The Best Damm Music Center in the World!
Bruce Despommier
- Learning to Fly
- Rock Academy
- Adult Band
Bruce's Bio (In his own words):
I grew up in New Jersey, went to college at UMass, served four years in the Air Force, was a professional tennis instructor and am a retired air traffic controller. The guitar called to me when I was 8 and I have not stopped playing since. My Wichita based musical journey started in 2000, after my guitar instructor kicked me out of our monthly lessons, and in no uncertain terms threatened to stop teaching me altogether if I didn't get some public playing experience that eventually would lead to playing in a band. Starting at open mic nights at every Monday night for about two years at the venue Roadhouse Blues (where I met Kevin Damm and his brother Dave), I would learn a bunch of songs during the week, and then play them at these jams. The love that I have for performing music was imprinted on me in my youth, being passed on to me by my grandfather, who was a professional drummer. In 2014 I wrote a book (yes a real book) on how to make a four piece rock band, with the emphasis on it being a guide for beginner level players. That research and the desire to pass that knowledge on led me to teach. I was a music minister at Gracepoint Church for 11 years from, and played in every major club in Wichita, both in the nightlife club scene, and the dinner circuit. Past bands include: Swiltar and Reign, Balance, White Hot Prophet, Second Nature, GeTBaD, 10 Day Wish, 7 Year Itch, Big Fat Fun (currently) and the acoustic duo JunkMale, also a current band.
Anyone who has little or even no experience BUT have always wanted to play and/or sing in a band, I will be teaching the ADULT BAND at DAMM MUSIC starting in February 2025. It will encompass all things related to a full-on band experience. Not an "open jam", this is a structured band development program where YOU will learn, play, and perform in a band environment. After the songs are learned and rehearsed (which you collectively get to choose from a vast list of songs), we will perform them on a stage in front of a real audience! Slots fill up quickly so register through Damm Music.
