About Bill Sargent

Bill Sargent - Drummer

The Early Years

The story of Bill Sargent began at age 8, with the family piano and piano lessons. At 10 I switched to the drums and never looked back.

Paid gigs began when I was 13 years old. School meant being involved with every possible musical opportunity. I attended with University of Wisconsin Summer Music Clinics for 4 years where I won outstanding awards 2 of the 4 years. I was also a member of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra for 2 years.

The Road and Other Bands

At 16, I left school and started full-time touring nationally with world-famous top professionals. As a bandleader, I lead my first full-time band on the road when I was 19. Later that year I became the musical director for a traveling show.

I located in Milwaukee at age 22 and about 2 years later came off the road and began working locally full-time with a couple of primary bands and as a “sub” with about 28 other bands. About 5 years later, I launched Bill Sargent Bands.

Bill Sargent Bands

Bill Sargent Bands became a big hit and grew to become the most successful band business in the history of the state of Wisconsin. For many years we averaged 10 to 20 dates a month with our busiest month topping out at 32 dates. Throughout this time, I continued to perform with other artists and bands.

Currently

When my schedule permits, I perform with other bands and musical artists locally, nationally, and internationally. Outside of my performance schedule, I conduct drum clinics, ‘drumming for worship’ clinics and seminars on various aspects of the music business and success as a musician. I play a wide range of musical genres and occasionally do TV, Radio, and Studios.

I also have and occasionally do serve as musical director and advisor/consultant for other artists and entities.

Education

I was very fortunate to have the world-renown cornetist & vocalist, Bob Schulz, as my mentor and band director from Junior High School through my departure from high school. Later, I was mentored by Dr. James Latimer – University of Wisconsin and Pavel Burda – University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

My studies have included lessons with Dave Weckl, JR Robinson, Roy Knapp – “The Granddaddy of Percussion”, Gary Gauger of “RIMS” fame, Casey Scheuerell, Franklin Else and Lance Haas.

When I first moved to Milwaukee, I was asked to come to UWM to nail down the drum chair in their jazz ensemble. While there, I studied music full-time at UWM for about 3 years.

My most impactful education has come from all the countless outstanding bandleaders and world-famous musicians I have been blessed to work with, observe and learn from.

Service

For 7 years, I served as Director of “Drummers for Jesus” – Wisconsin Chapter. For 29 years, I have served in the music ministry at Brookfield Assembly of God / Victory International Fellowship / Lifeline Church / Life Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin and currently help lead worship with various worship teams in several churches. I also lead worship teams nationally.

My service includes the Board of Directors of Unlimited Jazz Ltd and I was the Charter Vice-President of Fundraising for the local Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I currently serve as the Chairman of MATC Music Occupations Advisory Board, the Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association, and a Co-Organizer of Wisconsin Marketplace Ministries. I served as facilitator of the Brookfield Forum of Pinnacle Forum for 2 years.

Family

On a personal note, I am still married to my first wife, Darlene, and yes, she’s an angel. Darlene is an RN and a hospital administrator. We have two awesome daughters; Kim is an Administrative Assistant at Allianz in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while Jen is a Youth Pastor at Emmanuel Christian Center in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota.

Personal Passions

I am a portrait and light painting artist with an emphasis on fine art portraiture and light painting. My favorite things are spending time with family, travel, jacuzzis, snowmobiling, ATVs, and chocolate. I love Jesus and the United States of America. Finally, I have an obsession for wisdom and am a life-long learner.