Location: Round Rock, TX
Challenge: Tourettes Syndrome
Website: www.roundrockdrums.com
Ed Francis is a drummer/drum teacher/drumming coach from Round Rock, Texas. He currently runs Round Rock Drums and is co-founder of Rhythm Workshops. Rhythm Workshops are dedicated to bringing musical experiences into the community - focusing on groups of people who have little access to making music.
Ed is married, raising five boys, and has Tourettes Syndrome. Ed says "When I play drums and teach I often refer to it as my 'drum therapy' because that is what it is for me. While teaching I often 'yell' at my students (very constructively and positively), and I’ve found this to be a helpful way to release my tics."
As a young person Ed found himself isolated and different than other kids.
He says "I became as easy target for bullies, and found a safe place in art and music."
Ed and Round Rock Drums were featured with Dan Shinder in our February 2014 issue of Can-Do Musical Notes highlighting the importance of Ed's work.
Here is a poem that sums up Ed Francis.
I Was That Kid... I was that kid whose father left me when I was a baby. I was that kid that had no self esteem. I was that kid that sat by himself in the lunchroom at school. I was that kid with the greasy unkempt hair. I was that kid who was pushed around during walks to and from school. I was that kid who was picked on at church during Sunday School. I was that kid who had an abusive alcoholic and drug abusing step dad. I was that kid who was humiliated at home and lived in fear. I was that kid that watched my step dad hurt my mom. I was that kid who slept with a steak knife under my pillow. I was that kid listened to fighting and things breaking in my house. I was that kid who felt like a failure not being able to protect my little brother. I was that kid that other kids made fun of. I was that kid who needed to keep secrets. I was that kid who was punished with severe consequences. I was that kid who wasn’t allowed to be myself. I was that kid who didn’t fit in.
I was that kid who didn’t understand why other kids were so mean. I was that kid that was hit by other kids during the bus rides. I was that kid that was kicked and punched at the beginning of class at school. I was that kid who was ganged up on by the stronger kids. I was that kid who was terrorized at the bus stop. I was that kid who struggled to pass classes in school. I was that kid who needed to find himself. I was that kid who wanted a normal life. I was that kid who wanted to be left alone. I was that kid who wanted to run away from home. I was that kid was confused. I was that kid who needed guidance. I was that kid that discovered an ability to draw. I was that kid that found an escape in music. I was that kid who loved banging the hell out of the drums.
I was that kid... I was that kid - and NOW I’m the guy who does wonderful things for people in the world. I am the guy who knows about compassion. I am the guy who cares about other people. I am the guy who watches over the disadvantaged. I am the guy who builds other people up with words and actions. I am the guy who takes care of my wife. I am the guy who protects my kids. I am the guy who invests in my community. I am the guy who seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am the guy who continues beating the hell out of the drums. I am the guy who shares my creativity with others. I am the guy who inspires our youth. I am the guy who touches the lives of many families. I am the guy who shares his story to provide encouragement to all. I am the guy who will leave the world a little bit better for being alive. I’m not happy to have experienced these things in my life - but they did happen, and have shaped me.
Ed says these life circumstances helped shape him into the person he is today, he says experiences taught him the value of compassion and he formed a deep level of understanding when it comes to the treatment of other people.
He adds "What we do and how we treat other people in life matters. This is why I do what I do for Round Rock Drums & Rhythm Workshops."
Ed Francis with Dan Shinder on Drum Talk TV