Drummers For Jesus - Southern Wisconsin Chapter Guest Speakers & Clinicians

Speakers & Clinicians

This page is dedicated to the fine people
who have shared their gifts, wisdom and knowledge
at the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Drummers For Jesus
monthly Get-Togethers.

We are forever grateful for your contributions!

Guest Speakers

John Davis
February 7, 2005

John Davis is the worship leader at Brookfield Assembly of God church in Brookfield, Wisconsin. In addition to leading his own performance/worship/ministry band, "John 3:16", he has lead worship for the Miller Park Day of Prayer and on the City Of Hope CD - "Bring You Out!".

Pastor David Bullock
March 14, 2005

Dave Bullock of Waukesha, Wisconsin, became Associate Pastor of Fine Arts at Elmbrook Church (Brookfield, Wisconsin) in 1999. Prior to Elmbrook Church, Dave he served churches in RI and MN. Dave was trained as a concert violinist at Barrington College (RI) and studied with a member of the Boston Symphony. In 1976, Dave began a ministry in church music, which continues today. Dave is the founder of the dB Network Band, a group of worship leaders who have led music and worship at over 50 national conferences. In 1986, he was the choir chair for the Billy Graham crusade in Minneapolis and led a choir and orchestra of 7500 for the week of meetings. Dave has studied with Donald Hustad at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Joseph Fuchs of The Julliard School, and Paul Christiansen of Concordia College.

Bill Schmidt
April 4, 2005

Bill Schmidt is a drummer with a background in jazz and worship. He serves on worship teams at Northbrook and Kettlebrook churches and ministers with the group Beacon.

Pastor Jerome Spencer
May 2, 2005

Jerome Spencer started traveling in 7th grade with "Personations". He has worked with the "Temptations" (Reunion), the "Hughes Corporation" and the "Dramatics" and acted as composer and music director of People's Theater, the PAC Theater School and the Hansberry Sands Theater. He also did music therapy for ArtReach Milwaukee. Jerome is currently the Pastor of the New Beginnings Church in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Pastor Tim McHatten
June 6, 2005

Timothy McHatten has been playing drums since the age of 3. He has toured Europe and Africa with a church choir and has played drums for numerous gospel artists. Timothy is the Youth Pastor at Balm in Gilead Church of God In Christ.

Pastor Greg Lathe
October 3, 2005

Pastor Greg has been a part of the pastoral team at Oak Creek Aseembly of God in Oak Creek, Wisconsin since May of 1997. Formerly an instrumental music educator, he now oversees the Fine Arts and Media Departments. Together with his wife Lisa and daughter Annalese they enjoy music, games, and the Minnesota Vikings!

Pastor Marsha Headley
November 7, 2005

Marsha Headley was raised with strong godly influence in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a child, she was encouraged to develop and use her God-given gifts, which chiefly involved music. So she, along with her sisters and brother, grew up singing and ministering in the church where her father served as pastor. For seven years, Marsha and her family expressed their talents in service on a weekly television program.

At 21, Marsha began directing her first choir. This would foreshadow many great things to come! The Lord continued to use her musical gifts in a variety of exciting ways, from teaching to directing more choirs. Marsha married her boyfriend, Bruce, after college, and together they began a full-time ministry.

Today, Marsha serves as Fine Arts Pastor at Brookfield Assembly. She oversees the adult and youth choirs, the orchestra, and the praise/worship program. She's also an accomplished guest speaker, exercising that gift on occasion. Above all, God has really inspired her to help others develop their musical gifts, and she joyfully strives to carry out that task.

Pastor Phillip Hill
December 5, 2005

Reverend Phillip W. Hill, Sr., is the founder and pastor of Faithway Fellowship Church along with his wife, Valaine Graham Hill. The church began in November, 2003 with the vision to empower all mankind with the good news of the Gospel, which is hope, healing and deliverance, in addition to outreach ministries that include prison ministry for over ten years. One year of clinical pastoral education (C .P. E) Reverend Hill also leads bible studies and leadership classes, Work shops and remains active in the music ministry. This ultimately lead to the vision for Faith Community- The Cultural and Artistic Experience, where inner city at-risk youth can receive training in the arts, music, dance, drama and mentoring for life skills. In 1998, Reverend Hill was ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church where he received training for the Pastoral Ministry and served as Associate Minister at Allen Chapel AME Church for over eight years. He has since joined with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church where he continues to work the vineyard for the Lord Jesus Christ. He attended Concordia University in the liberal arts program and is now pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Education. Reverend Hill currently works at Congress School and enjoys working with the children. He takes pride in knowing that God has placed him in an environment where he can be a positive influence in the lives of the children that inevitably transcends throughout entire families. He continues to work effortlessly compelling men, women, boys and girls to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, confess him as Lord of their life and receive the promise of eternal life. Reverend Hill plans to author a book on “Praise” because he is convinced that no matter what your situation is, like Paul & Silas locked behind prison bars, praise can set you free in your heart, mind soul and spirit. Reverend Hill is the husband of Valaine Graham Hill of 17 years, the proud father of Anthony, Phillip Jr., and Bryanna Joy.

Music Pastor Benny Ramos III
January 2, 2006

Benny Ramos has served as a full time pastor ministering in the areas of music and youth since 1998 at the Zion Revival Center in Zion, Illinois. His father showed him his first guitar chord at age 12 and he has been a devoted musician ever since. He rededicated his life to the Lord in 1996 and has since played on numerous gospel, R&B and Praise & Worship recordings in the greater Chicago land area. He believes we should play our instruments passionately and with a burning desire, not only as a musician, but as a minstrel unto the Lord.

Bill Sargent
February 6, 2006

Bill has made his living as a professional drummer playing with some of the top names in music nationally and locally for 38 years. He gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1980. Bill has served as staff drummer for Brookfield Assembly of God since 1990. In addition to doing clinics and seminars, he also plays drums for and serves as recording producer and engineer for various other ministries.

Kal Bergendahl
March 13, 2006

Kal is the Co-Director of Living Light School Of Worship in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Kal has an Associate Degree in Occupational Music from M.A.T.C. in Milwaukee, WI. and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Kenosha, WI. While at MATC and UW-Parkside, Kal studied with well-known area jazz musicians including Jack Grassel, Harold Miller, Tim Bell, Tom McGirr and Berkeley Fudge.

He has been playing electric bass for 16 years and performing in the local jazz scene for the past 7 years. Some of his more notable achievements include: performances at Milwaukee’s “Summer Fest” and Summer Sizzle” music festivals, being nominated for the 2003 “Best Bassist” W.A.M.I. (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award, playing before Milwaukee Bucks games at the Bradley Center and recording with drummer Ernie Adams (drummer with jazz legend Ramsey Lewis). Some of his musical influences include: Kirk Whalum, Fred Hammond, Jaco Pastorious and Alain Caron.

Kal also has had a teaching studio based out of Kenosha for the past 8 years. Through which he has taught hundreds of students. In 2001 He began Living Light School of Worship in Kenosha, a Church based music and ministry program. He co-directs the school and teaches Songwriting, Theory/Harmony, Electric bass and Ensembles classes.

Kal has been married for 5 years and he and his wife Shanon have a son named Judah Kaden. Both Kal and Shanon were born in Kenosha WI. and currently reside there.

Kal has been a member of Living Light Christian Church, a non-denominational Spirit filled church in Kenosha, for 9 years. He is on the Church worship team and leads one of the home groups with his wife.

Pastor Anthony Burns
April 3, 2006

Pastor Anthony Burns is the pastor of Jericho - The Church Without Walls in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Reverend Anthony DeVere Burns graduated from Washington High School in 1977 (Milwaukee, WI) and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on Easter Sunday 1979. He attended various colleges graduating in 1989 from New Tribes Bible College in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

A.D. Burns has taught in several conventions, and has served as counselor with Cedine Bible Camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A.D. Burns has broadcasted on local radio and television in Milwaukee, WI. He is a Lifeway Christian Resource consultant and has conducted many workshops and seminars including revivals throughout the USA .

In 1988, A.D. Burns traveled to West Africa residing for three months as a missionary. There, with 19 Christians from all over the USA, they constructed homes and built a school. A.D. Burns says, “It was there that he felt God’s call and the preaching of the Word of God became alive in his life." The concept of “The Church Without Walls” was born during this missionary journey.

A.D. Burns received his honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Grace Theological Institute and is married to Robin L. Burns who is an Elementary School Teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from National Louis College.

A.D. and Robin have two sons, Leon DeVere Burns and Lemar Donte’ Burns.

Pastor Jeff Gilchrist
May 1, 2006

Northbrook Church welcomed Jeff Gilchrist as Director of Music in 2002. Jeff comes to us with an extensive list of degrees and certificates in music, citing a passionate interest in music since his earliest years. This former public school band director plays clarinet, saxophone, guitar, bass, drums and flute quite respectably. Most importantly, though, Jeff views the arts as a ministry to God's people, and musicians as ministers playing to worship and glorify God - not to perform. Jeff and Melissa have two high school aged daughters.

Worship Leader Tony Meister
June 5, 2006

Tony is an Elder and the Worship Leader at Kingdom of Heaven Christian Ministries. He is a rarity in that he is a singing drummer who leads worship. He is also the business owner/COO of an IT Consulting & Web Development Company.

Pianist, Vocalist, Worship Leader David Kaap
August 7, 2006

David is the assistant music director at Hales Corners Lutheran Church and has traveled the country playing the piano and leading worship with some of the finest musicians in our nation.

Pastor Jerome Spencer
October 2, 2006

Clint Holden
December 4, 2006

Clint has received much acclaim throughout the years for his outstanding vocal abilities. A highly trained and awarded singer, Clint has recorded five solo projects and has ministered in over 500 churches, schools, and civic organizations nationwide. He has shared the stage with other Christian singers and speakers, including The Archers, Steve & Annie Chapman, Dave Boyer, Ralph Carmichael, Art Linkletter, and others. Additionally, Clint has served as a seminar clinician and adjudicator for various music seminars and vocal competitions, and coached worship teams and choirs in Florida, Ohio, Colorado, and Wisconsin. A consummate helper and friend to the local & independent artist, Clint has helped many singers get their music on the air and their ministries off the ground.

As the former Director of Music and afternoon drive-time host for Christian radio, KWBI-FM 91.1 in Denver, Clint greeted thousands of listeners on a daily basis with a warm and friendly personality which is no different than his in-person and on-stage demeanor.

Parents of three teenage boys, Clint and Dawn Holden have been married since 1982 and have worked together in ministry through Christian radio, Christian schools and music. Clint is a graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in Communications/Theatre Arts, and holds an M.A. from Grace Seminary in Christian School Administration. He has also served Music Pastorates in Ohio, Indiana, and Colorado.

Clint has served as Principal for Heritage Christian Schools and is currently on staff with Promise Keepers. He also is the founder & director of Harvest Road Productions.

Pastor Phillip Hill
February 5, 2007

Pastor Jeff Ratliff
March 12, 2007

Born and raised in the Oak Creek community since 1962, Pastor Jeff greatly enjoys his family and has a passion for people. His free time is often spent doing things outdoors. He also thinks that baseball is the greatest game ever played! Jeff is the "Connections" Pastor and a worship leader at Oak Creek Assembly of God in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Pastor Timothy McHatten
April 9, 2007

Clinicians

Bobby Tews
February 7, 2005

Bobby used to play with The Wigs. He currently ministers with Blluegrace and serves on the worship team at Grace Community Church in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Dave Ruetz
March 14, 2005

Dave has played the drums for 30 years including 10 years professionally full time. He has played with dozens of groups in all styles of music including the Milwaukee Symphony and with nationally recognized guitarists, Jack Grassel and Don Linke as well as with numerous bands on the Milwaukee Summerfest stages. Dave was the first drum teacher (1976-79) at Cascio Interstate Music in New Berlin. Currently, he ministers at Northbrook Church in Richfield, Wisconsin, and with the Mt. Zion Praise Band.

Romail Bhatti
April 4, 2005

Romail is a professional Tabla player from Pakistan. He is very well versed in Pakistani and Indian music. His home churches are the Happy Gospel Church in Pakistan and Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Tim McHatten
May 2, 2005

Jeff Kuliga
June 6, 2005

Jeff has been teaching for 15 years. He has played/performed throughout the midwest, California, Washington, North Carolina, Florida & Isle Mojares. Congas is his God-given talent. His styles include jazz, Latin and African and he plays all percussion including drum set, mallets & world percussion.

Jeremiah Webb, Jr.
August 1, 2005

Jeremiah has been playing in church his whole life. He has served as a key component of the "War Drums" with David Pitzo and Bill Sargent for several years. Jeremiah currently attends Carroll College and serves as fill-in drummer at Brookfield Assembly of God. He has been a key element in the success of Drummers For Jesus - Wisconsin Chapter.

The Drummers For Jesus Group
October 3, 2005

The Drummers For Jesus Group plays "in the Spirit" for extended periods of time while a "tag team" of 2 preachers read the Word, preach & pray as the Holy Spirit leads them at various times over the heartbeat of the drums.

From left to right:
Romail Bhatti - Tabla, Congos, Bongos & Djembi
Jeremiah Webb Jr. - Drum Set
Bill Sargent - Drum Set
John Davis - Preacher
Jerome Spencer - Preacher
Genesis Maceda - Drum Set
Timothy McHatten - Drum Set
Jennifer Sargent - Congos, Bongos & General Percussion

Mike Murphy
November 7, 2005

Mike started his career as the original drummers in the jazz-fusion group, "Sweetbottom" in early 1970. He joined "Matrix" in the mid 1970s and traveled extensively throughout the US. In the late 1980s he toured and recorded with Daryl Stuermer.

Mike stays busy performing and recording with the top bands in southeastern Wisconsin as well as teaching others the fine art of drumming. Mike's home church is First Christian in Bristol, Wisconsin.

Music Pastor Benny Ramos III
December 5, 2005

Bill Sargent
February 6, 2006

Bill Schmidt
March 13, 2006

Bill Schmidt is a drummer with a background in jazz and worship. His drumming skills, experience and expertise covers a very wide range of musical styles and performing situations. He serves on worship teams at Northbrook and Kettlebrook churches and ministers with the group Beacon.

Brian Ford
April 3, 2006

Brian Ford has been playing professionally and teaching drums in the Milwaukee & Chicago area for 30 years. He has played with jazz legend Buddy Montgomery and currently plays with The Kal Bergendahl Project, The Pete Billmann Jazz Trio, Ain't Misbehaving, the Crosstalk jazz quartet with Milwaukee vocalist Anita Stemper, and many others.

Brian has recorded with jazz quartet OPUS, jazz guitarist Pete Billmann on (THE CONNECTION CD) with
Milwaukee jazz musicians Mark Lewandowski on Bass and Pianist Doug Lady, and many others.

Brian is the drum instructor for the Living Light School Of Worship as well as the author of Applying Syncopation to the Drumset and Advanced 4/4 Independence .

Brian's home church is Baptist Tabernacle in Kenosha. He is married with 3 children.

Derrick McDowell
May 1, 2005

"I started out playing drums at the age of 3 . Born and raised playing drums in the church, cause that’s where it all began. Then around 15 or 16 years of age, I got my first gig in the club scene (of course being closely watched) and made my first money paying gig. In elementary school, I took my first drum lessons from the legendary, Roy Schneider. Then on to high school, I played in the Bay View High School marching band, jazz ensemble, concert and show choirs. After high school before going to college. I toured with blues artist, Jessie James on his, “I Can Do Bad By Myself” Tour. Shortly after that tour I was off to do another with a band named, LimoZine. Where we toured in Osaka, Japan to Tokyo, where we were the first black band national and international to play at the International Worldwide Expo. That included national and international bands. Since coming back from those tours, I’ve had the opportunity to have played for the national gospel recording artist, The Mississippi Mass Gospel Choir. From the past to the now present, I’ve had the opportunity to opened up for a lot of national recording artist such as Morris Day and The Time, Cameo, Ohio Players, The Whispers, The Delfonics, Dennis Edwards and the Temptations, Rick Braun, Ricky Dillard (gospel), Blind Boys of Alabama (gospel), Norman Brown and the All-Stars, and the list goes on. Currently, I’m playing for my home church, St. Matthews C.M.E. Church along with Just 3+1, Christopher’s Project, The Tina Turner Tribute, featuring Melody Wynn, Khalage, Uptown Entertainment featuring, The Tempters (Temptations Revue), and The Carthage College Gospel Messengers, who I had the pleasure of going on tour with in Europe. We’ve traveled to London England, Paris France, a three cities in Germany. That tour was a blessing, to share our gifts of song and music to another country who needed a message from God through us and hopefully saved some if not many souls. I look forward to doing another tour like that again. Along with many others to come. But, no matter where and what I’ve done. I know that if it wasn’t for God, Jesus Christ. I couldn’t of done none of those things. I always remember where I came from and where it all began." God Bless, Derrick

Worship Leader Tony Meister
June 5, 2006

Dick Evans
August 7, 2006

Leonard "Butch" Harmon
October 2, 2006

David Beall
November 6, 2006

Jeremiah Webb Jr.
December 4, 2006

Bill Sargent
February 5, 2007

Harold Madding III
March 12, 2007

Jeff Franks
April 9, 2007

Drummer Jeff Franks played his first paid gig in 1978 and the rest is hapnin' history. In college, he toured the United States with the renown 25-piece brass band, Dimensions in Brass, led by his father, legendary trumpet player and music educator, Jerry Franks. The former Nashvillian has toured and subbed with bands that cover a gamut of styles, including show, rock, blues, country, jazz, and swing. He earned his reputation as "Circus Jeff" after many years of road time playing with the Tarzan Zerbini Circus, the Garden Brothers' Circus, Farfan Productions Presents "The Dream Clown," Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Baily Circus, and others, all under the direction of band leader and jazz trumpeter Mark Van Cleave. Jeff also has affiliations with several notable artists, including country/gospel singer Bonnie Nelson, bluesman Michael Holloway, the Shaky Ray Blues Band, Pryor Express, Allen James International, the Mary Winter Band, Barbra Smith and the Sound Trak Band, the Yarbrough-Noftsger Quintet, Mark Panneir and the BBs, and Elmbrook Church. He has toured extensivley in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Bermuda. Jeff is currently digging the drum slot in the Brian McCullough band and is looking forward to more blessings in the creation of music.

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