March to the Beat of Your Own Drum

Ziggy Joynes plays drums for Fired Up Fridays

May 6, 2022

And a 1 and a 2 and a 1, 2, 3 introducing…6th grader, Ziggy…and nothing BEATS his passion for drumming. It all started at the age of 2 when he would watch his Uncle Julian play the drums. He would let Ziggy sit with him and eventually gave him his first pair of sticks. Once Ziggy held those sticks, in his hands, they became an extension of himself, another appendage. Drumming became a way for Ziggy to express himself, just like George “Spanky” McCurdy, his drumming idol. Ziggy says “[McCurdy] is my biggest influence for drumming because he is a pastor’s kid, like me. He is my teacher and mentor, and he shows me how to perfect what I do.” Hoping to play for Lady Gaga, Tye Tribbett, or even Lauryn Hill, just like McCurdy, Ziggy works on perfecting his skill by performing on stage, no matter the size. Whether it’s at church or LIVE at the Kimmel Center downtown with the Philly Pops, Ziggy loves to share his passion with a crowd. His favorite performance was when he was invited to record with Zak Williams & 1Akord for their album. His most recent performance was in New Haven, Connecticut where he played at a huge venue on Good Friday for a gospel concert, again with Zak Williams & 1Akord. He reflects, “it was great to be apart of such an amazing concert and to see other musicians that I admire.” Keep playing to the beat of your drum, Ziggy … and we will continue to listen!

Our 2021-22 social media campaign, Fired Up Fridays, pays tribute to the message engraved in the stone mantelpiece above the fireplace in the Henry Library that reads: “Kyndle yr awne ffyre” (Kindle Your Own Fire). Each Friday we will shine a light on members of the school community whose passion runs deep for a particular interest, activity, class, or hobby. #FiredUpFridays posts on Insta and Facebook, so be sure to follow along!

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