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Austintown drummer beats competition, wins award
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Dressed in his Sunday best, CJ Harrison smiles for the camera.
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CJ can sing, too. He stepped awayb from the drums and performed a solo during the Sept. 26 church service.
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CJ Harrison spends his Sunday mornings keeping the beat for the band at Highway Tabernacle Church in Austintown. Here, a view from above shows his drum set.
By SARAH FOOR
With so much talent for music, one might expect Austintown native C.J. Harrison to be a brash, boastful rock and roll type.
Instead, C.J. is polite, proud of his relationship with God and also happens to be an award-winning drummer, singer and accomplished instrumentalist.
On Aug. 6, the 17-year-old became a National Fine Arts Award of Merit Winner for a traditional percussion solo he performed at the Detroit competition. Showing off his wide range of skills, he also qualified in the competition’s Male Vocal Solo division.
“You would think that just going to the Detroit competition was my greatest accomplishment, but it isn’t,” he said. “It actually happened there, though, when after my performance, a woman approached me to say that my playing is a blessing from God. She was a stranger, but it was the best compliment I could have ever received.”
Indeed, Harrison most often prefers to use his musical skills by playing in the worship band every Sunday at his church, Highway Tabernacle in Austintown.
“It is truly crazy how good he is at anything he picks up,” said youth pastor Lou Scalzo, “We’ll be rehearsing and he never has to tell anyone what he wants, he’ll pick up the bass, guitar, drumsticks, or microphone and show them how to do it.”
Outside of church, Harrison is part of the drum line in the Fitch Falcons marching band.
For inspiration, Harrison said he listens to rock, soul, jazz and gospel.
“Anything that uplifts,” he said. “For drumming, I listen to Rush — Neil Peart is the greatest.”
And at an age where many teenagers are struggling to find their passion, Harrison is self-assured.
“Music will always be a part of my life. I want to go to college for ministry music. I want to teach and devote my life to God,” he explained.