Dennis Winkle is a 4 year alumnus of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. During his years at Berklee his courses of study were; Applied Music in Percussion, Arranging and Composition and private studies with Berklee luminary drummers, Alan Dawson, Joe Hunt, Fred Buda and Lou Maigano. While still at Berklee, Dennis studied, big band chart reading with famous New York drummer and teacher, Sonny Igoe, (Father of a current drumming star, Tommy Igoe.)

After college, Dennis toured with local top 40 styled bands and contracted bands that put him in the company of artists like; Saxophonist Joe Lovano, singers Dux DeJohn, Rose Mary Clooney and even famous vaudville and violinist comic, Henni Youngman.

After many diverse musical opportunities, Dennis landed a leadership position with country/pop singer, Ellason Hill as her drummer & Musical Director. The band successfully toured south Florida and Central America in support of her first album. After returning to the states, Dennis and Ms. Hill had an opportunity to work in Little Rock, AR. with a brand new band. While in Little Rock, Dennis became part of the Little Rock music scene, opening the way for a variety of musical styles from; Jazz, Country, Blues and an offer to be in the, Bill Ellis house band at the famous, Hollywood Country dance club which led to an opportunity to record at, John Miller's famous gospel recording studio in Russellville, AR.

It was during this time in Little Rock, that Dennis made a decision to travel to Dallas, TX. and study with the now famous, Rick Latham and ever famous, Colin Bailey on various techniques that were becoming necessary to keep up with the ever changing world of contemporary music.

While playing Monday night Jazz jams at the Afterthought club in Little Rock, Dennis was approached by the Bonnie & Soul jazz group from Houston, Texas and asked to go on tour with them. This lasted two and a half years with great venues played and experienced gained. This group truly bridged the gap between what an audience wants from a band. Great vocals and a grooving style.

After the break up of this very influential group, Dennis headed for Denver, CO where he was able to land a drum department head position at, Pro Sound Music's Denver store. While there, he was top salesman for his first quarter year of sales and was invited to attend the NAMM trade show that following January. Working at Pro Sound afforded Dennis the opportunity to stay involved with the Denver music scene, working with, R&B singer, Gary Wilson and music contractors who kept him busy with private and corporate gigs where, sight reading and the knowledge of styles were very important. Throughout the years, Dennis was able to amass a wealth of experience and ability, which lead to, "The Big Move", Los Angeles, CA.

The opportunity to move to Los Angeles came from an offer to set up a drum department in a music store in the area of, LAX airport. Though it looked like a good idea at the time, it was destined to fail due to it's location and the harsh competition from all the other high profile retail music stores in other parts of, LA and Hollywood. Disapointed but not discouraged, Dennis did what he could to stay in LA while making his way through the web of musicians, gigs and all who wanted to be involved in the most productive and inspiring city in the country for music. While in LA, Dennis was able to meet and work with some excellent musicians, such as; Saxophonist, Kerry Campbell, Big Band leader, Jimmy McConnell, the late Jazz Organist, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, comedian Foster Brooks and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, among others.

Since coming to Springfield, in 1990, Dennis started to make a name for himself in 1995, when he joined the Percussion Shop teaching staff as a, private instructor. A position he held for 15 years. In 1995 he also organized, The Swingfield Dance Orchestra a 10 piece Swing band and its smaller 5 piece group, unit The Notables. These bands were perfect for a variety of musical presentations and functions. After resigning in 2000, he continued to play with, The DT Blues Band, JDJazz, EddieValen, Hotbox, The Silver Hammer (Beatles cover band), Jazz Educators Big Band, Montage' and The Arzo Tureaud Jazz Quartet. Dennis, has also been the Drummer/Percussionist at the, Landers & Vandivort Theaters and The Nixa Art Association, for such shows as; Guys & Dolls, Oklahoma, Damn Yankees, Batboy, Annie Get Your Gun, The Full Monty and has been called to substitute on many more. Also, in March of 2008 he was contracted to play a special appearance by the famous Les Elgart Big Band, for a special performance event at Drury University.

As of January of 2011, Dennis become a member of the locally famous and extremely popular,
M-Dock Band. M-Dock is a 9 pc. Classic Rock horn band playing dance music hits of the last 40 years including the hits of; Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago and other famous groups, that will keep you dancing your sox off. Check "Performance" section of my website for M-Dock dates and all of the Drumguy's performance activities.

Also as of late, Dennis was offered the drum throne playing with local country music talent, John Miner. John has a very cool style for Country Rock standards, done in a very unique way, while also taking the opportunity to flex the musical muscle of his extensive library of originals. The following that the John Miner Band is gaining will only grow by the visibility of this hot new band that is fast becoming part of the Springfield, MO. club scene. facebook.com/john.miner45