Karl Sterling

Male

Syracuse, NY

United States

Profile Information:

What instrument do you play?

Drums (drum set)

Who influenced you to listen to jazz

My parents

How did you find out about the WDCJN?

www.myspace.com/georgevjohnsonjr

My Website

http://www.karlsterling.com

Official Facebook Profile

http://karlsterling

Where are you located?

Syracuse, NY & New York City

Tell us about yourself

Born in Ithaca, New York Karl has spent the majority of his life in the Syracuse, NY area. Having grown up in a musical household, it was a natural thing for Karl to take to music and drums, in particular. Both of Karl's parents attended the Ithaca College School of Music. Karl's father, Bob Sterling is a drummer, composer/arranger, and leader of several successful bands in the Central New York area for many years. His mother, Helen majored in vocal studies at Ithaca College and is also a talented pianist.

It was in 1970 when Karl was 9 years old that he first saw legendary drummer Buddy Rich. At that very point he KNEW the drums were his instrument and started seriously studying and practicing. His first teacher was his father and after 4 years, at the age of 13, he started playing gigs with his dad's band. Karl also met and became friends with drummer Peter Erskine in 1972 at age 11. Peter had just graduated from high school and was on his first tour with the Stan Kenton Band. Karl and Peter have stayed in touch ever since.

Karl attended Onondaga Community College for 2 years majoring in music and studying percussion with John Barker. Karl has also studied drums with Danny D'Imperio, Joe Morello, Mike Melito, Wilby Fletcher, Mick Lewander, and Peter Erskine.

Over the years, Karl has had the good fortune to play with many wonderful musicians and bands in the Syracuse, Rochester, and New York City area's including; Ronnie Leigh, Nancy Kelly, Dino Losito, Jeff Palmer, Devin Garramone, Andy Calabrese, Rick Montalbano, Ron France, Bob DiBaudo, John Rohde, Mark Copani, Larry Arlotta, Mala Waldron, Steve Salerno, Miriam Sullivan, Classified, Eye Level, Moss, Prime Time, Seaflight, Diamond in the Rough, Dave Hanlon's Cookbook, John Puma, and many others.

Also an avid bicyclist, two summers ago Karl and his son, Nick bicycled over 1,700 miles in 14 days to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. Check out the cool video of their arrival in Dallas along with trip photos below. You can also check out the trip site at: bicyclingforlife.org.

Arrival Video of Bike Ride from Syracuse, NY to Dallas, TX July, 2005

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