CAMBRIDGE – Professional drummer and guest artist Gabriel Staznik visited Mace’s Lane Middle School on June 7 to offer a drum masterclass to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band students.

Technical Sergeant Staznik is a member of the U.S. Air Force rock band Max Impact as well as a drummer for legendary performer Chubby Checker.

TSgt. Staznik demonstrated jazz and rock-style drumming, working with the band’s percussionists as well as offering general advice to the student musicians regarding such topics as motivation and overcoming challenges. He also talked about his life as a professional musician, answering students’ questions from how he chose his instrument (“I didn’t choose the drums, they chose me”) to the travel involved in his job (“exciting but sometimes exhausting”).

Originally from Harrisburg, Pa., TSgt. Staznik holds a Bachelor of Music degree from West Chester University and is now based in Washington, D.C.