Yes, I did play snare. I played all the percussion instruments. During marching season, I played snare (where I was the corps captain), multi-toms, bass, cymbals. In community symphony orchestra and during concert season, I played snare, chimes (tubular bells), melodics (marimba and xylophone), gong,muyu Buddhist ritual "slit drum" temple blocks. Castanet palillos. Pellet bells. Tambourine, triangle, and timbales. Cabasa, maraca, bongo/conga. Ratchet, rattle, and rainstick. Whistle and Vibraslap ;)

Upon graduation from high school, I was awarded a music scholarship to college where I added timpani to the repertoire.

Wow, that's great, Jennifer! You obviously had monster chops to have played in an elite marching band plus the orchestra, as well as being talented. Did you go for a music degree in college? You could have been a professional musician (or maybe you are and keeping it a secret). Do you miss playing at all?

Rattlecast has become ratamacuecast!

Martin, you are too kind and I truly appreciate your interest.

No, I majored in English at a time when Dr. John Wood was the director of the MFA program there. It was one of the finest in the country for aspiring writers and I'm very proud. I never missed the music. To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven. Many thanks.

Jennifer