He played with the junior orchestra and marching band until he was in eighth grade and then was promoted to the senior orchestra and marching band. No one had done this before him. He started regular lessons with Harv Erdman, his high school drum instructor, who was an accomplished drummer in his own right. Tom later played with some of the bands that his instructor had.
He placed first all four years of high school in the Wisconsin state solo-ensemble contests. In his senior year he was judged by the author of the music he was to preform. He was awarded numerous ribbons and metals. On his 16th birthday his parents bought him his first drum kit and soon after was playing with adults in local nightclubs. Tom’s parents had to chaperone since he wasn’t old enough to get in the clubs without them. Now and again he did special performances with some of the well-known musicians in the area. In college, UW-Oshkosh, Tom played in the university marching band and started his own group called “The Others”. This was his first band with players his own age. They played light rock.
He did not return to college his 2nd year because of work he was enjoying and consequently was drafted into the military. He served 2 years in Europe where he did not play his drums. When he was discharged in 1968, he returned to school and joined a group called “Bacchus” (The God of Wine). He also turned to alcohol and drugs and the music came to a screeching halt. He eventually had to pawn his drum set to support his addictions.
He sobered up in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1982. He didn’t play again until joining Walker Community United Methodist church in south Minneapolis, where he found many opportunities to play the drums. He played with “The Walker Rockers” in 1992. His passion was renewed for music. He bought a used set of drums and slowly regained his confidence. He joined the Fireroast Mountain Boys in 2002. Tom also plays for the group Judge Bennett. (see band history). Tom sits in with local bands playing rock, rhythm & blues and country.