Local drummer keeps on drumming

Big Lake Percussionist Devin Tomczik says in his opinion, Big Lake has the potential to be a really big and happening place for music in Minnesota.

“We are located half-way between St. Cloud and the Twin Cities,” he said. “We are really part of the music scene of both.”

Tomczik is a Big Lake High School graduate who went on to earn his BA in music at St. Cloud State University, graduating in December, 2014.

“After that, I jumped into drumming,” he said. “I give drum set lessons to students of all ages and I play with a couple of bands.”

One is the Revolution Five, a Beatles tribute band. The other is Black Isles, a Middle Eastern  belly dance music ensemble with performers.

“I have just had a gig at the Renaissance Festival doing that,” Tomczik said. “It’s very effective and very entertaining, especially when you have top-notch dancers, which we do.”

Tomczik also currently performs with the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra and with a St. Cloud State percussion ensemble. 

In between shows, he backs other performers and will soon be flying out to Nashville to play with Charee White. He has also been invited to tour with West Coast electro-pop singer Monica Lionheart on her five-state Upper Midwest tour later this year.

Tomczik will be appearing Oct. 8 with the Revolution Five at Pioneer Place on Fifth Street in St. Cloud.

“I hope to expand my range,” Tomczik said. “And fly out to other places. 

“It’s daily hard work to make a living as a musician. I send out loads of e-mails every day. Hopefully some day something like that will happen,” he said. “In the meantime it is all about helping other local musicians.”

Tomczik’s love of music was honed by his teachers. He credits Paula Rebelein from Big Lake Middle School and the now retired Dr. Richard Fillafer of Big Lake High School for sparking and nurturing his passion, and percussionist Dr. Terry Vermillion at St. Cloud State University for his inspirations.

His schedule keeps him pretty busy every day, learning new songs and meeting new people, setting up shows, teaching and just making a living.

“This is the only thing I do,” he said. “It takes a lot of persistence. People can check out my Facebook page. I’d love to teach drum set to more students.”

Tomczik says he prefers Toma drums and Sabian cymbals for the sound they make.

“The drums sing really well and the cymbals cut through nicely. I use Vic Firth drum sticks right now and Evans drum heads. But you can make any drum kit sound good and you can learn on anything,” he said.

“Quality is nice but not over necessary. It is just fun to drum.”