on stage, shaking percussion instruments while Eisele sang and DeMerle kept the beat on his drum set.
DeMerle showed every sound the kit makes by hitting the snare, cymbals, and bass drum. The performance included an improvised drum solo, inspired by the energy in the room.
“The theme I’m going to use is the vibe that I’m feeling here at Callahan Intermediate School,” DeMerle said.
He performed a composition called “Colors” for the students, bringing his musicianship and skills to life.
For DeMerle, drumming is his passion, one that began when he was 8 years old. He has performed with many big names like the Frank Sinatra, Harry James Big Band, Wayne Newton, and the Manhattan Transfer. He now leads a jazz band, The Dynamic Les DeMerle Big Band featuring Bonnie Eisele. The band performs for shows, dinners, dances, private parties, weddings, conventions, and corporate events.
Now based in Fernandina Beach, DeMerle continues to inspire young musicians as both the director of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival and a private drum instructor. He operates a drum studio and offers lessons to students of all ages.
This summer, DeMerle will host a drum camp June 9-11, running from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arts Alive building at 96072 Chester Road, Yulee. The camp cost is $80 and it’s for kids ages 9 and up. He will teach students the basics of drums and rhythm skills.
For registration for both the summer camp and private lessons, email Ldmm@bellsouth.net or call 904-277-7942.