I spent my entire career involved in music, but would you believe it, Lynda O’Donnell taught me the scales when I was 17. After high school, I started at Hartwick College in Oneonta in business administration. I’m not a businessman.

Very early in my college career, I was in the music room practicing the snare drum when Professor Musser, who was head of the music department walked in and asked me if I was a music major. I told him that I was in business admin, and he told me I belonged in music as his chief drummer.

That gave me the first inkling that I might actually be able make a living playing music.

After a year, I transferred to David Mannes College of Music in Manhattan (where I had been rejected a year earlier). A year later, I was on a full Scholarship. The scholarship came in handy because my dad cut my funds off when I switched to music. Immediately, I became the lead tympanist. I also studied xylophone under Walter Rosenberger of the New York Philharmonic.

As well as being a student, I became an undergraduate instructor. After graduation, I was involved in shows, teaching, many small jobs, and was accepted by the Metropolitan Opera, finishing 2nd at their audition out of over 120 applicants. One time, I found myself running back and forth between the opera and a gig at the World’s Fair.

In 1962, I married Miriam Brickman, a concert pianist. Our marriage lasted 4 ˝ years. Miriam was Arlene Alda’s (Alan’s wife) accompanist. From 1964 through 1979, I was either percussionist or drummer in many Broadway shows, including, Royal Hunt of the Sun, Applause with Lauren Baccall, Canterbury Tales, and 4 ˝ years with The Magic Show starring Doug Henning. In 1968, I recorded an album with Pablo Casals at the Marlboro Festival. I also worked with Andre Previn.

In January of 1983, a friend called and asked if I had a passport. I told him yes. Within 10 minutes, he was at my door and we were on our way to San Francisco to play on a ‘round the world cruise of the QE II. Eight cruises later, I had been to 67 different countries. Talk about seeing the world. The Sphynx and I are on a first name basis.

Osteoporosis and arthritis put an early end to my playing career, and I was forced to retire. For many years, I tuned pianos for the Friars club and many private customers until I was no longer able.

For 33 years Ann Caso and I have been inseparable companions. Our “children” bark a lot. 2 dogs don’t have to be put through college.