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Short bio: Paul Wandtke is a dichotomy of rock star persona and musical discipline; a must see drummer during live shows and performances. After a near death experience, reality hit and he decided to follow his dream and passion with drumming. He is the powerhouse for Phoenix, Arizona's The Sammus Theory check out their current tour schedule at www.myspace.com/thesammustheory
Magazine Lessons: Paul Wandtke is a contributor for Sick Drummer Magazine where he submits both online lessons and written materials for Sick Drummer, check out www.sickdrummermagazine.com for more info.Extended Bio: Paul (born and raised in Chicago , IL) began his drumming career at the age of eleven by performing around Chicago with numerous rock, punk and metal groups. He has also performed/recorded in all types of musical settings including jazz, latin, blues, rock, progressive rock, metal, fusion, dance, punk, ska, musical theatre, and electronica.

Cruise Ships: In the past, between school and other events Paul would often be found on the waters playing for cruise ships. For instance, Paul was the showband drummer for Carnival Cruise line's "Carnival Conquest Orchestra". The Orchestra performed a total of six nights a week in the Toulouse Lautrec theatre. The shows included three Production Shows, two Big Band Sets and one excellent Motown set. The Toulouse Lautrec theatre holds over 1100 people, and the Conquest Orchestra performed two sets every night and that's a total of 2200 people that would watch the group and Paul perform.

Schools: Prior to his studies at Berklee, Paul has studied percussion at the Joliet Junior College (an accredited school of NASM)and received his Associate in Arts from JJC. During percussion ensemble performances, Paul would often times be featured as a soloist artist on various percussion instruments including the xylophone, marimba, and timpani. Paul understands that both drum set and percussion can go hand in hand, that’s why he has studied both art forms.

Paul’s ultimate goal is to continue enjoying life. :)

For Hire (if time allows): To find out what Paul can do for your project, then check out www.paulwandtke.com/studioFeel free to contact him via email or myspace to schedule an event or session.

Accomplishments 2008

• April: Paul is inducted onto sickdrummer.com

• February: Paul became an official Vic Firth drumstick artist www.vicfirth.com.

• January: Paul received an endorsement from Evans drum heads www.evanddrumheads.com

• Jan-March: Paul performed drums six nights a week aboard Carnival Cruises.

2007

• December: Paul received an Associate in Arts degree from the Joliet Junior College which is an accredited school of NASM.

• October: Drum Magazine wrote a review of Paul's drumming in their New Blood section.

• September: Paul became officially accepted to attend the Berklee College of Music.

• July: Paul became an official Trick Drum Artist.

• Late June: Paul takes first place at the annual Heat Strokes Drum contest.

• June: Paul performed drums on Chicagoland's group "The BackSeat Pandas" in support of their five-song EP entitled "Black and White."

• May: Release of the 2007 Paul Wandtke Drum Performance DVD.

• Jan: Paul received the 2006 JJC Music Talent Scholarship from Joliet Junior College based on jury examination, academic performance, and over all participation in the fine arts department

2006 * October: studio work for "A Texas Funeral" in support of their self titled five-song EP.

*Auditioned/performed on drum set for the "Bye-Bye Birdie" musical at JJC.

*Auditioned/performed on the marimba for the JJC student Honors recital.

2005 *Competed in Guitar Center's Drum Off and made it to the district final.

*Auditioned and became enrolled as a percussion major at Joliet Junior College and ever since I have academically remained a GPA of 3.60.

2004 * East-coast tour with the Chicago land group "Numb" in support of their five-song EP entitled "High School Sweetheart".

2003 *August: "Modern Drummer" magazine included me in their "On the Move" department.

*Studio work for the Chicago land group "Else" in support of their five-song EP entitled "When Sun Sets Morning Fire".

2002 *Studio work for the Chicago land group Tremulous, in support of their album "Unbound Aggression". They have ever since landed a record deal with Statue Records and received rare reviews in magazine publications such as "PIT Magazine" a publication which is located in Colorado Springs,CO.

Endorsements: Vic Firth, Zildjian, Evans Drumheads, and Trick drums.