John gronert

drums

John Gronert has been playing drums since age ten. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Music where he studied with James Lattimer and Richard Davis. He graduated with a B.M. in Percussion and a M.M. in Dalcroze Eurythmics from the Manhattan School of Music NYC. His teachers at the Manhattan School of Music included Paul Price, James Price, Fred Hinger, Dr. Ruth Alperson and Dr. Robert Abramson.

John also studied with legendary drummers Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck Quartet) and Sonny Igoe (Woody Herman) for many years.

He currently studies with internationally known Frame Drummer Glen Velez.

John Gronert was a band director in the NJ public schools for 38 years. He taught the S.E. Shull School in Perth Amboy NJ from 1989 to 2023. He was the 2006 Governor’s Teacher of the year and is founder and music director for the nationally known Zimbabwean style Shull School Hot Marimba Group from Perth Amboy NJ.

John’s students have won 1st chair positions in the NJ All State Band, Region 2 Band, Region 2 Jazz Ensembles , All-Shore band and NJ Intermediate School All-Shore Band. They have graduated with degrees in music from the University of Indiana, Mannes School of Music, Jersey City State University, New York University, and the Berklee School of Music.

Notable students include: Juan Carlito Mendoza 2013 Guitar Center Drum-off Champion and drummer for the Broadway show The Lion King, Marimbist Peter Cruz, Singer-Song writer Sal Boyd, John O’Niel, Sam Broad, Guilia DeFabritus drummer of the Bellas, Sam Judkis of Vishnu Basement, Dave Saugerton, Mike DeSimone , Billy Bang and Zack Sussman.