BadAssDrumming.com

Drumline, Summer Band Camp and More ...

2009-07-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when high school drummers start preparing for the workout of their lives. It's time to get into shape and your skills honed. Wanna be the best you can be? Enroll with a private instructor in your area.

Diddles, flams, cheeses and rolls are some of the skills you'll need to compete in this arena of drumming. Repetitive warmups to build equal responses in both upper limbs all the while keeping time with the feet.

I'll add one more important step to being the best you can be ... mental attitude. You need to crave, desire, lust, want to be a champion. This is the only way to drive yourself to greatness and commit to practicing.

So, with your goals and a coach/instructor, you can be the best you can be.

Good luck with your goals.

Kenneth Ray Sword Jr
Drum and Percussion writer and instructor for Catoctin High School Band and Walkersville High School Band in Frederick County, Md. Private Instructor at Music & Arts Center in Frederick, Md.
Call the store for available lesson times.
301.694.0007

Watch here for assignments Walkersville and Catoctin High Schools

2009-06-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello students,

Students with Walkersville High School Marching Band drumline and Catoctin High School Marching Band drumline can catch schedules, practice material and other what-nots I will be dishing out for training.

Be sure to get your copy of Row-Loff Production's "The Drummers Daily Drill" for fundamentals training.

Stick/Mallet needs will be Innovative Percussion's FS-1 Field Snare sticks and Innovative Percussion's FP-2 Fundamental Education Package. These are required for full training to become a quality competing drumline for your school and for your own drumming education.

Watch here daily for upcoming news.

Ray Sword

Art Avila and Eastwood High School

2009-04-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Well we got off to a busy start with the eve of percussion ensemble season rehearsals and of course jazz band 1, and newly acquired jazz 2, under the direction of John Oman. This year I had three competitive perc. ens's.: ENS III performed a piece by Nathan Daugherty called "Shock Factor", ENS II performed "Stratus" by Chris Crockarell, and my top ENS I performed "Stained Glass" by David R. Gillingham. Stained was a first for me to conduct and put together, WOW what a hard score! The kids did well: Both ENS I, and II received !st divisions at UIL and advanced to state level upon which ENS I brought home the !st Division at State! The groups went on to compete at the UTEP Percussion Festival judged by J.B. Smith, Fred Bugbee, and Mark Grimm. Ens I & II received !st divisions and ENS III a 2nd Division. Overall a GREAT percussion ensemble season, and I'm very proud of the kids.
JAZZ season was a blast, with the addition of JAZZ II, a first at EHS. I conduct the top group, and we pulled off a sweet program this year, one of my best programs in a while. We chose Azulito a Ray Santos, a HOT salsa chart made famous by Mario Bauza, we threw in elements of Son Montuno and Bomba for an intense rhythm section fueled by choreographed salsa dancing from the entire wind section, ending with the most powerfull fermatta ending you can imagine sealed by a dancing clave player tossing a clave up in the air and catching signaling the release of the note! ; a Gordon Goodwin chart called The Phat Pack, ooh what a greasy, phat blues, enough said!; and finally a trumpet suite entitled "Spanish Steps" by Steve Spiegl, featuring our 1st Chair All-State Jazz Trumpet, Steven Beatrice. The Jazz bands competed at the Hanks Jazz Festival on March 13th and 14th, bringing home 4th place out of 42 entries! Steven was awarded outstanding trumpet soloist.
As for myself, I was invited to play auxiliary percussion for El Paso's Eklectic Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Willie Hill, from UMAS. We were fortunate enough to share the stage with Alto Saxophonist, Dave Pietro, and Al Herman, "world's fastest trombone player", who has played with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennet! A M A Z I N G experience! I am currently in the planning stages for the Second Annual, EHS/YISD Sun City Throwdown, tentatively to be held the first Saturday in November of 2009. I already have two judges confirmed, Mr. and Mrs. Matt and Amy Savage are coming down to our Sun City for a second round of the drum line battles.
On the immediate forefront, EHS Concert Bands and Jazz Band I will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas for Music Festivals in the Parks, tearing up parks like Six Flags over Texas, and Sea World from April 15-18; we are near UIL Band Contest to be held May 5 & 6, and beyond that to help close out the academic school year, we are heading towards our big percussion grand finale of the year, the 6th Annual Percussion Extravaganza, to be held on May 30th. Somewhere in the midst of all this activity, I have also begun the "7CAMPS" audition process for next year's drum line, including our upcoming freshman. Whew!
Uh...should have played flute!....uh...NOT!

Long live Maynard!
Art Avila, Jr.

Donate your musical instruments

2009-03-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Donate your old musical instruments for the musical kids of today and tomorrow. We are looking to help young minds grow and music does the trick. Our goal is to give as many children the option to study music and you can help us help those young ones and programs that need help getting what they need, too.

It doesn't matter what condition the instrument is in we will take it, even if it's just for parts. We'll be glad to give you a reciept of value for your donation so you can claim it on your taxes.

We won't turn down any donation, even if it's in pieces. Mouthpieces, ligatures, reeds, drumsticks, music stands, cases, full and partial brass and wind instruments, drum shells, hoops, lugs, mallet frames, resonators, harnesses, marching equipment and supplies, old tympani, xylophones, bells, hand bells, keyboards, recorders, whatever. Help music education to help the youth that don't otherwise have a chance to learn music.

Don't have an instrument to donate? Give us a cash donation of $1, $5, $10 or whatever you can afford to give and remember to write off your donation(s) on your taxes.

Address and donate links will soon be available.

Discounted drumheads

2009-03-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Discounted drumheads.

We have acquired a load of drum heads from a major retailer and we are passing on the deals to you. Remo, Evans, Ludwig, and others are listed.

You will see sizes from 8" to 28", smooth white to clear to pinstripe to coated. Batter and resonant heads. Bass heads. Tympani heads, too.

Many are only $5.00 plus S&H. Some are $7.00 plus S&H and others $10.00 to $30.00 plus S&H.

These are all new heads, never mounted. The packaging was not A-1 so the major name store felt they couldn't sell for a profit. In turn they allowed us to obtain them to raise money for percussion equipment needed for education and community percussion ensemble group.

Buying these heads will go to help kids get involved in percussion programs.

Thank you for your interest in helping us help young drummers of the future.

Click here to see our current list and how to order.

Percussion Night At Frederick Community College

2009-03-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get any better than this! 3 clinics. 3 artists. ALL FREE!!!
Greg Herron, Ray Sword and Frank Gonzalez will present many different topics on percussion and they will team up to perform a three movement chart by Armand Russell titled Percussion Suite. You will also get to see and perform with the FCC Percussion Ensemble.

This clinic is supported by Promark drumsticks, Music & Arts Center and Frederick Community College.

Percussion Ensemble Clinic to be held at Frederick Community College

2009-02-08T11:17:00.001-08:00

Frederick Community College's Percussion Ensemble will be having a Percussion clinic open to all on March 20th, 2009 rom 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Greg Herron, Percussion professor, and Ray Sword, private percussion instructor at Music & Arts, has teamed together to present a percussion ensemble clinic for all of those interested. The clinic will include a discussion, a demonstration by the college's percussion students and then an all out hands on for everyone.

There is no fee for this event. Just bring an open mind, pencil and paper.

Directions, Maps & Parking

Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland, 21702, is centrally located in the state and about an hour outside Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The modern campus is just minutes off several well-traveled thoroughfares.

From Baltimore: Follow I-70 from Baltimore to Frederick. Exit onto Route 15 north. Follow 15 north to Motter Avenue exit. Turn right onto Motter/Opossumtown Pike. Travel one mile and turn left at entrance to FCC.

From Washington: Follow I-270 northwest from Washington to the junction with I-70 and Route 15. Follow Route 15 north to the Motter Avenue exit. Turn right onto Motter/Opossumtown Pike. Travel one mile and turn left at the entrance to FCC.

From the west: Follow I-70 east from Hagerstown. Take the first Frederick exit to Route 40. Follow Route 40 east to Route 15 junction. Follow Route 15 north to Motter Avenue. Turn right onto Motter/Opossumtown Pike. Travel one mile and turn left at entrance to FCC.

From Anchorage: This obviously would be a really long drive so we suggest you fly instead. We encourage you to take classes online.

From San Francisco: Head east, otherwise you'll run directly into the Pacific Ocean. Depending on your route and sightseeing habits, allow 3 to 5 travel days. Credit classes are out of the question, so consider our one-time continuing education courses, art exhibits or concerts. An online class in Cultural Geography (GG 102) or History of the United States (HI 201), will broaden your travel experience.

See you there.

Ray Sword
Drum Instructor @ Music & Arts

New Official Alternate Mode Kat Percussion Online Dealer

2009-02-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Badassdrumming.com is now an official dealer online for Alternate Mode KAT Percussion products. We continue, at Badassdrumming to bring you the best available products and keep you up to date in your craft. Drumming is always changing and music is always changing. So be prepared. Check out the new line of KAT Percussion now. Click the banner to see this incredible line of products.

Students are EXCITED with their drum lessons.

2009-01-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

This past Friday's and Saturday's drum students had their lessons on the new Simmons SD5K Drum Kit for the first time. You should have seen the their reactions!!!

None of them wanted to leave!!! Even the two 6 yr. olds wanted to stay and practice more. Every student got lost in time because they were having so much fun learning. Each one thanked me for bringing in a drum set that is so much fun to play on.

We, as teachers, need to look at what keeps a student interested in learning. If you don't keep it exciting they leave quickly. I say to each teacher out there to evaluate what and how you teach. I say this as help to you if you are losing students or not getting more students. I have parents that drive 40 miles one way just to bring their child to lessons. WHY? Because that child begs to be at lessons.

I here some say that they won't start a student any younger than 9 or 10 years old. Why? Teaching styles may be a little different to each age group but I see better progress while they are younger. I don't worry about them learning to read yet at 6, 7 or 8. I can put that in once they start understanding spoken language and can spell decently.

If you want help to teaching younger students contact me and I'll be glad to help you with methods that work.

Kenneth "Ray" Sword Jr

Drum Lesson Studio coming to Frederick, MD

2009-01-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

High Tech Drum Lesson Studio coming to Frederick, MD

Just imagine ... you show up for your drum lesson, enter the practice room and sit down to an electronic kit that can be tailored to the sounds needed for the lesson. From 80's pop sounding toms to a coctail jazz kit to a kit tuned for the Dave Matthews Band style songs or for Contemporary Christian Rock. Whatever sound you need we most likely have it.

Need to practice a tympani part for your school program? Got it covered here. Plus, with the Aux. Input for mp3's and other tunes playback devices AND the built in songs bank, you have many songs and styles ready to practice to.
Just pop it in hit play and you play along with it. If you are using the song bank that is included with this kit you can silence the drumtrack and you play along and hear yourself with the band.

Once we have this track thing established your next step will be to be recorded. I will be growing your chances of fast advancement with all the high tech tools available. In the coming months audio and video recordings of the students lessons will be incorporated into the lesson plan. This gives the student the opportunity to have on record what the lesson plan was, what things we worked on to fix technique and so on. They will be able to see, without a doubt, what was covered in the lesson and what is expected to be ready for the next lesson.

Come and check it out. I'm located at Music & Arts Center on W. Patrick St right across McDonald's and Giant Eagle on Rt. 40 in Frederick, MD. I have available time slots for students on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the moment. Contact the store for specific times available @ 301.694.0007. Lessons are contracted on a monthly basis.

Ray Sword

Badassdrumming site is up on the new server

2009-01-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

We are in the process of getting the site up on the new server and hope to have register and login functions working within the next 48 to 72 hours. There are drummer profiles that are accessible right now and a few other pages.

If you find something not working feel free to report it so we can get right on it.

Hoping that 2009 will be your best year yet.

Kenneth Ray Sword Jr
www.badassdrumming.com

Attention Drummers ...

2008-12-28T02:20:00.000-08:00

Attention Drummers. Ray Sword is upgrading the drum lesson studio starting January 16th. Drum set lessons will be taught on the new Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Kit.

Now you can pop on the headphones, slip in your favorite tunes via, CD, MP3 or other formats and be able to play along and hear yourself playing with the songs of your choice. Due to Simmons CD Input feature now you can enjoy learning while playing along and hear yourself in with the mix. Plus, the 30+ yrs. experience Ray Sword has in playing and teaching learning just got alot easier.

Ray Sword teaches at Music & Arts Center on W. Patrick St. in Frederick, Md on Friday, Saturday and Sunday currently. Lessons are contracted monthly. All drums and percussion are taught. Ages of students from 6 yrs to 60+.

Also, for those that bought a drumset from Music & Arts AND received a 2 Free Lessons Certificate may come in and have those lessons on the Simmons Electronic Drum kit with Ray Sword on Friday, Saturday or Sunday only.

Future plans are to offer recording of student lessons (for a nominal fee) and to expand to videos of the lessons thereafter. Watch for news updates of things to come.

Frederick Community College is looking to expand it's percussion ensemble. If you are a pro or amateur it's all good. See Mr. Herron in the Music Dept. of FCC for more details.

Musician's Friend is offering these shipping cut-off dates

2008-12-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, Musician's Friend is offering product shipment as stated below.

Orders Placed before 2 pm EST on the below dates should deliver by 12/24

Standard Shipping: 12/18/2008
2-Day Shipping: 12/22/2008
Next-Day Shipping: 12/23/2008

So, whatever the musical gift you can get it in time for Christmas.

Use our banner above to place your order quickly and conveniently.

Wear Badassdrumming T-Shirts and more for Christmas

2008-12-18T04:25:00.000-08:00

Badassdrumming is all about helping drummers with their craft. From school students to the pro we offer many ways to learn, ways to find drumsets and drum sticks, cymbals, music and more. We also have the garb to look the part. We have t-shirts featuring the website and endorsed artists, like Art Avila, Ricky Malichi, Frank Gonzales and Ray Sword.

Be sure to grab something for Christmas and make 2009 the year you show pride as a badassdrummer.

Badassdrumming website is down

2008-12-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

We are in the process of moving to a new server and upgrading some of our features. So, hang in there and we'll be back very soon.

admin

Rudiments – An Alternative Approach

2008-11-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

An article written by Dr. Laura L. Franklin titled "Rudiments – An Alternative Approach" was recently published by The JOURNAL of PERCUSSION PEDAGOGY Volume 1, No. 1 - October 2008. The topic, in summary, is "It should be understood, however, that rudiments are not necessary for the development of any percussionist, even one primarily interested in playing the marching snare drum. Further, undue focus on the practice and perfection of such a limited number of sticking patterns to the detriment of other areas will result in a player with limited musical abilities."

So that you can read the entire article please refer to http://percussionpedagogy.com/jpp/01-1-rudiments.html .

Dr. Franklin makes some valid points. But do we actually remove rudiments from the beginning studies when mental and muscle development are at their best?

Read the article and let's hear what you have to say.

Ray Sword

Heidi Klum and Guitar Hero

2008-11-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

Heidi Klum's Guitar Hero commercial has got to be the latest lows of low for the gaming industry and for herself.

For starts, the gaming industry has raped the consumers worldwide on sales of the games Guitar Hero and Rock Band and all of the accessories nearly the same way oil companies raped consumers on gas prices. The consumer gets addicted and they'll spend whatever to get it. And when the next Gene Simmons Limited Edition Axe comes out for the games you can bet many will go out and buy it.

What amazes me more is the number of consumers that would never take a music class for the worry of being a band geek in their younger days are now wanting to be glorified, certified, GH Superstars; the best button pushing, flipper-flipping guitar emulating band geeks anywhere. And will waste thousands of dollars doing it. Yes, thousands. Add up all of the replaced, broken 'controllers', upgrades, another version, newer model, different color, etc. and it adds up. That's why every toy maker is jumping on to this rapidly growing money waster. They see consumers buying it all.

Want real proof to what I say? Let's look at Gene Simmons of KISS. He now has his AXE ready for the market. Gene is a marketing genius and proved it over the years starting back in the seventies. From the Costumes to lunch boxes to Action Figures, KISS was marketed in many ways more than most music groups ever were and GENE made MILLIONS on the KISS Empire. There is not one product on the market that resembles KISS unless it's through Gene Simmons. So, if Gene sees a way to make $$$$$$$ he'll do it.

Ok, I guess I should say something about Heidi Klum here or should I comment on how unoriginal the Brett Ratner commercial is. So, here goes. I guess she needed the popularity of GH to bring her some attention. Brett is cashing in on the the unoriginal commercial making of Risky Business that featured Tom Cruise. It seems the only thing original anymore are the songs being featured in the games.

Anyone want to emulate the motion?

The Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Kit - A Review

2008-11-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a Simmons Drum kit SD5K at Music & Arts and decided to see if it was worth looking into as at least as a practice kit.

Comes with 4 drum pads, kick tower, 3 cymbal pads and a hi-hat footswitch, rack and module, sticks and power pack. Ok, not a bad start. No bass drum pedal. No problem. All cables for pads to module included. Nice.

The first hits on the kit while in default settings prove not bad at all. The ride cymbal was the first not to trigger on all strikes. Switched cymbal pads and still the same. Missed triggers.

Ok, on to the hi-hat. Here's the real test. Do you get a good sound when opening and closing the hats pedal. I was getting ... A GREAT RESPONSE from the hi-hats!!!!! I always heard many other drummers say the HH bites. This one is so close to real. So I tried partial opens and all. I'm shocked. It worked!!!!

Now, the rest. All pads worked and responded well to dynamic playing. Even the kick tower.

The frame is very lightweight.

Even for a practice kit this would be ok. I may just get one for the studio to teach on. For apartment living this will help you get that practice in quietly.

Oh. There is a headphone jack and an AUX in to pipe in mp3's and all.

Music & Arts price ... $499.00 + taxes (In-Stock).
Music 123.com .... $399.00 + taxes and shipping.
Musician's Friend ... $399.00 = taxes and shipping.
Shipping will have an additiional charge because of the box size.

Shop for the better deal for you.

Did you attend the 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down at the El Paso Coliseum?

2008-11-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

Did you attend the 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down at the El Paso Coliseum in El Paso, TX? We want to hear your experience.

Tell us what you saw, what you liked and disliked. What were you hoping to see but didn't. Did you win one of the door prizes? What did you win?

Tell all of your friends that attended to come here and share their experience.

Kenneth R sword Jr

Badassdrumming is giving away T-shirts, shoulder bags and CDs

2008-10-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Biggest Drumming Event to hit El Paso, TX and Badassdrumming is part of it. We will be giving away t-shirts, shoulder bags and CDs with the ebook Big Book of Scales and bonus material.

The 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the El Paso County Coliseum located at 4100 East Paisano Street. This event is presented by the Ysleta IDS Fine Arts Department & Eastwood High School and sponsoring companies Promark Drumsticks, Mapex Drums and Badassdrumming.com.

This all day event starts at 9 AM and will feature schools in competition facing 3 top aujudicators in the drumming arena and master clinics by endorsed artists from Promark and other companies.

Be sure to hold to your tickets because there will be giveaways and prizes from several companies. Even if you don't win you can save money when you buy items from these companies at this event.

Tickets are $3.00 for Students and $5.00 for Adults for this all day event. For more information call (915) 434-4033.

This information is being brought to you courtesy of Badassdrumming.com.

Ray Sword to perform with the Frederick Symphony Orchestra

2008-10-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ray Sword will be one of the percussionists performing with the Frederick Symphony Orchestra on October 25th, 2008. FSO's concert titled "Latin Fiesta" will be featuring guest artist Luis Engelke and will be held at the Jack B. Kussmaul Theater. Concert time is 8:00PM.

See the calendar for full details.

The FSO is under the direction of Elisa Koehler.

Drumming Event promises to be BIG

2008-10-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

The 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down will be El Paso's biggest drumming event ever. With endorsed artists from Promark, SPAUN Drums and Badassdrumming.com, DCI Crossmen member Andrea Linan and more being there this all day event will be great. Master clinics, adjudicated competition, products and giveaways will be the major reason to be there. They predict the turnout to be between 2,000 to 5,000 people.

Another reason to be there ... the brotherhood of drummers and drumming. Go out and share time at this event and show them "YOU'RE A BETTER DRUMMER THAN THOSE ON ROCK BAND!".

For event details read the previous blog post.

Sword

Move over Rock Band. A real Drum Contest is happening

2008-10-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 1, 2008 will be the day it is happening. What's happening??? The 1st Annual Sun City Throw Down. It will be at the El Paso County Coliseum, is being run by the Ysleta Independent School District Fine Arts Department and Eastwood High School and is sponsored by Promark Drumsticks, Spaun Drums and Badassdrumming.com.

Endorsed artists Art Avila and Ricky Malichi will be involved with this event and we should see Badassdrumming's First FEATURED STUDENT - Andrea Linan from the Crossmen.

Art Avila mentioned the news today about this event and we're excited to become part of it. There will be some great drumming going on and this for all of the public to see. The El Paso County Coliseum is located at 4100 East Paisano St in downtown El Paso, TX. This all day event will be HUGE!!!!!

Go meet some of the most influencial drummers, See some great drum-offs and go for some free goodies. Door prizes and give-aways will happen at this event. Be sure to listen for your ticket number drawn for a chance at some cool prizes.

Go meet the people of the event and tell em you read it hear on this blog.

Keep Swingin'

Sword

Acoustic or Electronic Drums? You input is needed.

2008-09-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

In a time where everything is going digital should drums and percussion follow suit? The more I listen and look at electronic drum kits, drum pads and drum triggers the more I am compelled to look at this option for my drumming needs. The idea of lighter weight, less bulk is drawing me closer to this idea.

Recently, I have looked at a few electronic Marimbas/Vibraphones and a few electronic drum kits. Since everything is MIDI based this means that real drum samples can be used for the voicings. I can have two mallet instruments for far less price by going electronic than the conventional instruments, saving thousands of dollars.

A decent 5+ octave Marimba alone goes for over $10,000.00. A good set of vibes over $3,000. Their electronic counterpart - under $3000.00.

As for a drum kit ... acoustic 5 piece drum kit for about $1000.00 plus stands and cymbals. It's electronic counterpart for under $1000.00 easily.

Even looking at the Yamaha DD-65 Drum Pad kit with 50 preset drum kit sounds and 5 programmable kit slots, 8 pads & 2 footswitches that can be upgraded to a kickpad and hi-hat tower. This setup, upgraded, would run about $400.00+.

As for aesthetics, the look is not what I'm after it's the sound and durability. With gas and all expenses going up it's not worth doing gigs anymore with so much equipment. Wanting to limit setup and teardown time to maximize my earnings.

So what do you think. Good idea? Or bad idea?

Get a FREE $25.00 Music & Arts Gift Card From Ray Sword

2008-09-04T23:15:00.000-07:00

FREE $25.00 Music & Arts Gift Card. Sign up for 2 months of drum or percussion lessons from Ray Sword at Music & Arts Center in Frederick, MD and receive a $25.00 Music & Arts Gift Card. Restrictions apply.

TO receive your Music & Arts Gift Card you need to pay for and attend the contracted lessons for the 2 months. Lesson days available are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday ONLY. After completion of the 2nd month, within 21 days, you will receive your Music & Arts Gift Card from Ray Sword directly. No cards will be mailed or shipped. They will be dispersed in person only.

Offer not valid thru the store or any other teacher at any Music & Arts Center. This offer is made exclusively by Ray Sword for students under Ray Sword ONLY at the Frederick, MD store ONLY. Music & Arts Gift Card is for $25.00

ONLY and is good at any Music & Arts Center for any purchase you wish to make. Gift Cards are rechargeable.

Promotion starts September 1st, 2008 and will continue to February 28th, 2009.

Buddy Rich Memorial Concert Rolls out After 10 Years of Marking Time

2008-09-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, -- The much awaited return of the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert is now over. In late August, Cathy Rich, daughter of the late, legendary drummer Buddy Rich, confirmed plans for the Buddy Rich Memorial and that it would take place at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on October 18. Her company, Scabeba Entertainment, Drucker Labs and drumming icon Neil Peart will produce this historic event, which promises to be the most intense and compelling ever in terms of the performers and sponsors.

“The concerts themselves are an expression of Buddy's generous musical spirit. It's our goal to give back as much as possible and have all parties involved leave with a good feeling." Rich noted. “We should also point out that all our sponsors will make this event truly amazing. Without the love and support from all sponsors, these events would not happen."

Some Superb Sponsors Title sponsors areDrucker Labs, Scabeba Entertainment, Manhattan Center Productions, Drum Channel, and Enter Music Publishing's Drum! and Traps magazines.

Other sponsors include Remo, JazzImprov magazine, Buddy Rich Drum Company, DW Drums, Pro-Mark, Dunnett Drums, Mark Bass, Vic Firth, SJC Custom Drums, Guitar Center, Sabian, Caroldean El Paseo, Joshua Clothing,and Roland.

In addition to the sponsors listed, Drumchannel.com will unveil a presentation on Buddy Rich and will LIVE STREAM the event over the web. In addition, the entire affair is being taped in high-definition for a Christmas DVD release.

A Legendary Lineup This years lineup, one of the most diverse to be scheduled for The Memorial, features some of the most well-respected drummers in the world, who will be performing original rock and jazz arrangements with the big band.

Terry Bozzio formerly of Frank Zappa's band and his own platinum selling band, Missing Persons. Terry went on to revolutionize drumming with his one-man shows and clinics featuring his sea of drums and percussion.He’s performing a Zappa tune, among others.

John Blackwell who was with Prince's band and most recently toured the world with Justin Timberlake.

Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith will perform four tunes including some Rolling Stones material scored for big band.

New York drumming icon Tommy Igoe, leader of the Birdland Big Band and in demand session and Broadway drummer.His recent educational DVD's are currently the number one sellers in the marketplace.

This is also the debut of Buddy's 23 year old grandson Nick Rich playing for the first time in his grandfather's big band. Nick is an in demand drummer on the west coast,having recentlyrecorded with platinum selling artist Ray J.

Neil Peart will also perform.

Joining Buddy's Big Band will be Late Show with David Lettermanbass player Will Lee. Bassist Jeff Berlin will appear as a special guest.There will be a special appearance by Guitar Center 2007 Drum Off winner Donnie Marple.More surprises will be added.

What makes this year’s show hip is the artists having big band arrangements made of some of their most popular hits, as well as playingtheir favorite Buddy Rich charts. And, it will take on a life of its own since the show will be streamed live globally by the Drum Channel, and recorded in Hi Def for worldwide release.

“After a ten-year hold on this world wide drum event, we are coming back with a vengeance", said Rich. “We started doing these concerts in 1989 and they were the first of their kind. I originallyhad the idea of havingall the greatest drummers in the world sitting in with my father’s big band, playing his charts with their own unique spin.

A giant Buddy Rich Memorial Concert Product Promotion began in late August next with a chance to win dozens of prizes including Roland V- drums, snares from Dunnett, George Way, Buddy Rich Drum Company, and DW, and much more. Be sure to reserve your tickets now.

For ticket info call Ticket Master 212.307-7171 or visit www.ticketmaster.com To enter the Buddy Rich Concert Giveaway visit www.drummgazine.com/buddyrich.

Visit website

Buddy Rich at All About Jazz.

SOURCE: AllAboutJazz.com Publicity

Drumming is so diverse and specialized

2008-09-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

It was recently reported that drummers are physically in better shape than football players. The report from the UK comes to no surprise to me. I have been drumming for 40 years now and with all the differents styles, techniques and facets that are involved with drums and percussion I understand this finding easily.

Muscle tone and endurance are a constant. The different ways to approach each percussion instrument adds to flexability.

Most everyday people think of a rock drummer behind a drumset when they hear you are a drummer. Well, I do sit behind a kit and have played tons of rock tunes (never again will I play Free Bird. Way over played and requested), Blues, R&B, Funk, Country, Jazz, etc ... But, I have marched in football halftime shows during my college days, parade routes and the likes. I have played in String Orchestras and in Symphonies, Brass Bands, Mardi-Gras street jams, drum circles. Every situation is fun and yet different.

From drumset to tympani to marimba to sleigh bells to a cajon to bongos and congas ... whatever the setup each has to be approached in a different manner than the others. So learning the right technique on the various hand drums vs. the techniques used on concert snare vs. marching snare vs. marching tenors vs. tympani vs. drumset vs. ... you get the picture.

Each instrument has it's own fundamentals, it's basics to being played properly. The right choice of sticks or mallets or even just hand positions can make a big difference in learning the right way or the wrong way. German grip, French Grip, Conventional Grip, Reverse Conventional Grip, Match Grip, Moeller Method; what works well in each style and why? Who named all of this stuff and why? Is it important?

"I'm just gonna play death metal. I don't need all of that technobabble terms and all. I just need to play hard and fast." Sounds like a marathon for a first time runner. Won't make it through a show. Will quickly burn out and/or injure their self.

Look at the mallet player for a moment. Either vibes or marimba. It's like a piano but played with mallets, most times with four of them. The grip it critical for this type of percussion. How about a tambourine? Could do the shake and bop the hip. Good for bubblegum pop acts on stage for this visual. But bad for symphonic pieces.

Drumming is an artform in itself and really is a specialty field for many music majors. Band directors of other instruments will bring in a drummer as specialty staff just to cover the drums and percussion just for that band.

Drumming on Rock Band does more harm than good.

2008-09-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Drumming on Rock Band does more harm than good.

Here, you just bought your new gaming system, Rock Band. You pull open the box, start setting up those electronic drumpads, get all the cables in place, pop in the gaming disc and you ar now ready to put the sticks in the hands and start wailing away. In a feverish race to hit the right drumpad when the screen shows you the corresponding pad to hit and you do and the next and the next ...

You have artfully finished the first song and get your score. You see a few mistakes by the score. You heard the awful rejecting sound when you made a mistake and by the simulated audience response.

Now let's look at why this is a terrible way to learn to drum. Yes, this is terrible and for many reasons.

Did anyone show you the proper grip to holding the sticks? NO.

How to balance the sticks in your grip for maximum effectiveness? NO.

Did anyone show you or tell you not to try playing with so much arm so not to make you tired after one minute? NO.

Did anyone show you whether heel up or heel down will produce longer, less tiresome results? NO.

Did you know (or did they tell you) that 'swinging' the sticks the wrong way can cause Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Rapid Movement Stress Disorder, pulled tendons, blisters and other problems? NO.

Hey! Where is the hi-hat pedal in this game???

Once again, the gaming industry has come up with another way to milk out dollars from the many that are willing to spend money on games and even market it in a way to make you think that you can LEARN to drum from it. Really, they haven't taught you anything. Grip, strengthening the weak hand to be equal to the strong hand, stick patterns to easily get around multiple surfaces, proper balance of the body and breathing ... all of this is important and unless there is someone there to correct these common problems you will cause yourself more harm than good.

If you want to really learn to play you will need a good instructor that can set you up for long term, injury free, drumming.

Another reason to consider drum lessons BEFORE trying to learn from these games; the instructor will not need to undo bad habits you have already developed from this. Lessons spent on undoing bad habits are a waste of your time and money. If you were to take the lessons to learn the right techniques first you would be further along and learn more in less time, actually saving you money.

Drumming is a sport of endurance and to last the long haul will take the knowledge of a good trainer showing you how to drum smart, not hard.

Ok, WoW anyone?

RockBand and Guitar Hero are creating Wannabe's

2008-09-01T03:35:00.000-07:00

In a world where people look for shortcuts to everything there is one thing for sure. Games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero are creating a lot of Wannabe's. Since there is really no musical skills to these games there isn't a real chance to be that great lead guitar player they try to immulate in the game or that great rock drummer they pretend to be.

I say this because I have heard many kids come into the music store and say they are taking lessons from these games. HUH?

Simply put, they are playing on nothing more than a glammed up version of Simon. They paid alot more money for these musical games since they are doing the cover tune thing. Artists songs are being used and the bands are getting a cut from their songs being used. Sure, that's fair. They wrote and produced the songs.

Anyway, the idea that you are learning valuable skills in the music realm has yet to be proven. You are playing along, mind you, not on an actual instrument, but, a cheap replica so that it works with the game. You surely couldn't use such toys in a real gig (unless you are Milli Vanilli).

And parents shouldn't be so naive to agree with their kids that this is a great lesson teacher. How are they being critiqued and corrected for wrong technique? Only a live teacher can do this.

If people would only focus their energy in the right direction in the first place they could save their selves time and money and get it right the first time.

Anyway, when you are ready for the real thing teachers will be standing by to help you.

Art Avila, Promark Sticks endorsed, brings a new drum lesson to Badassdrumming

2008-08-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

August 2008

Art Avila, endorsed by Promark Sticks and Badassdrumming.com, has delivered a doozy of a workout to try called X-BOX Template. This is a workout everyone can benefit from. Click the name to see it.

This thing is just sick. Cheeses, flams, flam drags, flam 5's, diddles, pataflaflas, Swiss Army Triplets and more. This is a non-ending workout for any drummer out there.

Become a member of www.badassdrumming.com for free and get more of this from Art and our other endorsed drummers.

Match Grip vs. Conventional Grip - Which is correct?

2008-08-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

Match Grip vs. Conventional Grip - Which is correct?

Hello and no, this is not a battle of one grip over the other. This has to do with current practices that are not ergonomically friendly. The rising number of drummers within the past 15 to 20 years that have had drumming related injuries is well beyond the numbers of generations prior. Let's take a look at some of the possible reasons.

The most common injury is Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, an injury of the tendons. This comes from several things.
1. Lack of stretching and warming up before playing.
2. Bad grip or grip technique
3. Bad motion of the wrist/arm

Let's start with stretching. It is a necessary instrument prior to performing. The cold tendons and muscles need time to get into playing condition. Getting good blood flow to the limbs is necessary, too. With the blood/oxygen flow the limbs are now prepared to handle the stress they are about to take on. Without stretching you are placing those limbs into an At-risk of injury.

Next is bad grip. With any job your goal is to expel to least amount of energy and get maximum results. I call it the 'play smart, not hard' theory. Think of like a major purchase. If you can get that big flat screen TV at one store for $1400.00 and the same TV is at another store for $890.00 of course you'll go for the $890.00 deal.

Well, drumming should be the same way. Spend less energy and get the same product. This is where alot of energy is wasted, the grip. If you are not working with the stick's fulcrum (balance point) you are already fighting a lost cause. Second, gripping the stick like a club will tire your hand out. You want a loose grip just barely keeping the stick between the fingers. I tell my students to think of using the friction of the skin only to hold the stick in place, fingers lightly wrapped around the stick.

Now, since we are here on grip next would be what is the right grip. This is going to depend on the angle of the drum. If the drum is flat in front of you then match grip would be best for this drum position. Shoulders, elbows, forearms and wrists are all symmetrical and balanced. This would be ergonomically correct or in harmony with the body.

If the drum is tilted with the left side of the rim up and right side down then conventional grip is ergonamically correct. This grip was designed for field military drummers because the drum hung on a sling and tilted in the process. So the conventional grip was designed just for that. Later adoption to using it on flat field drums has led to more injuries and a player that is ergonamically out of balance. One shoulder is higher, one elbow in vs. the other out and the degree of twist in the left arm from the elbow forward. With this in mind, the spine also twists a little to help compensate for this position. This is not good at all on any marching player. The same goes for any sitting player behind a drumset.

So a marcher playing on a flat drum should be using match grip and this goes for sitting drummers with the snare flat in front of you or tilted toward you. On to bad motion of the wrists/arms.

There are times when a player gets tired and the gig isn't over. What happens? They tighten up. They start holding their breath. They start twisting the wrist in an awkward way. They start using more arm and less fingers ... it becomes an increasing stress to the player because they react in the opposite way they should. With the arms and wrists now reacting in the wrong way the player has increased the risk of injury. The player needs to relax, check their stick grip and their breathing. Any other bad motions, like slouching, will correct itself once you start to relax.

We covered some possible causes of injuries that the player can immediately correct. Let's look at just a few other things real quick that may cause injury.

Let's look at all of the things a percussionist has to strike and how. First, there are nearly an endless amounts of surfaces a player strikes from plastic, metal, wood, resins, composites, calfskins, cowhide, sheepskin, etc. And the choices to strike them from the hand to sticks/mallets to shaking. The gammot is wide open. How dense or soft the material is will also play in the effect on how we strike it and the repercussion it creates.

Todays marching snare drum has gone through many changes over the years in materials but still have these things in common; it's a round shell with heads, has hoops and snares mounted across the bottom head. Todays units are are built tighter and lighter than their predeceasors of 20 or 30 years ago. Torquing the top head, now made of Kevlar, is one design I question. The snare now sounding like a piece of masonite and such high tone doesn't carry far. So to compensate drummers have to play harder to get louder and when that's not enough the director needs to add more snares to the section. So, striking a torqued surface made of Kevlar with a Hickory drumstick ... what does that do to the player's arms? The repercussion (shock) of the strike will send back through the stick to the hand/arm a wave that is bound to have some effect to the player.

I mentioned other materials like metal (cymbals, gongs, bells, chimes, vibraphone ...), wood (woodblock, headless tambourine, marimba, bass drum hoops, cajon ...), resins (xylophone, graphite blocks ...) plastics (tambourine ...), different skins (bongos, congas, doumbek, djembe ...) and even vegetables (gourds, guiro ...) and clay pots (gourd variations, platas ...). Each of these have different methods of holding and striking. There is no doubt that the hand drums will have the most impact on your body overall. Care must be taken to insure the least possible amount of injury. Learning the correct techniques in holding and striking all of these instruments is essential.

Kenneth Ray Sword Jr
www.badassdrumming.com

Drummers are far better in percentages than football players and doctors.

2008-08-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Drummers are far better in percentages than football players and doctors.

Someone will surely say this is obsured but think about it for a moment. Athletes, making millions of dollars, do not obtain 100% efficiency of their sport. It's just not possible. Look at doctors. They get paid to practice their field. WHAT? Musicians have to practice on their own and are expected to perform perfectly, EVERYTIME! I just don't get it.

Ray Sword

The Importance of Paradiddles

2008-08-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Paradiddles

I want to take a moment to stress the importance of this rudiment. In the book Percussion Manual Second Edition by the author of F. Michael Combs [ISBN 1-57766-106-0] printed by Waveland Press, Inc. on page 79 of section II. B. is a list of rudiments (most diddle rudiments from the original NARD 26 Rudiments) that Mr. Combs claims are Unessential (rarely necessary). I tend to differ here. I am not sure why he says this but after much study of this rudiment there are too many benefits to having this rudiment in your arsenal.

Looking at the paradiddle the first note is accented followed by an alternate hand of lesser volume and followed by the starting hand with two strokes of the same volume as the opposite hand. Just the fact of sticking going from alternate to doubles over and over builds oneself for better independence and the accent placed on the first note of every four is another training exercise. Along with the other variations of diddles, including diddles containing flams and drags, makes for a superior workout and alternate sticking methods to keep a multi-percussionist from getting tangled up.

Think of master stick control in overdrive. Alternates and double strokes with accents and flams and drags (ruffs). The stick control of Accents, regular stroke and grace (or ghost) notes all present in one rudiment. So here is where I validate the importance of this rudiment.

In section C on the same page of his book he goes on to list additional rudiments from the PAS International Drum Rudiments list. #7 The Single Paradiddle-diddle. #8 Single Flammed Mill. #13. Single Dragadiddle. Now, PAS has recognized these rudiments since they are overwhelmingly used rudiments in competition and in marching drumlines so if the true fundamental rudiment is discredited by being called unessential (rarely necessary) then wouldn’t that lend to saying the same to these hybrids of the same rudiment family? So, I say all diddle rudiments are important and pretty cool to play, too.

Kenneth Ray Sword Jr

Free MP3's, Discounts on Drums and more

2008-08-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello %name%,

Thought I would give you the latest on what's up at Badassdrumming.com.

We finally have deals running with Music123, Musician's Friend, Napster and mTraks so you can get some great deals and save you money.

You need music to practice to, tunes to add to your set list or whether to just enjoy, both, Napster and mTraks are giving our members some really good deals to try them out.

Napster is giving a 7 day free trial to over 6 million songs.

mTraks is giving away 30 Free MP3's for just signing up.

3 Ways to Take Advantage of Back to School Savings at Music123!

We're sending students back to school in style. Our Back to School Savings offers
you three amazing ways to take advantage of the back to school season.
Through this promotion you can take 15% off on hundreds of top brands,
get a free music stand and Music123 80th anniversary t-shirt with any band and
orchestra purchase over $99 and recieve double points for the entire month. Going
back to school has never been better.

And ...

Up to 50% Off and Free Shipping at the Music123 Outlet Store!
Our Outlet Store is slashing prices up to 50% on top name brands such as Gibson,
Yamaha, Fender and many, many more. Along with these rocking deals we're also
offering you free shipping on orders over $99. This rocking duo of deals
will leave you cheering for more.

Just go to www.badassdrumming.com and look for any of the links. They are all around so they are easy to find.

We also have a new page that is in conjunction with Musician's Friend bring you the 'Snare of the Week'. Links have been placed on the left column of each page for easy access. See what's new and in review.

And, finally, we have access to many of the authentic concert memorabilia, T-shirts and collectibles of many artists known today. The Who, Lynard Skynard, Maroon 5, Dream Theatre, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Poison, Def Leppard, Coldplay, Billy Joel, KISS, Gene Simmons and many more.

You can find this at any Fan's Collectibles link within the site and on the main page.

As you see, we're working to make this your site for all of your music and drumming needs.

Keep swingin',

Sword

Tour Merchandise, memorabilia, t-shirts and ...

2008-07-31T01:27:00.000-07:00

Time to grab your favorite artist's gear. T-shirts, posters, programs, pics, lithos and more.

Go to this link for more info. Fans Collectibles

Brought to you by Badassdrumming.com

Free mp3 downloads

2008-07-31T01:22:00.000-07:00

Badassdrumming.com
now has access to offer 30 mp3s free.

Go to Get 30 Free MP3 Songs Now!
for more details.

Badassdrumming now offers great buys on musical instruments

2008-07-31T01:09:00.000-07:00

Drummers and other musicians can now save big on musical instruments at badassdrumming.com.
They have teamed up with some powerhouse dealers to bring you great gear at the best discounted prices.
Some of the brands are:
DW Drums Evans Gretsch Drums Latin Percussion Ludwig Meinl Paiste Pearl Remo Roland Sabian Tama Vic Firth Yamaha and Zildjian.

For more information you can visit the site at this link:

Musical Instruments On Sale

New Mallet workouts available

2008-07-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Badassdrumming.com has available free lessons on the site. Free mallet lessons, drum lessons, and other info to help you grow.

Brought to you by some of the best performers/educators around.

Badassdrumming.com is free to join.

Looking to go to college? Then look at the resources the site brings to you to help you with choosing a school, financial assistance, scholarships and more.

New Featured Student Andrea Linan at Badassdrumming.com

2008-07-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Andrea Linan, a member of the Crossmen, is now a featured student at badassdrumming.com. Her instructor, Art Avila, made the recommendation for her to be featured and she made the cut.

Go see Andrea's story here.

We will do an interview with Andrea once she returns from the marching season.

Drum Lessons and YouTube ...

2008-06-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

I was at Music & Arts in Frederick, MD the other day. I had finished teaching my last student for the day and overheard one of the sales associates asking a drum customer if they were taking lessons. The kid replied, "Yeah. I'm taking them on YouTube." The sales person didn't think to go any further with the topic at that point.

But, I need to follow up on this here since there are thousands of people thinking they are getting free drum lessons and learning something from it. They are only half right which means their playing is only half right and that won't get them where they wish to go.

Videos are a good resource for reference and to see some things in action. Without a teacher to guide you you are missing a much larger piece of the lesson. One part is performing in front of someone live. This alone will make you or break you. Without it you are almost certain to fail in a real gig situation.

Also, the teacher is your guide to identifying your weaknesses and to help strengthen them. The teacher helps develop your musical approach to playing as well as technique. The teacher will see things you can't since you are not yet trained to identify where there are deficiencies in your playing and practice. Without the feedback you can be learning all wrong technique. Many drummers have come down with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome from bad technique.

Another aspect of a teacher is their professional background and the network of people they know in the business. They are and have been there, playing the top gigs and made a name for their selves. Most have a college education in Music and are more than qualified to teach as well as play.

If your only dream is to play in a local band for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a lollipop soda then your YouTube lessons may get you just that. But, if you are looking to play for a living you will need to consider college and a private teacher will be a key factor to that.

Wanna Get Your Kids Into A Summer Drumming Camp?

2008-05-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's about that time of year and kids will be finding a lot of idle time on their hands. I encourage all parents to look into a music / drumming summer camp for your kids. Any music student would benefit from the reading and rhythm aspect and may find they like drumming. Another is for those kids that have never experienced playing an instrument. This will get them involved in group (teamwork) environments that will help build their social skills and be a part of a team.

No matter what area you are in there is sure to be a program of some kind near you.

I, as an instructor in Frederick, MD , am looking to see if there is an interest of kids wanting to do this. If so, I will look into the logistics to getting a camp lined up. If there is anyone that already has plans for a camp and needs a drum instructor then contact me here.

Kids today are spending way too much time on video games and not enough activity. Drumming camps can really help with the activity, teamwork, social skills, focus and other things that kids have a hard time with.

Again, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Kenneth Ray Sword Jr

Badassdrumming.com has teamed up with 4tests.com

2008-05-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Badassdrumming.com is all about education and training and has now teamed up with 4tests.com to help you with preparations for college.

Here is some of the ways we can help.

General

We also offer you online practice exams so help you prepare for college and other certifications.

Exams:

Educational Exams

High School Exams - SAT ACT AP; Biology, Chemistry, US History and more
College Exams - Many CLEP Exams, TOEFL and TOEIC
Graduate Exams - GMAT, GRE General, LSAT and MCAT

Computer Exams - Microsoft, A+, Sun, Cisco, Oracle
Professional Exams - Postal, Legal, Medical, Educator, FAA and Military (ASVAB)
Fun Exams - Movie, Religion, TV

All practice tests are free and a great way to see how well you will do on the real tests.

Just go to our home page and browse through the many tests offered. Bookmark us and return as often as you wish.

Again, we are all about education and are glad to help you in any way possible.

Keep learning and swingin'

Ray Sword

Mannette Steel Drums is holding the Festival of Steel 2008

2008-05-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Mannette Steel Drums is holding the Festival of Steel 2008
July 6-12, 2008
WVU Creative Arts Center, Morgantown , WV

Dr. Ellie Mannette, famed steel band innovator, hosts the Festival of
Steel each year. The event attracts participants from all across the
United States (and beyond) to spend an intensive week immersed in steel
band’s performance, education and history.

The 16 th Annual Mannette Steel Drum’s Festival of Steel will take
place July 6 - 12, 2008 at WVU's Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, West
Virginia. Dr. Mannette and his staff look forward to seeing you this
summer in Morgantown ! Enrollment is limited and is expected to fill
quickly.

Continuing Education Credits (CEU's)/College Credits are available for
participants through West Virginia University.  Click on the
Participant Info link on the right.

For more information contact the Workshop Coordinator at Mannette Steel
Drums at (304) 296-6405, (866) 237- DRUM or by email at
workshops@mannettesteeldrums.com .

Faculty:

Ray Holman
Andy Narell
Jeff Narell
Tom Miller
Jim Munzenrider
Alan Lightner
Chris Tanner

Components

Performance Bands: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Lectures
Seminars
Community Program

Schedule of Events

7/6 Registration & Kickoff Concert (formerly Faculty Showcase)
Daily Schedule TBA
7/10 Jam Session (tentative)
7/12 Final Concert

FESTIVAL of STEEL 2008

Mannette Steel Drums and Dr. Ellie Mannette invite you to Morgantown,
West Virginia and West Virginia University ’s Creative Arts Center for
a week- long celebration of the steel drum art form.

For more than a decade, Dr. Ellie Mannette, widely regarded as the
"Father of the Modern Steel Drum", has been training a team of gifted
apprentices in Morgantown . These apprentices are now master craftsman and
comprise the staff of Mannette Steel Drums, Ltd. under the leadership of
Chanler Bailey, President and CEO. They are devoted to crafting the
finest steel drum instruments in the industry and continuing the legacy
of Ellie Mannette.
Each summer for the past 16 years, Dr. Mannette and these dedicated
colleagues have hosted a summer workshop designed to celebrate the steel
drum art form and to provide a venue for enthusiasts, educators and
professional players to exchange information.

PERFORMANCE

The workshop is a highly performance oriented experience. Whether you
are a professional musician seeking other players of your caliber and a
challenge, an educator looking to collect information to better your
program and expand your repertoire, or a beginner with no musical
background at all, you will find this an incredible experience. World renowned
performers, lecturers and clinicians will be leading Advanced,
Intermediate and Beginner bands in daily rehearsals, culminating in a
performance at the end of the week
HISTORY

Would you pass up a chance to meet Stradivarius? Shake hands with
Einstein? Not many legends are recognized for greatness during their
lifetime. Dr. Ellie Mannette is one of the fortunate few. Lectures will cover
topics on:

  •  Steel band's early history
  •  The evolution of the various instruments
  •  Mannette's personal experiences and observations of steel
band's development in the US and abroad
  •  Trinidad 's Carnival and Panorama
  •  Current building and tuning demonstrations with the staff of
Mannette Steel Drums, Ltd.

Did you know that steel drums are the only family of acoustic
instruments invented in the twentieth century? Dr. Mannette is responsible for
much of the innovation of the family of steel drums, and for taking them
to an unparalleled level of tonal sophistication

EDUCATION

Daily seminars will be led by some of the most well respected and
talented steel band directors and performers in the industry. Integral to
the week- long immersion in this art form is the provision of additional
information in a lecture setting for the music educator as well as the
steelband performer.

Topics may include information on:

  * Arranging Techniques
  * Performance Techniques
  * Engine Room fundamentals
  * Repertoire
  * Fundraising

Every steel drum player is an educator. As performers, we must be aware
that many in our audience are experiencing this instrument for the
first time. With this awareness comes the responsibility for providing
more information about its origins and capabilities than that of musicians
of more familiar instruments.
Community Program

Designed for area residents, the community program includes 3 evening
sessions providing an introduction to the steel band and steel drum
performance in a fun and informative setting.

Keep swingin'

Sword

A Supplement to the Scales book will be released free of charge

2008-05-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

From BadAssDrumming office:

May 04, 2008

Kenneth Sword reports that he has a supplement coming out to all those that bought the original ebook The Big Book Of Scales for Mallets. Those that purchased a copy already will receive the supplement free.

Kenneth is in the stages of redoing the book so the supplement information will be included in the revised book to replace the current one.

Purchasers need not to do anything extra to get it. They will be contacted and told where to get their copy.

Big Book of Scales Being Released Today

2008-05-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

Badassdrumming.com's creator, Kenneth Ray Sword Jr, has just finished his new book in .pdf format called "The Big Book of Scales for Mallets. Over 300 pages with diagrams of each scale in each key. Over 650 keys.

"This undertaking has been in the works for over 2 months and I am glad to have it finished and ready." Sword said.

Sword handed out rough drafts to colleagues and professors around the US, mostly in Texas, to get their feedback and to test the book with students.

Quoted from Robert Soto ...

"Ray,

I love the e-book buddy! I think it's a great tool, and a must have. I would love to get a copy of the whole thing, how much? This book is similar to Jazz Patterns by Jerry Coker, but I think you've complied more scales and diagrams for your project. I once envisioned doing something like this when I was in high school, but I'm glad you're the one who did it, major applause my friend! ... I think this is a great idea, and it's something to have especially when teaching young jazz musicians.

Robert

Robert Soto M.M.
Bass Trombonist
basstrebor@????????.com
www.myspace.com/rsotomusic"

Robert really understands theory and the importance of scales. He's an educator and performer with Fuego Latino, playing Salsa and Meringue. He is very active in the Jazz scene and symphony scene, too. He received his Bachelor's at UTEP and his Masters at Yale in Music.

The best part is anyone can get this book and benefit. Based on theory studies and yet anyone in music will gain great practice from it.

It's worth looking at to see if it will help you and/or your student(s).

Frank Gonzalez, 2006 DCI Solo Marimba Champion, has been trying it out with his students with much success.

Art Avila, endorsed by Promark Drumsticks, is using it with his frontline players that he teaches in El Paso, TX.

See more about it here. Big Book of Scale for Mallets

Welcome to BadAssDrumming Blog

2008-05-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ray Sword here to greet you to our new blog. For all of you drummers we will be bringing you some of the most sought after and less known things about drumming and percussion. It free to join our site and we continue to grow and expand the site weekly.

Just locked in a new endorsed artist - Frank Gonzalez, educator for Promark Drumsticks. He joins the ranks with Art Avila. We also have Ricky Malichi, Jazz drummer endorsed by SPAUN Drums.

All of these guys will be bringing videos, lessons, articles and more to give to you, our drumming friends.

Be sure to join up for free.

www.badassdrumming.com - Are you a bad ass? Join and prove it.

Ray Sword
Founder of BadAssDrumming. com