Members: James Brink
Established: Playing Drums since 1980
What is the Bio of James Brink?
Instrument: Drums, percussion, back up vocals
Influences: Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Steve Gadd
Born into a musical Family, Jims Dad, Donald Brink is a retired Band Director who has an M. A. in Music Education from his studies at Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, the Peabody Conservatory, Towson State University and Loyola College. Jims Uncles have competed nationally for Barber Shop quartet singing.
Jim’s 1st musical accomplishment was receiving an award as “Best Musician” during his 8th grade graduation from the Canton Middle School Band, under the direction of Tom Merrinick. While Jim attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, he played in the Concert Band, Show band, and the Award Winning Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Chris Tranchetella. He played in the pit band for the following shows: A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Little Orphan Annie, Little Shop of Horrors and Grease. During his senior year, MSJ hosted a “Battle of the Bands” and Jim’s band Bag of Tricks took home the big prize!!!!! At graduation, Jim received the “Brother Peter Gaskin Award” for Excellence in music. During Jim’s span in High School, he received private lessons from a Berklee Grad by the name of Grant Menefee. Jim also played in the snare line for the Baltimore Colt’s Marching Band for 3 years.
After High School, Jim auditioned for the United States Marine Corps. Band and the next thing you know, he was on a bus headed for Parris Island. Jim Studied for a year and graduated from the U.S. Navy School of Music and was stationed with the Marine Band in Quantico VA. Jim spent 5 years playing for the Marine Band.
What other bands have you played with?
Dame's Rocket, H and the Beatlemaniacs, The Crawdadies, South Paw, Ellis Woodward, On The Brink, Hot Soup, David Zee, Detroit Slimm, Big Money Blues Band/Highway 49, Brian Tingle & Blue Thunder, Johnny B Band, Classic Brass, Sue Trainor, The Amazons