Inside the Circle with Jaden Logan, Student and Snare Drummer Extraordinaire
July 2016
When and why did you start playing drums? Why a pipe band?
I started drums at the age of 4 when my grandmother took me to a place and I just started banging on a drum. That was 10 years ago. I play African drums, drum set, in marching band, and Scottish snare drum.
I saw the Pipe Band play a demonstration at a drum camp held at a local school a couple of years back and that is the first time I was exposed to the idea of a pipe band or Scottish drumming and that is how I got involved.
Is your family musical?
No, not that I know of. I have an uncle in Chicago that has a drum set in his basement but I don't know if he plays it.
What was your first/fondest musical memory?
When i played in front of about 4,000 at Six Flags with this group that I am a part of that plays on buckets and snares.
What was your most embarrassing moment as a drummer?
Hmmm…(clicks his drum sticks together a few times)...I don't really have any of those. Oh, I almost dropped a stick at the Phoenix Highland Games but I caught it.
Who was your first teacher?
Just a drummer that played and showed me the ropes.
Describe your practice routine.
I really don't practice often but when I have free time, I will practice for about 2 hours straight - or 4 hours depending on which instrument I'm working on.
How do you balance drumming with other obligations in your life? Family, job, etc. and what inspires you to stick with it?
Well, I do drumming when I have free time and when I've finished everything else. So, if I'm just laying around the house, I'll grab my practice pad and work on that for a while. My Grandma is really supportive of my drumming, she takes me to events and competitions, drops me off at practices, etc.
Who are your favorite musicians?
I like Matt Garstka (he's a drummer), Tony Royster Jr., Thomas Lang, Jojo Mayer, and a lot of other drummers and guitarists. My favorite band is Animals as Leaders.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance and competition?
If I do have a mistake, and I realize it, I will jut try to play a little quieter and then just fix it.
What advice would you give to a new student/musician just starting out in drumming?
Pay attention to everything. Listen, look, and learn. And, just have fun. It takes a lot of hard work, practicing, and learning to make a great drummer.
Where would you like to see the band in the next 5 - 10 years? What do you hope to accomplish personally as a musician in the next 5 - 10 years?
In Scotland playing at the Worlds (World Championships).
How would your life be different if you weren't a drummer?
It would be a lot different. I don't think I would be the person that I am. I would be into video games and stay in my room more.
What other instrument would you most like to play if you weren't a piper?
Guitar, bass, bagpipes, saxophone, and organ.
What is your favorite thing about being a drummer in the Las Vegas Pipe Band?
Going places and meeting new people.
What is your favorite curse word?
I don't know. I don't curse. ;)
