Just Drum

Marcie Chapa, a noted percussionist with love for music and passion for education in the arts is gaining international attention. Music is what defines her life. After realizing her God-given talent at the early age of 12, she began pursuing a career in the music industry with relentless tenacity. School competitions, contests, not only challenged her but also financed her way to the illustrious New School for Jazz and Contemporary School of Music in New York City. While attending the school, she was chosen to represent NSJCSM in an exclusive summer program in Italy. By 18, Marcie was performing professionally for crowds of thousands while perfecting her craft once inspired by percussion greats, Tito Puente, Sr., Karl Perazzo, Giovanni Hidalgo and Sheila E. Today Marcie Chapa is garnering the attention of audiences from her home base of Houston to cities all over the world fulfilling her life long dream of performing as an internationally known professional percussionist.

In addition to her gaining popularity in the music industry she aspires to create the next generation of talent. “My dream is to not only perform internationally but also pass along my talent to inspire”. Chapa gives countless hours of her time to children and aspiring musicians by volunteering at the Diaz Music Institute; a program that provides complimentary music lessons to the underprivileged that she feels have enormous talent. Marcie is partnering with other music professionals working with after school workshops and career day programs that uses music and percussion to keep kids off the street and on the right track.

These amazing talents of percussionist Marcie Chapa allow audiences in concert venues and school settings the ability to experience another great musician on the rise. Once you witness the energy of this talented performer you will realize first hand a woman who desires to make a strong difference with music to fulfill her dreams and dreams of the youth in our communities.

Joe Gonzales is a drummer/percussionist, teacher, writer, instrumentalist and father from Houston, Texas now residing in San Antonio. He is versed in a wide array of genres from Marching Percussion, African, Latin to Jazz. A meticulous drummer, he puts vital musical soul and technique reaching far beyond his instrument, contributing masterfully to each genre and music selection. Joe's work is greatly influenced by the styles, and teachings of Jose Diaz, Ndugu Chancler, Marvin Sparks and Fausto Cuevas to name a few. Joe credits these great teachers/percussionists/musicians as mentors. Throughout his playing career thus far Joe has managed to pick up 2 Latin Grammy awards with world-renowned La Mafia and three Gold Records with other artists. Joe has been drumming all his life. He played trap kit, and marching drums through his school years, accomplishing numerous awards including All State Jazz Band in High School and College.

When not out touring, Joe fits teaching and team building sessions into his busy schedule. Currently he teaches for The Bulverde Music Academy and San Antonio Parks and Recreation. Joe's passion for drumming inspires him to do his part in the music world by helping others learn the art of percussion. Joe performs West African style on djembe as well as the double-headed drums known as the djun djuns consisting of a family of 3 pitches played on the keikini, sangbon and dunumba. With these drums he travels throughout the U.S doing team-building sessions for major corporations, and schools. Current bands include but are not limited to: La Mafia, Oscar Cruz, The Pods, Unlock the Rhythm, Henry and the Latin Players, Jai Roots & the Herb-n-Café Project. Joe’s total arsenal of office tools consist of Westone In Ear Monitors, Vic-Firth drumsticks, Audix Mics, All percussion equipment, Pearl drums, Sabian cymbals, and Roland Spds, and Spd-20 pad.