Drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr., from the band Chicago, coming to Terra State
FREMONT – What began as a VIP experience with the band Chicago has grown into a day of musical recording education for students at local high schools and Terra State Community College.
On Wednesday, percussionist Walfredo Reyes Jr. will be visiting Terra State to host a drum recording workshop in their Recital Hall (D122). This event marks a rare chance to learn from one of the most respected drummers in the world
Brennan Willis, the Director of Music and Technology at Terra State Community College, explained the unique curriculum and agenda for the event.
"It's going to be a big recording session with 60 sets of headphones," Willis said. "He will be bringing his Chicago tracks."
The story began in November 2024, when 21 Terra State Music Department students and staff were treated to an unforgettable concert experience thanks to the generosity of Galen Arnold, a local musician, who sponsored the group's tickets to Chicago's performance at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo.
Reyes is a musician Willis follows on Instagram.
"It just all happened quickly," Willis said. "I sent him a message and he responded immediately."
Chicago's iconic drummer surprised the group with VIP, giving them exclusive behind-the-scenes access, a meet-and-greet with the band, and a photo opportunity.
Before the show, Reyes took the time to engage with the students, discussing the technical side of stage production and sharing wisdom from his remarkable career, which includes performing with legends like Carlos Santana, Christina Aguilera, and Lindsey Buckingham, in addition to his work with Chicago.
"Having Walfredo connect with our students at the concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Willis. "His generosity and passion for teaching made a lasting impact on everyone there. Little did we know that experience would lead to him visiting us at Terra State to host a workshop!"
Reyes's visit to Terra State on Wednesday will focus on drum recording techniques. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Reyes's vast experience in studio recording and touring. The workshop promises to be an interactive session, with Reyes offering firsthand insights on how to record drums in a professional setting and the challenges of capturing the perfect sound.
Willis pointed out that an event like this is both an opportunity for the participants, but also for the college to continue to improve the program.
Several donations made it possible, some of which were needed for technical reasons. Among the donations was one that helped cover equipment costs, from the Fostoria Eagles #430.
"We were able to negotiate to have money available, for (needed equipment) that would then double as kind of giving our program a boost. It was a win-win."
"Often, when someone comes it's over when it's over, but hopefully this will live on, and we can have more events like this," Willis said. "This sets us up for a brighter future."
The event is free to the public, but the evening event has very limited seating. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Terra State Community College Recital Hall, Building D. To sign up, go to terra.edu/drumworkshop, to reserve a seat.
rlapointe@gannett.com
419-332-2674
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Chicago's drummer, Walfredo Reyes Jr., coming to Terra State
