Q&A: Dr. Jesse Ulrich

artistspot ISAC SILVA OLIVEIRA (ISAC JAMBA)

Age: 39 • Hometown: Ipatinga / Minas Gerais / BRAZIL Career/Profession: MUSICIAN (Drummer)

Welcome to Fort Dodge! What brings you to our community?

I am very happy to have been so well received in this beautiful city. I came to study. I got a scholarship to Iowa Central Community College where I will study music. And I’m really very happy.

Did you grow up in a musical home?

Yes, my mother is a guitarist. A samba and choro guitarist. Since I was 3 years old, she used to put the guitar on my lap while listening to the classics of choro and samba. My sisters are also musicians!

Tell us about your favorite musical experiences as a child.

My best memories as a child are me and my family together in church worship. Since I was 8 years old I participated in our church’s worship group at the time, and I loved doing it with my family.

We’d love to hear about your musical journey as an adult. University experiences - for fresh out of college and in the real world!

I’ve always worked with several bands and singers from Brazil in addition to several free lances with styles and artists from Brazil. I worked with several internationally renowned artists, traveling around Brazil and around the world doing my art, playing drums. I left my mark on more than 80 albums throughout Brazil. I have always participated in several Workshops and Master Class of musicians from all over the world teaching Brazilian rhythm. I founded the ISAC JAMBA Drummer Institute in Brazil, known throughout Brazil. The institute reached more than 60 enrolled students.

Stand out at the festival internationally as Odery and Mordem Drummer, and being a BDMG Young Musician winner competing with over 3000 drummers. I participated with my hometown Ipatinga in several social projects throughout my professional career, in public schools, day care centers and with project partners. And I am currently 100% sponsored (Endorce) by two Pearl brands and MEINL.

When did you know you wanted a career as a professional musician?

Since I was 5 years old I’ve had this idea in my head and I’ve never deviated from it. Thank God I had 100% support from my parents who gave me a professional drum kit at 5 years old.

What are you currently working on?

Currently I am 100% dedicated to my online classes. Together with my wife, Kellen, we created an online platform www.classes.isacjamba. com. With in the platform, the drummer has access to several stations from beginning to advanced. I also work as a freelancer in bands and church and recordings for great artists around the world.

Who inspires you and why?

My greatest inspiration is God. He teaches us all to be a person of respect and integrity.

What was the biggest challenge along the way to where you are today?

My biggest challenge was leaving Brazil. When I came to live here in the United States, I didn’t speak any English. I adapted to the culture. It was very challenging, but today I look back and see that this country is worth it and I would do it again!

What advice would you give to a young adult who is thinking about a music scene?

I tell all of my students, for you to become a recognized musician, you need to have hours of study on your instrument. If you go 1 week without touching your instrument, or a student “forgets” their instrument, they can’t make up for that lost time. There’s no secret, it’s your dedication and daily study.

What was the highest point for you in your career?

I am very proud to answer this question. The highest point came this year. I’ve been given the opportunity to be sponsored here in the United States by two great Drummer brands “PEARL and “MEINL”

What else do you like that our readers know?

I’m Christian. I am married. I have experience in recordings of various styles. I have musical experience in all musical styles, live music I am highly professional. I’ve played with several names in Brazilian and international instrumental music, and my instagram is @isacjamba.

shiningstar

Evan Pratt

Age: 17 School/Grade: Junior at Fort Dodge Senior High School Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa

How did you become interested in music and theater?

I was fortunate enough to have older cousins who were very involved in the FDSH Theater Department and I always enjoyed watching them perform. So, when I had the opportunity to go out for theater and perform for audiences, I took it.

What, or who, inspired you to teach yourself guitar?

The older I got, the more interested in music I got. I always thought the guitar was cool. About 2 years ago, I just decided I wanted to finally learn. My uncle plays guitar and he was self-taught, so I told him if he found a used guitar for me to let me know. I finally bought an acoustic guitar and then covid hit. So, my only option was to figure it out by reading music and playing until things sounded right. I finally figured it out after lots of practice.

How many original tunes have you written, and, what do you most enjoy about writing your own songs?

I have written 12 full songs. I am actively working on about 4. I really enjoy being able to tell my own stories with nothing holding me down but my imagination.

What theater productions have you been involved in?

I was involved in The Wizard of Oz and King Artie and the Knights of the Rad Table in middle school and have been involved in While the Lights Were Out and Footloose in high school. I recently performed in a community theater show under the direction of Mrs. Krug called Johnny Brooke: A Ghost Story.

Do you come from an artistic family? If so, in what ways?

Considering the definition of Art from person to person is rather subjective, anyone could come from an artistic family. Most of my cousins have been in theater and I have an uncle who is an incredible artist, graphic designer and painter. Performing and creating are the two major definitions of art, so those are my prime examples.

Where can we hear your perform?

I am working on getting a date set up for an opening performance at Shiny Top Brewing. After that I would love to set up some more live shows. In the meantime, you can find my music on any streaming service.

Will music and the arts be a part of your life in 25 years? If so, how?

As long as I have a guitar or a pencil, I will always be drawing or picking my 6 string. Drawing, playing and singing are all such a big part of my life at this point that I truly couldn’t see a future without them.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan on going to Iowa Central Community College for 2 years and I would love to be involved in their theater and music programs.

Who do you look up to and why?

Naming one person isn’t easy. I am fortunate enough to have many influences in my life for every part of it. Obviously I look up to my parents a lot, but I would say some of the people I look up to the most musically would be Zach Bryan, Evan Felker, Eddie Van Halen, Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson to name a few.

What is the most challenging part for you when it comes to performing?

The most challenging part for me might be memorization. I can go up on a stage and perform with no problem as far as nerves since performing is one of my favorite things to do. I will always be nervous about forgetting a line or lyric though.

You have 2 tickets to go to any live concert. The band/performer can be any, living or deceased. Who would you choose to see, who would you take and why?

Well, that’s a hard question to answer. I think that it would be between seeing the Eagles in their prime and Van Halen. I think at the end of the day, I would choose Van Halen because seeing Eddie just solo for ten minutes straight would be absolutely incredible. As for who I’d take, that is even hard to answer. Although my parents both love music, and I have been to multiple concerts with them, when it comes to Eddie, I gotta pick my Uncle Russ.

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