Billy Wear
Drums
"I began playing the drums at age three. My parents were supportive of my music, so at thirteen, I played on weekends with local rock and country bands. At 17, I joined the American Youth Jazz Band in Wilmington, Delaware where I toured Europe. After graduating high school, I auditioned in Washington D.C. and was accepted into the United States Navy Music Program. After ten years of service, I went back to the sea, performing in show bands and jazz ensembles for the American Hawaii Cruise Line. I have played drums for such name acts as The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Frankie Laine, Jay and the Techniques, Hermans Hermits, The Ink Spots, and many other artists. I appeared on PBS’s “Rock Roots,” a history lesson on "the birth of rock and roll," and performed on TNN’s “Wolfman Jack Show.” Now -- after being on the road, in nightclubs and smoke-filled bars -- I have relocated to San Diego, California, to settle down in paradise. More recently, teaching drums has been an excellent way for me to give back to the community and to share my drumming knowledge and musical experiences."