Whether you’ve seen him behind the drum set at an All-School Meeting (ASM), keeping the rhythm alive with “Goose & Moose” at Grasshopper, or adding texture to his jazz band, Cameron Butler ’28 leaves his mark everywhere within Andover’s music scene. An exceptional drummer with a clear passion, Butler’s journey in drumming is one of discovery, dedication, and self-expression.
“My dad’s a musician. He went to school for music, plays piano, and plays world percussion. I lived in Africa for six years… [and] I always wanted to start drumming. I wanted to start percussion. But my dad told me to wait. When I came back to the U.S. when I was around eight, I started taking drum set lessons, and it just all came from there,” said Butler.
Butler’s early exposure to music, guided by his father’s expertise, sparked a passion for drumming, which only grew when he started taking lessons. Starting at eight years old, his melodic journey has steadily constructed his appreciation and love for music.
“My relationship with music evolved through the years… as something that’s more ingrained into my life, just with playing for fun rather than for auditions or bands I don’t want to be in. Every band that I’m in right now, every musical endeavor that I do right now, I’m completely happy, and I have fun during rehearsals. It used to be back when I first started, rehearsals were kind of a drag. But now, everything I’m doing, I love it. Music has gone from something I did for fun to something that’s ingrained in my life,” said Butler.
Butler admitted that while music once felt like an obligation, it has since evolved into a meaningful form of self-expression at Andover. Rehearsals and performances that once felt obligatory now bring genuine joy to him because of his newfound freedom.
“At Andover, there’s a lot more focus on student bands and giving the students the freedom to create their own bands, do their own things, set up their own events, plan the whole rehearsals, learn their own music, and just do it independently, which I really appreciate because it’s a lot of fun. It’s a whole new way of thinking about music where you’re not just a part of an established group, but you’re allowed to contribute to its creation and direction,” said Butler.
Butler’s experience at Andover offered him the unique opportunity to explore much more of his musical identity. He’s had the chance to lead and create, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and excitement in his musical endeavors, especially through student bands.
“‘The Repercussions’ and the band ‘Goose & Moose’ are so much fun… There was this show called Grasshopper during Parents’ Weekend, and it was late September. We played five shows in three nights, so it was pretty busy. For the last show on Saturday night, we played ‘Walking on Sunshine,’ and I had a drum solo, and I just feel really, really happy about that drum solo. I remember afterward, everyone was smiling. It was such a fun show. Everyone was going crazy in the crowd,” said Butler.
Butler creates a riveting atmosphere wherever he performs because of his ability to share his own pride and happiness with every audience. His friends, who witnessed his growth and dedication firsthand, described him as an inspiring muse within the musical community. Whether it’s his electrifying solo performances or his innate ability to connect with others, Butler has earned the admiration and respect of his peers.
“He’s one of the most musically gifted people I’ve ever met. In music class, I was struggling because improvisation was really hard for me, [but] it came really naturally to him, and he helped me understand how it works. He’s taught me a new work ethic, [and] he’s so committed. I think he’s a very inspiring person just in the way he’s worked so hard,” said Sebastian Vermut ’27.
Bruce Ru ’28 admired that Butler really pushes himself to the absolute limits during practice and feels that the results definitely paid off. Most people have only seen him up on the stage, but Ru noted that the practice and dedication behind the scenes is even more inspiring.
“He’s the kind of person who’s very out there, and he can go into a show in front of any crowd, and he instantly knows what to do. [He] speaks a language that’s not necessarily made up of words; he speaks the language of rhythm. Even before I knew how talented he is, I instantly knew this is somebody who is just there to experience life and put in work while enjoying the process,” said Ru.
Butler’s story is one of progression and talent, inspiring many members of Andover’s community with his dedication and musical prowess. He leaves fellow students at Andover with a moving piece of advice.
“Even if you aren’t the most experienced musician, just make some music. It’s a lot of fun with you and your friends. Even if it’s just for fun, even if it’s not for any show or anything, just go to Falls [Hall]; it’s really nice to make some music,” said Butler.
