When I first became acquainted with music as a shy 8-year-old boy, I could never have imagined the achievements that lay ahead of me today.
My shyness was a result of enduring bullying during my time in primary school, which made me hesitant to explore music within the local community band.
As an eight-year-old, I naturally believed that the bullying would persist even in this new environment, but reality couldn't have been further from my apprehensions. Soon, I found myself surrounded by wonderful friends, both within and beyond school and rehearsals.
Despite the continued challenges of high school, my musical friends provided a source of joy and solace. I fondly remember evenings spent together, listening to drum corps cassettes and sharing fantasies about the next solo competition.
Looking back, I realize that these were the initial seeds of what I'm pursuing today. I developed a passion for crafting my own snare solos and duets for individual and ensemble competitions. And now, here I stand, over forty years later, a testament to resilience and growth, even in the face of past adversities.
It is with immense pride that I announce today that five of my recent percussion ensemble compositions have been added to the Texas Prescribed Music List. Building upon the inclusion of two titles a few years ago, this brings the total count to seven.
Here's a link to all seven titles listed on the Texas Prescribed Music List.
My hope is that this accomplishment serves as an inspiration to those who, like me, have grappled with self-esteem challenges. It is a testament to the value of maintaining a positive mindset and persevering in activities that bring us joy.
I kindly invite you to take a moment to listen to one or two of these pieces and share your thoughts. While it's truly an honor that a committee of wise men has endorsed my work, your feedback, as the future users of these compositions within your percussion ensembles, holds a special significance.
Dirkjan van Groningen - Creative Director