Rhythm X 2011 Show Unveiled: ‘Stand By Me’

Just read this article on my feed from WGI.org:

Inspired by the Playing for Change project and based on the original Ben E. King song of the same name, in 2011 Rhythm X will bring 'Stand by Me' to life. Look for themes from the classic coming of age movie Stand by Me, updated for the new millennium with Rhythm X's trademark athleticism, musicality and innovation.

Rhythm X will be performing locally in the Mid-East Performance Association and nationally at the WGI Dayton Regional, Mid-South Percussion Championship and World Championships. 

Rhythm X was founded in 2002 and is under the direction of Tim Jackson and Craig Dunn. In their inaugural season in WGI Independent Open Class, Rhythm X was the PIO Champion and since joining World Class has medalled six times, winning the PIW Championship in 2008 and 2009. Designing together since 2008, Tim Fairbanks, Andrew Markworth and Tim Jackson all return to the design team to bring you Rhythm X 2011... Stand by Me.

"No matter who you are... No matter where you go, in your life... at some point, you gonna need somebody... to Stand by You."

Sounds pretty cool. I can't wait to see their show come April. Check out their website for more.

Holiday Shopping?

The holiday season is upon us! It's time to start thinking about what's on your shopping list. The easiest way to avoid all the inconveniences of holiday shopping lines and crowds is to order your gifts online. But what does this have to do with this blog? Well, why not help support this site and get your holiday shopping done at the same time? I would really appreciate it if you can help support this site by using our Amazon.com search box. It's simple to use: just type the name of the product you are looking for in the Amazon.com search box and it will automatically take you to the Amazon website of the product. Simply order the gift as normal and a (tiny) fraction of what you spend will go to this site. What am I going to do with the money? Put it all back into the site to make it even better! Help me help you. (We also accept donations through PayPal, see the link on the sidebar).

Do you need a little extra cash during this holiday season? Start using the internet to your advantage to make some additional revenue. See the sidebar for the most popular sites I use to make fast money off of the internet. They're all free and easy to use. You don't have to put anything into it except a little time. Sites like Opinion Outpost pay you to take surveys online. Within a few weeks of joining you could be holding a check for $100!

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Shutterbooth fun!

This doesn't really have anything to do with Percussion and Drum Stuff, I just wanted to post this video I made using the pictures taken at my recent wedding reception. What a fun way to remember our special day. If you are planning a wedding or any other large group event I highly recommend one!

Marching Band Performs the Bed Intruder Song!

This is the ending to the show that the band performed at the Sprite Battle of the Bands in Charlotte, NC on August 28, 2010.

The clip features "Imma Be" by The Black Eyed Peas and of course, the "Bed Intruder Song" by Antoine Dodson and the Gregory Brothers.

Music was arranged and taught by yours truly, and I shot some of the video as well, along with Harvey Thompson, Keon Galloway, and Kevin Greene on the BGMM Media Team. More band staff credits appear in-video.

Music arrangements were written by me using Finale 2011. Video shot with various cameras, including my trusty Canon EOS 5d mkII. Edited by me using MPEG Streamclip, Final Cut Pro, and Compressor.

Band website: http://www.marchingmachine.com
School: http://www.ncat.edu

Thanks everyone for all the support, keep watching!

Beat It: The World of The Modern Drummer

When John Lennon was asked if Ringo was the best drummer in the world he quipped " He wasn't even the best drummer in the Beatles". Lennon's natural put-down is typical of the way drummers are belittled within music circles.

Presenter Phill Jupitus challenges this notion with the help of a cross-section of musicians to discover how they have gained this reputation?

We hear from Clem Burke (drummer with Blondie) and Dr. Marcus Smith who together have proven scientifically that Clem burns a similar amount of calories during a concert as a premiership footballer. Phil Collins (Genesis) and Stewart Copeland (The Police), explain how they cope with the physical demands of performing and how these veterans react to the negative image of the drummer.

Having established the physical demands made on drummers does this exclude women? Dame Evelyn Glennie thinks not as she believes the physicality is not an obstacle. The programme also hears from Kenny Jones (The Small Faces, The Faces and The Who) who still features a drum solo in his set but has the drum solo had its day? Has the modern drummer discarded this indulgence and settled for keeping time at the back? If so why?

For many, the drummer is the joker in the group, Phil Selway of Radiohead explains within the ranks of Britain's moodiest band, there is not too much light hearted banter but he does see his role as a supporting one for the others to be creative.


Great show. Give it a listen.

11032010 International Drum Month - WGI

11-03-2010 International Drum Month - WGI

November is International Drum Month. Enjoy the sights and sounds of several indoor percussion ensembles from the WGI World Championships through the years. The inspiration from cultures around the world has played such an important role in the history of WGI. Don't forget to visit our booth at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) November 11-13 in Indianapolis, IN.