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Jeff Schiller, a Detroit
area native, began playing professionally in 1990 with the United States Air Force Entertainment in
Europe, touring Central Europe, the UK, and the Mediterranean with USAFE Entertainment Showcase performing pop, jazz and R&B at various Air Force and NATO installations. After three consecutive wins at the Air Force Worldwide Talent Competition in 1991, 1992, and 1993, not to mention taking the Best of Show award in 1991 for the performance of
Sing Sing Sing, Jeff continued to perform with various local bands in the Frankfurt
area, including the ever popular, Joe Whitney and The Rhythm Poets (featured in
Jeff's demo files). After his honorable discharge from the USAF, Jeff moved
on to perform with multiple bands in the southeast region of the US. Primarily performing
Big Band, R&B, and jazz. Jeff consistently taught lessons at
"Art's Music" store in Montgomery, Alabama, as well as becoming the percussion section leader of the 151st Army National Guard Band. While in Montgomery, Jeff
also worked at SportsFirst Health and Racquet Club as a fitness instructor and concurrently earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Auburn University at
Montgomery. In early 2000, Jeff earned his Private Pilot's License, (VFR,
ASEL, with a High Performance rating) and he thoroughly
enjoys flying in his off time. Hopefully soon he will obtain his IFR
and a commercial multi-engine rating.
Thus, a new
beginning...1998
Through a sudden twist of fate, Jeff was free of certain ties in Alabama and left for the Orlando area to again chase down his dream. Jeff auditioned and obtained a slot with Walt Disney World entertainment performing as a sub/on-call
musician with the Hollywood Hitmen. This job led to many others at
Disney: "Kids of the Kingdom Band" at the Magic Kingdom,
"Nova Era" at the EPCOT Italian Pavillion, "The British Invasion" at
EPCOT UK Pavillion, "Fiddlers Joy" at EPCOT Canadian Pavillion, and "The RockHounds" at
Disney's Animal Kingdom. His experience at Disney led to continuing with such renowned groups as "Nova
Era," and the "Cast of Beatlemania." Jeff was also one of the original 30 drummers of Disney's famed
"Tapestry of Nations
/ Dreams" parade at
EPCOT which lasted from September 1999 to March 2003. Today, Jeff continues
to perform and tour with Nova Era who, by the way, has had one
tremendous year in 2005. Nova Era has done some great conventions with
artists such as Carley Simon, Donna Summer and Michael McDonald (one of Jeff's
absolute favorites). Nova Era also had their first two nation-wide
appearances on QVC selling their 5 pack CD set - which "sold out" in
record breaking time! Jeff also works with Orlando area bands, such as
"Viva Venezia" and many local area churches. Because of his
experience with The Cast of Beatlemania, Jeff is available to perform as
one of the most influential drummers of all time, Ringo Starr.
In early 2005, Jeff
developed his own Percussion Curriculum which led him to teach as the "Head
of Percussion" at the "Avalon School and Music Center."
Jeff has also been accepted as a member of the Vic Firth Education Team,
allowing him more access to help influence young (and sometimes old) drummers. Jeff works with various central
Florida churches, and free lances around the US, Canada, and Europe. He was
previously nominated into the National Register's "Who's
Who in Executives and Professionals" for 2005 - 2006 ...
we can all see the "Who's Who"
people must have really be hurtin' for nominees that year
:) In October 2004, realizing
how much he needed a better retirement (in 30 or so years) Jeff left the Alabama
National Guard Band to be commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in The US Air Force
Reserve, 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead ARB, FL. (a much closer drive than
Montgomery, AL...) Now, serving at the rank of Captain, with only 7 years left until military retirement,
Jeff continues his music career as mentioned above, working with
whoever may call, sidelining as an RN at Celebration Health Assessment, and with the
USAF Reserve.
Most recently, Jeff has been
working full-time as a musician performing with Nova Era, Viva Venezia,
Fiddler's Joy, Choozi Entertainment (Cirque style shows in Lake Tahoe) and
subbing with Off-Kilter and Tuskar Rock at Disney World. Teaching is a
passion of Jeff's and he hopes that with his busy performance schedule, this
will remain a constant joy in his life.
Funnily enough, it's a very
rare occasion when Jeff is NOT available for a gig, so please don't hesitate to contact Jeff by
email at 808drum@gmail.com
for all your "drumming" needs!!
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