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In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations,Thomas Verrier speaks with Alan “Otto” Compton. Alan, a percussionist, grew up playing in marching band, studied music in college, and was a member of Star of Indiana when the drum and bugle corps won a world championship in 1991. He later spent years performing with the groundbreaking stage production Blast!. That career took him overseas for an extended run in London and ultimately to Broadway. Afterward, Alan continued performing and built a successful career in the music industry in Memphis.
When Alan developed a tremor in his left hand at the age of47, it was especially significant for a lifelong percussionist whose craft depended on precision and coordination. Initially diagnosed with essential tremor, Alan would later learn he was also living with Parkinson’s disease.
Today, following treatment that has included medication andfocused ultrasound, Alan is working to rebuild the coordination in his left hand. Together with his wife, Tara, he has taken another remarkable step—turning their experience with Parkinson’s into advocacy by founding the Grind City Parkinson’s Project, an organization focused on awareness, community, support, and raising funds for Parkinson’s research https://www.grindcityparkinsons.org/.
ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation; quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community.
PLEASE FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness#parkinsonsawareness#michaeljfoxfoundation
