Terry Branam, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, seemingly started playing drums from day one. Born with a natural sense of rhythm, Terry started playing to the radio on his uncle’s drum set at an early age. This naturally led to the school band program in the fifth grade. Being the only percussionist in the grade school band led to some unique challenges for the young drummer. Having to read two to three parts at the same time certainly kept Terry busy. Soon to follow was a well rounded high school band experience, including many honors and accolades, such as performing in the Ohio All State band and orchestra.

After high school, Terry was involved in the drum corps scene. Competing at the world- class level, DCI is a highly respected organization. For a drummer in particular, just winning a spot is a major accomplishment. Terry started out as a member of Dutch Boy, a corps from Ontario, Canada. Eventually he earned his spot in the tenor line of one of the most respected drum corps in the activity, 6 time world champions, the Cadets of Bergen County. During this time, Terry got to study with some of the most respected rudimental drummers in the world. Not only did drum corps sharpen his playing skills, it also prepared him for today’s professional music scene as a player and an educator. A particularly rewarding experience was had as an instructor for the Tarheel Sun drum and bugle corps.

Since moving to the Chicago area in 1998, Terry has been a professional drummer. His versatile playing style has led to playing with some of the finest musicians in the area in many different styles live and in the studio. Some of the groups Terry works with regularly include: Grammy nominated artist Dayna Malow, Mark Lonsway, Stephanie Rogers, Underwater People, Country Sky, Lisa McClowry, Tom Linsk, Azure Bloom, Souled Out, and many more. Not to mention recording sessions for various artists in the area, national jingle spots, and numerous television appearances. Terry has also performed in virtually every major venue/festival known in the Chicagoland area. Balancing 8 to 10 different projects at any given time and keeping a steady teaching practice keeps Terry in demand and very busy. He loves music and his enthusiasm is contagious!