Former Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich recently brought rhythm and inspiration to Millthorpe School, where he led an engaging drumming and percussion workshop for 200 students. Rich, best known for his time with the iconic rock band Status Quo, shared his journey from early school band days to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, including playing for 250,000 fans at Knebworth during his 16-year tenure with the band.
Throughout the session, Rich offered an insightful look into the life of a professional musician. He detailed his musical beginnings and progression through the industry, including collaborations with Stretch, Judie Tzuke, The Climax Blues Band, and even Def Leppard. His stories gave students a behind-the-scenes view of the music business and the dedication it takes to succeed as a performer.
One student, Year 10 drummer Isaac Else, had a special moment when he got to play for Rich and received personal feedback on his drumming. Rich also delved into the history of drums, discussing the evolution of the instrument and the impact of technological changes over time. Students were treated to a live demonstration as Rich played a variety of percussion instruments, from African drums and historic European military drums to a modern snare drum, offering a wide-ranging musical experience.
Adding to the excitement, several students were invited to try out Rich’s own personal drum kit — a rare and memorable opportunity. The workshop culminated in a powerful finale where all 200 students joined Rich in a group percussion performance, filling the space with energy and sound.
Alice Longbottom, subject lead for music at Millthorpe School, praised the workshop, calling it an “incredible” experience. She highlighted the unique opportunity for students to hear Rich’s story and witness his skill firsthand, emphasizing that the grand finale with the entire group playing together was a standout moment.
Isaac Else expressed how special the day was, describing it as one of the best school experiences he’s had. He appreciated Rich’s explanation of the drum’s history and was thrilled to receive encouragement on his playing from a drummer of Rich’s stature.
Millthorpe’s acting principal, Kavina Rothenburg, also expressed gratitude, calling the event a perfect blend of fun, education, and music. She noted how experiences like these enhance the school’s curriculum and create lasting memories, saying the school felt incredibly fortunate to welcome someone with Rich’s passion and expertise.
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