Drums fill the double-room practice space from top to bottom, neatly arranged in rows with aisles in between. Students in black t-shirts file in, each settling at their designated kit. Across the room, siblings exchange playful banter while wires snake along the floor, connecting the setup. Every drum kit faces the front, where Mr. Esparza moves in and out, engaging in micro-conversations, adjusting equipment, and reminding students to keep their sleeves in check. Eventually, he settles behind his own kit, ready to kick off rehearsal.
Ask Eddie about his first exposure to drumming, and he’ll tell you it’s the same as everyone else’s: the rhythmic heartbeat of our mothers in utero and those who held us close as infants.
His earliest drumming memory, however, is a bit more tangible—building a drum set out of Tinker Toys in elementary school before officially joining his sixth-grade band. Later, his parents found a “very used drum set that needed a lot of work,” and he dedicated himself to practicing “Let the Good Times Roll” by The Cars. “I tried desperately to stay in time while not playing too hard so as to not make the vinyl record skip,” he recalls.
After multiple moves across multiple states during his early years, Eddie has spent the last 29 years in Washington. As part of his work advocating for students within Vancouver Public Schools (VPS), he launched an afterschool drumming program in 2003, a space where kids could learn percussion while absorbing the values his mother instilled in him: follow your passions, honor the earth, and always do your best.
“We don’t just play the drums,” Eddie says. “We use them as a tool to create positive change from within, which in turn impacts our community.”
Eddie sets clear expectations, reinforced through visual and verbal reminders. When he corrects a student wearing a loose hoodie, he explains the reasoning: “We don’t want our sleeves getting in the way once we start playing.” He also reassures them, saying, “You’re not in trouble. Thank you for the example. We can make mistakes here.”
That sense of “WE” is foundational to his teaching philosophy. Eddie emphasizes that while students can accomplish much on their own, they can achieve even more with the support of their Drumline family and community.
Parents frequently express their appreciation for the program, noting their children’s growth in leadership, confidence, public speaking, and peer collaboration. Drumming becomes a catalyst for personal development, strengthening skills that extend beyond music into all aspects of their lives.
Eddie’s mission resonates with parents who want to see their children become the best versions of themselves on their journey to adulthood. This vision aligns beautifully with the goals of Vancouver Public Schools and the Foundation for VPS.
Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has played a crucial role in sustaining and expanding the program. Through grants and working with community partners, they’ve helped Eddie overcome setbacks and maintain high-quality equipment, including the original six large silver bass drums that have been refurbished repeatedly over the years.
From the Foundation’s perspective, the One of a Kind Drumline program perfectly aligns with its focus on student engagement, enrichment, and mentorship. Eddie’s ability to meet students where they are—especially those who haven’t found a home in traditional clubs or activities—makes him an impactful leader. His high expectations inspire students to develop discipline, organization, and motivation that carry over into their academic pursuits.
And, of course, there’s the sheer joy of playing loud (read: LOUD) music together—an experience that can stay with a person for a lifetime.
If you’re curious about the program and want to see One of a Kind Drumline in action, we invite you to attend our annual luncheon!
-Leah Middleton, Communications Coordinator for FVPS
