Dominique Patrick Noel was born in Paris, France with native roots from the islands of Haiti and Martinique. He comes from a line of talented musicians such as his grandfathers and his father.

Dominique is a self-taught musician who began playing the drums at the age of 7 and throughout his high school years. While living on the island of Martinique at 12 years old, he developed his skills playing Zouk and Kompa music. Dominique’s introduction into the genre of Latin music took birth while he learned to play the bongos with the different bands in which his father performed.

In 1998, he became the co-founder and Musical Director of Pablo Antonio y La Firma (1998-2008). Dominique performed for Septime Weber, Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet with his choreography “Juanita y Alicia” on a tour of many U.S. cities. Over the course of his musical career, he has performed for more than 250,000 people varying in festivals, concerts, and private events throughout some of the U.S., as well as Puerto Rico and El Salvador. Dominique has also lent his musical skills to several TV and radio jingles.

Dominique currently and proudly endorses Gon Bops Percussion, Soultone Cymbals and Los Cabos drumsticks.

Dominique is currently a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and an associate member of the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (LARAS) for the Grammy Pro D.C. Chapter.

In the Spring of 2022, Dominique joined the pit band for the famed and acclaimed musical “On Your Feet en Español” a story on the life of Emilio and Gloria Estefan” at The Gala Theater in Washington, DC.

THE BACKSTORY

BORN IN:
Paris, France
LIVES IN:
Gaithersburg, Maryland United States
 DRUMMING SINCE:
Age 7
CURRENT PROJECT(S):
Currently working on my own Tropical Latin project. Also, I am recording for Leonardo Garcia as well as with producer and drummer EC3.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S):
In Jazz: Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Max Roach. In Latin music: Tito Puente, Orestes Vilato, Ray Barretto, Marc Quinones, Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez, Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito”, and Luisito Quintero (just to name a few).  
FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: “La Fabrica” by Leonardo Garcia.
FAVORITE ALBUM YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON:
“Paroles” by Yuri Buenaventura.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT:  Having performed in the pit band last year in the very first version entirely in Spanish of the musical “On Your Feet en Español” and having the honor to meet Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
 

THE GON BOPS SKINNY

FAVORITE GON BOPS INSTRUMENTS/SETUP:  Luisito Quintero Signature Series timbales and the Mariano Series line of congas and bongos.
 
Website: Dominique's website