Jeannine’s music experience began when she started taking classical piano lessons at the age of 8. Her teacher died when she was 12, and Jeannine didn’t continue the lessons, but later was inspired to play drums by some good neighborhood friends/drummers. At the age of 15, Jeannine received her first drum set for Christmas.
At Cass Technical High School in Detroit Jeannine played rock music with her first band, performed with the percussion ensemble, and by the 12th grade performed with the jazz ensemble. While in high school Jeannine joined a Christian band called “The Chosen Few,” later to become “Jubal,” lead by Rufus Harris. She played drums on Jubal’s first album, Trust.
Three years after high school Jeannine moved to Los Angeles. While at El Camino Community College she performed with the Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and percussion ensemble. At California State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, she minored in music and performed with the Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. The Jazz Ensemble was lead by Phil Wright, a prominent jazz pianist, composer and producer.
Additionally, while living in Los Angeles, Jeannine attended Dick Grove Music School where she studied full time in the comprehensive percussion program, which covered subjects such as Jazz drum set, Contemporary drum set, Electronic music and programming, Marimba and Vibraphone, Latin and Brazilian percussion, ear training, harmony, and music composition. Her teachers included artists such as Dave Garibaldi, the original Tower of Power drummer; Percussionist Luis Conte; and jazz drummers Peter Donald, Jeff Hamilton, Steve Houghton, and Peter Erskine. She also studied privately with world renowed drummer, producer, recording artist, Ndugu Chancelor . Jeannine performed at churches and with many bands and artists while in Los Angeles.
Currently, Jeannine is living in Detroit and she is the drummer for Rufus Harris. She also performs with other area bands and at her local church.
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