(from Craig)
Hey everyone- My name is Craig, and I've been playing and recording in the SD/LA area for the last 20 plus years. I've been fortunate to find a space that is large enough to accommodate not only my studio habit and company ( http://procraftmedia.com/ ) but also large enough to put on some clinic/concert/rehearsal/dvdfilming/whateva type events. It's a shame to have a place like this and not see it put to good use, so my friend and fellow drummer Duncan Moore and I thought it would be fun to create some community for us drummer types to get together in a free exchange of ideas, chops, and whatever else the herd seems to lean towards. It's also a great opportunity for players across the county to network and make some lasting friendships.. ( the stuff that matters)
We'll be doing some clinic type master classes, with some local and so cal guys-- Some times in a class format. Sometimes we'll have tracks to play to, and discuss approaches. Maybe we'll just have a listening party... point is, we'll make it fun, informative, regular--- and have a beer or coffee and some snacks to boot.
We'll have guest artists and producers/engineers talk about what they do...
We'll have some house concert type performances on additional nights to provide a showcase for artists that our members may be working with-- and we'll recorded it for real and make that available to the group.
We'll make the studio available to members of the meetup for rehearsing/recording/vid taping shows etc...
Think drummers co-op.
All I ask is that folks be supportive of each other,leave ego and competitive nature ( ala GC drumoff) at the door. Hopefully the styles and abilities of you all will run the gamut, and that's a good thing! We can all learn something from each other---
You don't HAVE to be a drummer to join, and we'd welcome your participation if your another instrumentalist--
Also please note that there is LIMITED SPACE, so it's going to be a first to RSVP - first in basis. PLEASE SHOW UP IF YOU RSVP!
I've set the number at 40, but it could well be bigger for some nights, and smaller for say, master classes that are paid, and need to be smaller for max hands on time.
I'll refine this group description as we get down the road-- Thanks for checking in, and I'm looking forward to meeting you all!
Craig z
(from Duncan) :
Welcome Drum Society members!
As Craig mentioned, this is an idea that we have been kicking around for awhile, and finally all the pieces seem to be falling in place. I am excited by the interest shown thus far and encourage all of you to spread the word.
Our plans for the monthly meetings have already begun to take shape, but we want everyone's input. Feel free to post on the meetup sight and get some discussion going!
Our thoughts so far:
-Presentations by local professionals focused on their area of expertise. (Studio, afro-cuban, brazilian, show drumming, jazz, big band, drum miking and recording etc...) Our goal is to present drumming information in ALL styles. Nothing and no one left out here! We will be asking many of you who have already signed up to share in this way.
-Open discussion on various topics planned and spontaneous!
-Show and tell! Bring a video, CD, article, new lick, an idea... whatever!
-Playing live with guest rhythm sections, to hone your skill in a specific style.
-Playing to tracks, to hone your skill in a specific style.
-Clinics with top drummers and percussionists in all areas of the music business. These will be scheduled around the artists availability, and will most likely be on dates other than the monthly meeting. There will probably be a fee to cover whatever the artist charges us.
I want this group to be equally useful to students, professionals, hobbyists etc...
Besides the educational aspects, the opportunities for sharing and networking are endless. Looking for gear? Selling some gear? Need a sub? Need a gig? Looking for a teacher? Looking for students?
This will be what everyone makes it, so I hope all members get involved.
I look forward to meeting all of you-
Thank you!
Duncan
