Author: Rivenmaster

Alex Shumaker Nine Year Old Demonstrative Drummer

Alex Shumaker on stage

I love playing drums more than anything in the world!   Alex Shumaker

 

Alex Shumaker Logo

Nine Year old Alex Shumaker heralds from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, USA and has had an interest in Classic Rock bands such as Journey, Foreigner, Reo Speed Wagon and Styx since age 4. When Alex was 5 his parents took him to his first live concert to see Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger and he was mesmerized! 

Alex MakeShif Drum
Alex Self Made Drum

Following that concert experience, while most 5 year olds were headed to the Toy section at Walmart Alex would always ask to go to the Electronic Department to look at CD’s. On February 10, 2012 while browsing the CD’s Alex found a DVD of the band Journey with their new lead singer Arnel. Alex became fixated with drummer Deen Castronovo. Alex would get out an exercise ball, put it in front of the TV, and grabbing some kitchen utensils would proceed to play his make-shift drum set. He would watch the video over and over again and ultimately broke every kitchen utensil his parents had. To remedy that problem his dad created a pair of drumsticks out of plastic coat hangers for him to use. 

One evening while Alex was playing his homemade drum kit his Mom captured the moment on her phone and posted it to Facebook with the heading…… 

“You Gotta do what you Gotta do when your parents won’t buy you a drum set!” 

The phone soon rang and it was Alex’s Nana wanting to speak with him. His parents weren’t all that thrilled when he started screaming; 

“Nana and Papa are buying me a real drum set”.  

Alex received that little drum set and played it for hours on end, at least 3-4 hours a day watching the Journey DVD over and over trying to copy Deen’s every move. 

Every time Alex went to Walmart he got a CD. A few months later another DVD appeared, this time it was the band Foreigner with then drummer Brian Tichy. Alex became obsessed with Tichy’s theatrics of stick throwing and bouncing. 

Alex New Drum Set
Alex with his first Drum Set from his Grandparents

 

 

After a few months of playing, Alex’s parents enrolled him in weekly drum lessons with teacher Brian Rowan with whom he is still receiving instruction. 

Alex progressed and kept his passion for drumming. His tastes in music evolved and he started playing a wide variety of genres of music. His parents and grandparents realized at this point this wasn’t just going to be a childhood phase and decided to purchase an adult size full drum set for his 7th birthday. Instead of asking for toys for birthdays and holidays, Alex would ask for musical equipment. Thus, his drum set has become quite massive over the past two years. 

Alex rocken with Deen
Alex rocken with Jeff from Foreigner

 

Alex’s parents began taking him to more concerts and numerous local shows. Alex has had the chance to meet many musicians and has become friends with a number of them, some even inviting him on stage during their performances. 

 

His biggest moment was getting to meet his hero Deen at a Journey concert along with Ross Valory and Jonathan Cain before the show. Deen was simply amazing to Alex. Deen even called out Alex’s name in front of 30,000 people while on stage and is still in contact with Alex today. 

That concert also opened Alex up to Country Music. He instantly fell in love with Rascal Flatts who were touring with Journey at the time. 

One of Alex’s first times being on a big stage was with the band Foreigner in 2013. It was an experience he will never forget. Alex has met Foreigner several times since. One particular occasion was when Alex used tickets to their show awarded to him by winning a Tonight Show inspired Lip Sync ontest the band put on. 

 

Alex on stage with Jefferson Starship 2014

While attending a Jefferson Starship concert in Pittsburgh in 2014 Alex was taken on stage for the final song with the band. The band members had no idea he was a miniature musician but singer Cathy Richardson said she kept getting this vibe about this little 7 year old boy sitting in the front row she had to invite him up!  

Alex and his parents traveled to New Jersey to attend a show called the “Bonzo Bash” produced by his hero Brian Tichy. Brian puts on this show on the both the West Coast and the East Coasts to honor the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Brian brings in top drummers from many bands to each perform 2 songs by Led Zeppelin. Alex got to attend the rehearsals for this show at the Gibson Guitar Show Room in NYC the day before the show. At the end of rehearsals Alex was given the chance to play while Brian Tichy (who is mostly known as a drummer) played guitar, Michael Devin of Whitesnake played bass and Chas West of Jake E. Lee/Tango Down performed the vocals.

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Will B Whitesell, Actor, Singer, Musician, Rising Star!

WillBLogo2015

“With hard work and believing you can live your dream.”    Will B Whitesell 

THE ARTIST

Will B Whitesell
Will B Whitesell

Twelve year old William Brandon Whitesell or better known as “Will B” was born August 18, 2002 in Las Vegas, NV.   He goes by Will B, his middle name; because he says the “B” is for BELIEVE! 

Will is one of 5 children in the family but the only one who is into the music world. “He has been since he was 2”, says his Mother Tammy. “We noticed Will would sing songs all day long and change the words to what it sounded like. Everywhere we would go Will would attract attention.” 

When Will was 12 months old he was entered into a baby pageant and won almost every category. His family didn’t take it too seriously, because to them he was special no matter what, but it seemed others could see it from the moment they met him. Will just seems to have a special charm that brings out the best in others, generating smiles and laughter, making this one of his greatest attributes. 

Will B Whitesell swing 2015
Will B Whitesell

His parents shared, that when Will was 8 they enrolled him in a few acting lessons because he was so funny and loved to entertain. The instructors asked if Will could sing and they said a little, like any other 8 year old. So he sang for them and they thought it was cute. A little over a year later they asked him to sing in front of a showcase. Will said ok and told them he wanted to sing Adelle. They said no, that he couldn’t do that, but he insisted. Little did they know he had been listening to Adelle all day every day and had been studying her. “Will came out and sang and everyone was blown away, especially us”, said his Mom. “We didn’t know he had taught himself to sing! It was amazing.”

Will despises Bullying! Because of that, he started anti-bullying events in schools and local radio stations. “Will wants a world of peace and love”, says is Mom. “He is known to be a hugging machine, hugging everyone he meets! He is a very lovable young man.” 

THE ACTOR

At 10 years old Will was called on to audition for a Musical. His parents were a bit reluctant because Will hadn’t had much experience in musical stage performance, but decided to go anyway. To their delight the audition was a complete success with them loving Will! While they still had auditions to do in LA and NY they told Will’s parents that they would let them know. A short time later they officially awarded Will a placement in the cast for an 11 month tour of the United States. Knowing what a great adventure it would be they accepted the appointment and with great anticipation got ready for the tour. 

“It was a big decision for us”, said his parents, “Will loved school and was an A – B honor roll student all through school, and this would mean being away from school and his friends and family. But in spite of that, Will wanted to do it. A private teacher was assigned to travel with them helping Will to keep his grades up. Will worked 6 days a week usually traveling on the 7th day, and did school 4 days a week for 11 months. “He loved it and never complained”, said Mom. 

Will B Whitesell water 2015

When Will completed the tour he did 2 movies, both bully movies, one where he played the part of a bully and the other where he gets bullied. I’m told they should be out late 2015. 

Will has done two commercials and a web series. He takes his craft very seriously taking acting classes and vocal lessons. In addition he is also now enrolled in dance lessons. He is currently home schooled through Connections Academy and doing extremely well. He’s been very busy touring with JoJo Siwa from dance moms and with Kidz Bop. 

THE SINGER

Will is currently recording his own EP which will have 5 new songs, 4 covers, and 1 original that he helped write, “I Will B Yours”.

Iwillb musicvideoWATCH WILL’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Will sings all day long, it’s in his heart. He’s learning Guitar and Ukulele and also enjoys playing the keyboard and piano. If that’s not enough, he wants to add drums to his many musical talents. 

When it comes to acting, Will is amazing! He writes his own scripts often in class. His class mates are so impressed they ask him to write some for them too. Like all preteens Will can’t wait till August when he turns 13!  A legit Teenager! 

Will is great when it comes to social skills. The younger ones look up to him and the older ones enjoy hanging out with him. Will has a very positive outlook on life and brings that same energy everywhere he goes, providing encouragement and showing love and support to everyone. Will simply loves everyone and somehow always finds the good in everything and everyone. His Mom told him that he was a combination of Bob Hope, Jim Carrey, and Sam Smith! (The heart and brain of Bob Hope, the comedy of Jim Carrey and the voice of Sam Smith!) 

THE PERSON

Will B Whitesell 2015
Will B Whitesell

Will spends most of the day on something related to his dream. He writes short screenplays and creates short films cutting and editing them on his Apple Computer at home. Will loves Apple products.

While most kids are playing video games, not Will, he is in his room creating something to do with either music or movies!  

On a personal side, Will is a vegetarian. He loves animals and hates the thought of what happens to them. He is very conscientious about what he eats. A very healthy, smart kid who is into Chia, Flax, Almond milk, all kinds of healthy choices and in addition loves to cook his own creations.

Will’s hobbies usually have something to do with his Dream. He makes music, creates movies, attends shows or movies and is constantly learning from others. Outside of his career pursuits Will enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time with his best friend and Buddy his dog! He is happy just hanging out with all his friends. 

His mentors in life are Billy Hufsey, his acting coach and Steven Ventic his music producer. 

He loves them both and is blessed to have them in his life. 

Will works very hard on fulfilling his dream to become a professional singer and actor and along the way wants to inspire other kids to follow their dreams.

After Fox 5 News saw Will perform live at the Silverton Casino, they featured him on their program saying, “Watch this kid! He’s going to be a singing sensation.”

 

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