Testimonials

Dave H. / West Plains (12/17/00)

"Dennis, I really appreciate the compliment. It was really an answer to prayer when I ran into you that first time in the Percussion Shop. I had been wanting to learn to play Jazz for sometime but didn't know where to start. I feel like I've learned a great deal from you."

Rocky H. / Piano Springfield (11/01/01)

Dennis, "Had to work in Branson a few days ago and guy came into my sons store. We got talking about music and he said, "Do you know a guy that has a big band? Does he play guitar I asked? He said no and stated that the person was a drummer, and was real good. I asked, was it Dennis Winkle? He remarked, in a good tone Of voice. Yeah!!! That's the guy, he played for our group of dancers and boy!!! He sure was good! Just thought I'd pass that along to you, and let you know, there are people that remember."

Clark M. / Guy & Dolls, Nixa Community Theatre (6/30/05)

"Very well done! Let's do it again, Dennis! Many thanks."

Jeff G. / Percussionist, Jazz Educators Big Band (JEBB) (11/02/06)

Dennis, "The rehearsal in October, we played the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis chart, Big Dipper.
The feel after we got into that piece was, KILLIN'. I would have sworn it was Mel Lewis on the drums! Last night especially with, Swing Swang Swung, that piece is really coming along. It is one thing to play the notes, but another to make music with a piece and you are a big part of making that chart swing. Keep swinging Dennis, I love what you're doin'".

Bob H. / Bandleader(JEBB) Springfield (1/23/07)

Dennis, "I had a nice visit with Paul Von Adams at lunch last week in Branson and he gave you a very nice compliment. He was impressed with how you pushed the band and kept us together in that difficult situation on that stage. I thought you would appreciate knowing that."

Diane M. / Springfield (11/26/07)

Dennis, "Hey, the favorite drummer bit was true. I always enjoyed when I was taking lessons, especially when playing on the set, you would just jump in there and do your "thang", it was awesome. May you be blessed with many bright students who will realize what a wealth of wisdom and knowledge you have in your mind and heart to teach them. Your patience is phenomenal and your skills, just blow my mind." Always, your Granny student.

Larry C. / (Ex band buddy from "Maxx") Little Rock,AR (01/17/08)

I am jealous of all the gigging your doing. I listen to your ensamble and big band... it was really awesome. That would be really cool to play shows like that!! I'm proud to know you. You've come a long way and left us all behind!!

Dustin D. / Springfield (2/02/08)

Dennis, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. You've taught me a lot and I wouldn't be nearly the drummer I am now, if it weren't for you." Thanks.

Blake A. / St Louis (2/06/08)

Hey Dennis: "Well, I've been studying for a while now, and took a break to do some Double Strokes, and I remembered what you said yesterday about, throwing the left hand off by leading with the left. Well, I've been doing that, and I can play with volume at 150 on the metronome! I had to tell someone, 'cause I was so excited. It's also nice not to have to rely on the bounce so much. Well, it looks like I'll eventually figure these things out after all! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you." Thanks!

Jeff G. / Percussionist, Jazz Educators Big Band (JEBB) (2/29/08)

Dennis, "I just wanted you to know I have really enjoyed getting to know you and learning more about drumming through being on the bandstand with you and being in the audience while you performed. Don't know if I will see you before I depart, but once again, it has been a true pleasure to experience a player of your caliber, and to have you as a band mate and as a friend. Thanks for everything."

Debbie B. / Public School Teacher (8/26/08)

Dennis, "Is Brock going to take lessons from you? His parents stopped by the other day and Dave said he wanted him to take from you - of course I said that you would be great for him! I had Brock in my class last year - he is an absolutely wonderful kid, with wonderful parents - I hope he takes from you - you'll love him, and you'll be so good for him. He's in percussion at Pershing this year. We are looking forward to seeing you!"

Dallas J. / Springfield, MO. (3/20/09)

I found an old snare drum of my father's that I had almost thrown in the trash on numerous occasions. The heads were both badly damaged, the chrome was tarnished and the wood was in dire need of some serious Old English. I contacted the Drumguy (Dennis) about fixing it up, and in TWO DAYS I had a vintage Ludwig snare from 1960 that looked almost brand new! What once was garbage had now been made new--thanks man!

Joy / Springfield, MO. (7/6/09)

Just thought I'd share......the band director at Parkview called a meeting last Thursday for the in-coming percussion freshmen. There were only 3 there that night.....Ben, Alex Holden, and a kid from Carver Middle School we didn't know. They were met and shown around by a student that is in the drum line who is a junior. The college kid who teaches the percussion took each one of the kids away and had them play for him.......Ben got in the car afterward and said...."Man , am I sure glad Dennis has had me working on rudiments because that is exactly what he had me play!!!!" Thought you would appreciate that comment. He was really really nervous going in, but coming out he was more like himself. They start the percussion /color guard camp tommorrow...2-7 pm everyday. They may have to put a freshman on the drumline this year, altho, freshmen usually go in the pit. Hopefully he will have a good week and get more and more comfortable with the stuff he will be asked to do. You have helped prepare him more than he will ever know! Thank you..........