Biography
Herb Barnett has been researching the percussion and musical arts, including studying and performing on the drum kit for over forty years. His educational music experience started at the age of twelve; upon receiving his first snare drum and cymbal, along with drum lessons at a local music store. By the time Herb began high school at Niles North in Skokie IL, he purchased his first drum set. This was the start with playing in neighborhood rock bands while working hard to better his drum kit skills.
After graduating high school, Herb Barnett moved on to study percussion and music theory at Harper College in Palatine IL, under the direction of Mr. Hilary, for one year. Then, he continued his music education at the Chicago Musical College (Roosevelt University) in Chicago, with receiving a four year scholarship. Barnett's performing techniques for percussion, timpani and the drum kit were influenced under the direction of great teachers like, Edward Poremba (Roosevelt), principle percussionist and timpanist with the Lyric Opera and Grant Park Symphony, Al Payson with the Chicago Symphony and Jake Jerger, director and instructor of the Drum Kit, Jazz Band, and Percussion at Oakton Community College, Des Plaines IL. Furthermore, Herb has performed and taught for over thirty-five years in various local Orchestral Symphonies, Brass, Church and Percussion Ensembles, Wedding, Jazz and Rock bands, while teaching percussion, rudimental snare drumming and the drum kit privately at his home. This also includes instructing for Karen's Music company and many other local music stores.
Today, Herb Barnett continues teaching, researching and developing new techniques for the drum kit while still practicing diligently, to better his performing art. In addition, Barnett has published a book on music theory and technical rhythms for the drum kit titled: Odds & Evens, Independence for the Modern Drummer.
Timpani Xylophone
