Howdy, Cowboys Fans!

I am incredibly stoked to be drumming for a world-renowned team on the NFL. Every week I look forward to performing and rehearsing with all of the talented and friendly people in the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue team.

I was born in Queens, NY and raised in Old Tappan, NJ. My performance journey started in elementary school with piano, violin, and Korean folk drum lessons. In middle school I discovered my passion for percussion, and it's carried through ever since. I attended the University of Delaware where I received my Bachelor's in Music Education and then attended Miami University where I earned my Master's in Percussion Performance. I moved to Dallas in 2022 to pursue my dream career as a high school percussion director.

I am always inspired by the performers of Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue. It is an honor to be a part of this team, and I look forward to making lifelong memories and growing as a performer/musician alongside these superstars.

Go Cowboys!

-Mike

Number of years on the team: This is my 2nd season as a DCR&B drummer.

Prior Drumming/Entertainment Industry Experience: My passion for drumming was fueled by the marching arts. I marched as drumline captain in high school and continued marching 5 seasons as a member of the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hen Marching Band. I've also spent 3 seasons as a participant of Drum Corps International marching with Pioneer, Spartans and Cadets2 as a tenor drummer. I've also performed as a competitive a cappella vocal percussionist in the ICCA's (The Pitch Perfect competition!) where I received an award for Outstanding Vocal Percussion. In addition, being a performer has led me to playing in the 2021 Presidential Inauguration Drumline as well as a participant in the Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show with Bruno Mars (and hopefully not for the last time!)

Nicknames: My students like to call me Mikey P (against my wishes…)

Hometown: Old Tappan, NJ

I drum because: I am very much a shy-introvert but performing has always brought out my attention-craving alter-ego. Drumming is my unconditional love and every time I play it's my goal for it to be obvious to anyone watching me. There's no comparable rush to being able to show off something I'm dedicated and passionate about. My hope is to inspire my students, teammates, and anyone watching with my passion.

What I like to do most besides drumming is: I love playing video games with my friends, cooking, crafts, watching anime, and hanging out with my cat, Maycie!

I've always wanted to: I don't have a bucket list for myself, but I always thought it would be cool to eat something record-breaking. Like from the world's biggest pancake or something like that.

Advice to Youngsters: Don't give up until you've put your 110 percent into it.

My biggest role model is: My mom! She performed and taught Korean folk drums to elementary school students in inner-city schools. I actually started out playing flute in middle school band but she helped point me in the right direction as a percussionist. I am so fortunate to have a generous, supportive and strong woman as my mother.

What I enjoy most about being a DCRB Drummer is: Getting to share my love for performance with like-minded professionals! It makes all the difference when a group is committed and loves what they do at the same level.

Favorite Cowboys player past or present: Trevon Diggs

Favorite Performers: Bruno Mars, Stray Kids, Beyonce, Vulfpeck.

Favorite Music: I know it's cliche, but I really do listen to a little bit of everything. I've been pretty consistently on a modern funk kick. Anything that has a solid brass line and vocalist always has my heart, like the Lucky Chops, Lawrence, or Sammy Rae and the Friends.

Favorite Quotes: "You will face many defeats in life but never let yourself be defeated" -Maya Angelou

The three guests I would invite to my fantasy dinner party are (dead or alive): My grandfather on my father's side, Freddie Mercury, Bruno Mars