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Omaha police Sgt. James Shade has had the drumsticks in hand ever since he was a young boy, coming from a music-filled home. Now a 17-year Omaha Police Department veteran, he is combining his love for drumming with his commitment to serving the community.Shade serves as the drum sergeant for the Omaha Pipes and Drums Corps, a group he joined as its first drummer when it was established in 2011. “We have a really cool cadence that we play with it,” Shade said, referring to his favorite tune, “Bells of Dunblane.”The corps includes members from several Omaha suburbs. “We have some members of Douglas County, some members of Bellevue, Ralston, Papillion that are able to perform with us on either the drums or the bagpipes,” Shade said. Shade said his passion for music began early in life. “My family was always interested in music. Everybody kind of played a little bit, between elementary school and maybe middle school. But I’m the only one that continued all the way through high school and beyond,” he said. Volunteering with the corps provides Shade with a new perspective. “In the department, you see a lot of horrible things. You usually call them people’s worst day. You have to be able to connect with the public on a different forum, where you’re able to be a citizen. You’re able to get along with other people and meet your neighbors,” he said. Shade’s drumming extends beyond his police work. On Sundays, he plays drums at church, where he first taught children’s church before joining the worship team. “I taught children’s church and did that for several years, and then they had an opening on the worship team,” Shade said. He also coaches the Conestoga drumline team, passing down his love for music to his children. “I feel completely blessed to be able to do this, that you have a passion that you enjoy. I’m able to give back by teaching other kids how to play,” Shade said. While drumming is his passion, Shade said serving others is his heart. “Find what your talent is, that’s what makes you happy, and then find a way to give back as well,” he said.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
Omaha police Sgt. James Shade has had the drumsticks in hand ever since he was a young boy, coming from a music-filled home. Now a 17-year Omaha Police Department veteran, he is combining his love for drumming with his commitment to serving the community.
Shade serves as the drum sergeant for the Omaha Pipes and Drums Corps, a group he joined as its first drummer when it was established in 2011.
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“We have a really cool cadence that we play with it,” Shade said, referring to his favorite tune, “Bells of Dunblane.”
The corps includes members from several Omaha suburbs. “We have some members of Douglas County, some members of Bellevue, Ralston, Papillion that are able to perform with us on either the drums or the bagpipes,” Shade said.
Shade said his passion for music began early in life. “My family was always interested in music. Everybody kind of played a little bit, between elementary school and maybe middle school. But I’m the only one that continued all the way through high school and beyond,” he said.
Volunteering with the corps provides Shade with a new perspective. “In the department, you see a lot of horrible things. You usually call them people’s worst day. You have to be able to connect with the public on a different forum, where you’re able to be a citizen. You’re able to get along with other people and meet your neighbors,” he said.
Shade’s drumming extends beyond his police work. On Sundays, he plays drums at church, where he first taught children’s church before joining the worship team. “I taught children’s church and did that for several years, and then they had an opening on the worship team,” Shade said.
He also coaches the Conestoga drumline team, passing down his love for music to his children. “I feel completely blessed to be able to do this, that you have a passion that you enjoy. I’m able to give back by teaching other kids how to play,” Shade said.
While drumming is his passion, Shade said serving others is his heart. “Find what your talent is, that’s what makes you happy, and then find a way to give back as well,” he said.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
