I’m not sure this is something I should post, but I can say that as a former band member and a member of the forever band family, I have had my share of dates with guys in the band.  I ended up marrying a trumpet player, but before that I literally dated someone from every section of the band except a flute player.  Yes, from the tuba to the clarinet, I have experienced the personalities of each and every one of them and despite the fact that I married a trumpet player (they ARE the best kissers in the band), the coolest and most fun of the instrument players are the drummers, or as they like to be referred to, the percussionists. (We’ll let them think that for now : )

There’s something about drummers, as they confidently bang on anything that isn’t sitting still – well, maybe bang isn’t the word.  So maybe hit on – no, that’s not good either. Well, you know what I mean.  There’s not a table or a chair or cabinet or any other piece of furniture safe from the drummer’s sticks, playing whatever rhythms pop into their heads, all day long.  My oldest son is a drummer and my brother is a drummer, so I know what I’m talking about.  Anyway, back to the confidence.  They sling on those drums for marching band or play in that local cover band, and with a slight swagger, they let go with those monkey arms and just get lost in making the music.  It’s a wonderful thing.

Drummer also have, uh, shall we say, reputations?  Since these sections tend to be very male dominated, sometimes they push the “not so appropriate” envelope a little.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s usually really funny as in “I can’t believe you just said that (giggle, giggle)” kind of way.  And they just smile at you in a disarming sort of way and the heart skips a beat. Pun intended.

I was never really cool enough to date more than one drummer – clarinet/sax players turned vocalists like myself aren’t that cool, and it always seemed like flute players got the drummers anyway.  Maybe I should have worn my hair in a ponytail more often.  No disrespect to my flute playing friends, of course.

But I digress.  Today is Hug a Drummer Day.  I’m not sure who makes this stuff up, but I know a lot of drummers and I’ve hugged a bunch of drummers.  And while the day is supposed to be about hugging them, it really should be about how much fun it is to be hugged by them.  As a rule, they’re just fun and I’m a lucky person to know them and all of my band family.  So, before the day ends, hug that drummer in your life and remind them of just how cool they are.  Not that they need reminding.