Science Teacher Mr. Manczuk on the Drums

What was the impetus for this morning’s performance? 
I wanted to use the opportunity to come in and showcase another area of my life. I thought it would be a great opportunity to infuse some inspiration, enthusiasm, and feel-good vibes into the community.

What type of drum will you be playing?
These drums are African Bubinga.  Bubinga is a heavy wood that provides lots of highs and lows and really rich tones.  They are made by a British company called Natal. 

How long have you been playing drums? 
My dad was a drummer.  The first picture of me behind a drum set was taken at eight months old with my dad holding me.  I can’t really remember the day I started playing, I just always remember playing.  By the time I was in 4th or 5th grade, I was playing with high school rock bands in talent shows, etc.  My first professional gig was when I was 12 years old.  When I turned 14, it became my weekend job, as playing gigs was a way to make money. 

Are there any similarities between science and playing the drums? 
Science is all around the drums!  I built a drum set my junior year of high school since I couldn’t afford to purchase my own.  The type of wood you use for an instrument is really important, how it bends, the size, the finishing, the edges.  All of these components factor into how the drum will sound and how it responds.  Science plays a role in the mechanics of sound.  With a drum, you are working with a cylinder, hitting one side which pushes air through the other side, along with the vibration that is happening.  There is also science in how you strike the drum.  The way you grip the sticks is important so that you get the right transfer of energy giving you the most out of the instrument.  Kinetics play a role too.

Many thanks to Mr. Manczuk for sharing his talent with us this morning.  It was an invigorating way to start the day.