Published in the September 27 – October 10, 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Photos courtesy Terry Guinn
Two of Terry Guinn’s pieces, including one, right, for Operation Freedom Paws.

When you combine your love for music and art and transform musical instruments into art pieces and functional furniture that captures a theme, honors and memorializes people and tells their unique story, that’s “drumiture.”

Morgan Hill artist and drummer Terry Guinn has discovered a way to combine his love for music and woodworking by bringing the two together as he pours his love and passion into every unique creation.

Building from his experience and early training in industrial drafting, enhanced by a degree in commercial art and advertising, Terry sees unwanted instruments as “unfinished art.” From drums and guitars to stand-up basses and pianos, his artistic eye and graphic skills transform broken rejected musical instruments into the beautifully functional art in the form of memory boxes, lamps, tables, and desks. Some of the instruments have been given to him and some he finds at yard sales and even in trash cans.

In 2006, Terry launched his company Drumiture which focused primarily on the transformation of drums into original functional furniture. Under the Drumiture label, Terry created more than 100 unique pieces for individuals and charities across America.

Recipients included iconic drummers such as Mark Schulman with the band Pink, Neil Peart of Rush, and Rod Morgenstein from The Dixie Dreggs. Sports teams include The San Jose Sharks and the San Francisco 49ers. He has created pieces for The Johnny Mercer Foundation, Song Writers Hall of Fame, Roots of Rock and Roll Museum as well as charitable foundations including Susan G. Komen, Meals on Wheels, Boston Strong Foundation, Battered Women and our own local Air For Paws and Operation Freedom Paws.

During the past 11 years, Terry’s work expanded beyond drums to a diverse array of instruments and finished products. In 2016, this transition prompted a new brand and a new label, Terry Guinn’s Instrumental Furnishings. TGIF is about more than just the art creating experiences for music and art lovers everywhere. That’s because each unique piece tells a story by incorporating original art, photos and memorabilia. Commissioned pieces even include personal treasures gathered by loving families, employees, or patrons, resulting in highly customized pieces commemorating recipients’ lives and careers.

Essentially, he has created a whole new art form. In his studio there are pieces of instruments, vintage guitars hanging on the walls and various finished pieces awaiting delivery. You may want to consider having Terry create something unique for someone you love and can find out more about his company by visiting www.instrumentalfurnishings.com.

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On another note, Hecker Pass Winery is starting their Wine Down Wednesdays Fall Acoustic Concert Series with live music from Sept. 27 to Oct. 25. Bring a picnic to this family-friendly series and beer and Hecker Pass wine will be available for purchase. For more information visit www.heckerpasswinery.com.

Speaking of wine, The Grapevine wine bar has now opened their doors in Morgan Hill and plans to offer live music on various days and times. You can check them out on Facebook for now.

The Brew Crawl is coming to Morgan Hill Saturday Oct. 14. Live music on the streets all afternoon will include Lambert Malloy with bassist Tom Yacoe, Tom Drake and his guitar and original singer-songwriter Aprylle Gilbert. Tickets are available at www.morganhilldowntown.org. Finally, the Fall Passport Weekend will take place Oct. 13, 14 and 15 and some of the local wineries such as Morgan Hill Cellars and Sunlit Oaks are offering live music. Get your passport at www.santaclarawines.com.

If you have a music tip send it to [email protected].