Mark DeAngelis

I started playing the drums in grade school for 5th grade band. Back then they would not let you start playing what was called the "trap set." You had to start with the snare drum. I took lessons for a long time and played in grade school, and junior high school band.

But my heart was in playing the "trap set." My dad had a band that played weddings, parties and the like. I wanted to be a part of that. So, when I turned 12 my parents bought me a Ludwig "trap set!" I took private lessons for about 2 years and joined my dad's band. I was the youngest person ever to be admitted to the Wisconsin Musicians Union at age 14. The highlight was being the house band at the old Playboy Club in Lake Geneva!

But as most things go, when I entered the military in 1985, I sold my drums and only played one more time during my four years of active duty. I would not play drums again for almost 20 years!

I met Mark Rogers at First Baptist Church in Front Royal in 2002. He played guitar in church a few times and I mentioned that I used to play the drums. In 2004, Mark called me and mentioned that someone had given him a set of drums and would I want them. I said bring them over to my house and let me check them out. Of course, Mark also brough his guitar! We jammed for a while and noticed a chemistry. I purchased new heads and cymbals and we started to practice. Since then I have upgraded to a new Pearl Maple Session Custom set and a mixture of Sabian and Zildjian cymbals.

My wife Jeannine had taken piano lessons for most of her young life, but just like me, had not played in almost 20 years. We got her a cheap Casio keyboard, and she liked it so much she joined us! (She has since upgraded her equipment!) Lee also came on board and now we are the Crosstones!

What a journey from grade school band to playing music for the honor and glory of God! During the last five years I have completed my seminary training and I am now the pastor at Forest Grove Baptist Church where The Crosstones are the praise band for Forest Grove Baptist Church. We have recently released our CD titled "This is only a Test!