Mr. Thompson is a Third Generation percussionist in the Thompson Family. His grandfather, father, and brother are all drummers. And the tradition continues with the fourth generation! Mr. Thompson's youngest daughter currently plays drum kit.

Mr. Thompson's grandfather, Gifford W. Thompson Sr., played in Jazz and Dance Bands in Philadelphia in the 1920's. One of the known bands he traveled with was the "Black Cats." A family story includes him playing on a Barry Collapsible Drum Kit. This made it easier to travel to gigs on the Philadelphia street cars. As he supported his family after his father's untimely death, he traveled to gigs in an old Model T. The story goes, his band would continue to play as each band member would quietly pack up for the evening and hop in the Model T. Giff and the last band member would finish, grab their instruments, and hop into the running Model T outside the back door. This was the only way to make a "safe" exit from gigs without brawling with inebriated dancers who had intentions to continue with the evening!

Qualifications and Experience

Teaching Experience:

Teaching privately since 2011 to multiple students from Elementary to High School level in Western New York.

Over ten years’ experience as a High School Percussion instructor and composer for multiple award winning High Schools in Central Pennsylvania and New York. Composed, arranged, and instructed battery and front ensemble music for DCI style field shows and Indoor Guard and Drumline competitions for High School students. Competitive organizations include NYSFBC, Tournament of Bands, Cavalcade of Bands, Marching Bands of America, and the Keystone Indoor Drill Association.