Meet David.
Ear to ear. That was the size of our smile as we spoke with 10 year-old David Herbert-Banwo. We talked about life, music and Michael Jackson. We talked alot about Michael Jackson.
WHO
HE IS
David Herbert-Banwo
WHAT
HE'S LEARNED WITH US
Piano + Jr. Rock Band + Summer Rock Camp
WHY
WE LOVE HIM
He's determined to win a Grammy.
EYES ON THE GOAL
David was born in Lagos, Nigeria and now lives in Edmonton with his mom, dad and his big, slightly goofy, Goldendoodle pup, who David nicknamed “Jackson Bolacken.” When asked where his dream travel location would be, it wasn’t back to Nigeria to visit his birth place, instead David was quick to reply that he wanted to “go to the U.S.A. To win a grammy. Like Michael Jackson.”
David has been learning piano with us since January of this year and joined a Jr. Rock Band in March. And while he’s relatively new to the Backbeat fam, he’s not new to music. In addition to piano, he’s also been learning drums for five years and for David, it’s clear that music is just in him. He has a Yeti microphone set-up in his basement and he’s quickly learning the skills needed to produce musical masterpieces using GarageBand. David’s plans for the summer include recording tracks for his upcoming demo. One of the feature tracks is called “Over Kelly” and it’s about a girl named Kelly who is trying “to go wherever she wants” without her parents knowing, despite being under 18. Then her parents go over Kelly’s head to get her a manager who helps manage her career [as a musician].
DAVID'S MOM IS BRILLIANT
One of our favourite parts of the conversation centered around how David came to start learning piano. David was clear: it was his mom’s idea. David had told his mom that he “wanted to play piano.” His mom, Dami, turned to him and said “David, first you have to learn to play the piano.” So that’s what he did. He started by learning. David’s mom is brilliant.
We clearly ended up on the winning side of this decision as David chose Backbeat as the place to start his journey with piano. His teacher, Margret, also considers herself lucky: “[David has] a natural sense for rhythm and catches onto melodies quickly. He loves rock music in particular, and finds himself beatboxing while playing the piano to keep time. I find myself personally inspired by his curiosity and improvisational talent.” Who needs a metronome when you can beatbox?
ADDING JR. ROCK BAND
While learning instruments privately has been important in helping to build David’s foundation with music, joining a Jr. Rock Band added a social element that’s not always easily available when learning music. “We found Backbeat online and that's what led us to enroll him in the Rock Band program. We thought it might give him a new social experience centered around music.” shares David’s dad, Jeff, “Backbeat's been helpful in allowing David to start to experience that love of music in a more social context.” David’s band, “The Shocking Breadsticks,” performed at our annual Back Alley Rock Show this past June and it was clear that David is a natural performer. He assumed his role as drummer and backbone of the band with complete confidence. As to what makes the breadsticks so shocking, you’ll have to ask David the next time you’re in line waiting to get his autograph.
"[David has] a natural sense for rhythm and catches onto melodies quickly. He loves rock music in particular, and finds himself beatboxing while playing the piano to keep time."
- David's teacher, Margret
David - we can’t wait to cheer you on when you receive your first Grammy and we also can’t wait to see where your talent, dedication and love of music take you. In our eyes, Michael Jackson has nothing on you. We’re “Team David” all the way!
