Playing the drums is much more to Joseph B. than just playing a musical instrument.
"Drumming makes me happy. I want to do it constantly, and just let it flow," he said. "It keeps me focused. It keeps me calm. It gets all the tension out."
Joseph has been at Vanderheyden for almost a year, and is a high school student at the Richard A. Desrochers Educational Center.
The New York City native loves to play the drums. He said his Uncle is in a band, and hopes to join him one day in a few songs. Joseph said it's like a habit to drum.
"I never took a lesson. I just learned it naturally," Joseph said. "It just happened."
He said when he leaves Vanderheyden, he wants to become a famous musician, and, go in the U.S. Marines.
Joseph said he likes to write music, and attributes his drumming success to Dr. Peter Taormina, our Director of Student Services.
"He's a good teacher, and without him and Safety Team Member Aggie Sanon, I would have never gotten this far with drumming," he said.
Taormina said Joseph is a natural drummer and musician.
"Joseph has evolved in his playing from simply drumming to becoming more and more aware of how he fits into the music or the ensemble," he said. "He practices constantly, and it shows in his playing."
"It is rare to see a young person so dedicated to his instrument, and so willing to put in the time to constantly grow," Taormina said.
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Joseph, Taormina and Sanon take the stage with Vanderheyden's President and CEO Karen Carpenter Palumbo and Cap Com's Amanda Goyer
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Joseph has played the drums at several events on campus, and in the Capital Region. He was part of the ensemble at the Cap Com Cares Foundations' fundraiser on June 4th, 2018 at Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs. Thank you to Cap Com's Amanda Goyer for having us be a part of your special day!
"Drumming is not only a way for Joseph to be part of music, but it is a way in which he claims a vital part of our social community and our academic community as well," Taormina said. "Drumming for Joseph is, in a sense, a pathway to all of the successes he experiences at Vanderheyden, as well as means for him to manage the demands of being a successful student and resident."
The New York Giants is Joseph's favorite NFL team, and has faith in his team. He's extremely knowledgeable about his team and the game.
"I think the Giants will make it to the NFC Championship," he said. "It's about a new linebacker, a left tackle, a new running back. It's going to happen."
His favorite player is Odell Beckham, Jr, but, he can't wait for former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley to take the field for the Giants.
Besides playing football in the past, Joseph likes to play Madden video games, and read about NFL history.
"I find it very interesting," he said.
Joseph also likes the New York Yankees, and playing pool.
At Vanderheyden, Joseph said it's been a good experience.
"I get to ride my skateboard, and to do drumming with Peter (Taomina)" he said. "I like to hang out with friends and cottage staff."
Recreational activities are high on Joseph's list of favorites. Fun Plex is one of his favorite places, and a place where he would eventually love to work.
"I love go karts," he said. "I always think and concentrate when riding them."
Doing construction-type jobs interests Joseph. He said he wants to get a job at our Wynantskill campus where he can fix anything. Watching his father as a superintendent of a building for eleven years, piqued his interest.
Joseph also had good thoughts about Vanderheyden.
"It's a good place for me to change up my life, and focus on what I have to do to get back home," he said.
Thank you, Joseph, for letting us experience your drumming talent at Vanderheyden!
One day, maybe we will see Joseph as a member of the New York Giants G-Line!
