Well I just came back from 2014 NAMM and it was GREAT!
The WFD is the best show at NAMM every year! No question!
http://extremesportdrumming.com/
Thanks to Boo, Laura, Eric, Ric, Matt, Robert and all my new WFD
friends!
The WFD is the best!! The Olympics of
the drumming world!
I set 4 new rudimental speed records in 60 seconds and I got:
1. Multiple Stroke Rolls 2086
[thats 3 or more per stick]
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152471928540379&set=p.10152471928540379&type=1&theater
2. 7 Stroke Rolls 1541
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204263815305741&set=pb.1538922927.-2207520000.1405911171.&type=3&theater
3. Ratamacues 1323
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204263815345742&set=pb.1538922927.-2207520000.1405911171.&type=3&theater
4. Paradiddle-diddles 1322
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=741267239249877&set=a.648708955172373.1073741831.100000998225080&type=1&theater
And a picture of me showing how easy it was!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204276271177130&set=pb.1538922927.-2207520000.1405911068.&type=3&theater
2022Congratsto my All District Winners 2022! All done with VIRTUAL lessons! Wonder what they look like nowNick Sbityakov 1st Chair Concert Band
12 gradeMaria Sbityakov 3rd Chair Snare 1st Band8th grade, just missed All State, oh well.Josh Green 4th Chair Snare 2nd Band8th grade, 1st time competing.Just heard that my virtual student, Teak Kim, from Wilmington:
Got 1st Chair Snare Top Band All-District Eastern DistrictGot 1st Chair Snare Top Band All-State Eastern Division
2021
Congrats to my students for All District 2021! UPDATED
All 3 From Salem MS, good job Mr. Hinson: All 3 All State Bound!!!!Tanish Dongre 1st Chair Snare MS [score 190 out of 200]Maria Sbityakov 2nd Chair Snare MS [score 188 out of 200]Maheen Mustain 1st chair Mallets MS [score 193 out of 200]
Green Hope HS, Cary NCNick Sbityakov 4th Chair Snare Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]John T. Hoggard HS, Wilmington, NCTeak Kim 2nd Chair Snare Symphonic Band
2019 year
Sandeep Cheekati
4th Chair Snare MS All County Symphonic
Tanish Dongre
3rd Chair Snare MS All County Symphonic
Sam Underwood South Central District
1st Chair Snare HS All County Wind Ensemble
1st chair Timpani HS All County Wind Ensemble
1st Chair Timpani HS All District Wind Ensemble
2nd Chair Snare HS All District Wind Ensemble
1st Chair timpani HS All State Wind Ensemble
Center snare All American Band, Macy Day Parade
Snare contract with Spirit of Atlanta Drum Corp
Aiden Beamish
1st Chair Snare HS All District Wind Ensemble
[All State cancelled for Central District]
Nick Sbitnokov
2nd Chair Snare HS All District Wind Ensemble
[All State cancelled for Central District]
Now providing YOUR home lessons by Wifi Bluetooth!
Email me to see how it works!
2018 year
All-County=*Beamish 1st Chair Snare SymphonicUnderwood 1st Chair Snare Symphonic [another district]All-District=Beamish 1st Chair Snare Symphonic*Lee 1st Chair Mallets Concert Band*Atway 3rd Chair Snare ConcertKroeze 3rd Chair Snare SymphonicSbitnikov 4th Chair Snare Wind EnsembleAll-State=*Beamish4th Chair Snare
From Mr. Alvin Tayor:
Here are recent photos taken in my recording studio in Palm Springs California. Okay folks, it's official. My drum instructor Eric Okamoto and I were able to spend some quality time together going over some lessons and techniques out of the book he's written called, The Drumset Book featuring quadruples drum and cymbal themes. Thank you Eric for taking the time to fly out to California. As a direct result of your consultation, I can truly say that my drumming techniques have improved. I would highly recommend every drummer that's actively involved in recording sessions where you have to read charts purchase a copy of his book. His book will allow you to become an effective reader and it will improve your drumming techniques tremendously.
Who said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks? I get a chance to go back to school. Yes. That's right folks, at the age of 63 years old after playing drums and producing and performing on over 500 records, 76 gold and 42 platinum records, I will be taking lessons from the fastest drummer in the world Eric Okomoto. He is a world class drummer and educator of drums and percussion and has written some of the greatest books regarding the art of drumming. I look forward to completing this awesome project with this amazing teacher and I look forward to spending time with him beginning this week.
From Robert Austin, Michael Jackson's Producer:
My Japanese friend ONE OF JAPAN'S GREATS MUSICIANSHIP PROFESSIONALS EVER TO SET BEHIND A DRUM KIT and new Facebook friend MASTER DRUMMER Eric Okamoto shares the BEAT WITH MY EXPERT ALSO BUSINESS PARTNER AND ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, VETERAN DRUMMER AND PRODUCER OF MASTER MUSICIAN'S MUSICIANSHIP..A MUSIC MAN EXPERIENCED WITH A BLACK GOLD WEALTH OF APPLIED ONLINE KNOWLEDGE IN RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY OF OVER 500 RECORDINGS, 42 PLATINUM, 72 GOLD RECORDINGS, LINKEDIN AND FACEBOOK FRIENDAlvin Taylor shares LAYING TRAX IS THE LIFE BLOOD OF A MULTI TRILLION DOLLAR ART FORM.
From Mr. Alvin Tayor:
Here are recent photos taken in my recording studio in Palm Springs California. Okay folks, it's official. My drum instructor Eric Okamoto and I were able to spend some quality time together going over some lessons and techniques out of the book he's written called, The Drumset Book featuring quadruples drum and cymbal themes. Thank you Eric for taking the time to fly out to California. As a direct result of your consultation, I can truly say that my drumming techniques have improved. I would highly recommend every drummer that's actively involved in recording sessions where you have to read charts purchase a copy of his book. His book will allow you to become an effective reader and it will improve your drumming techniques tremendously.
Who said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks? I get a chance to go back to school. Yes. That's right folks, at the age of 63 years old after playing drums and producing and performing on over 500 records, 76 gold and 42 platinum records, I will be taking lessons from the fastest drummer in the world Eric Okomoto. He is a world class drummer and educator of drums and percussion and has written some of the greatest books regarding the art of drumming. I look forward to completing this awesome project with this amazing teacher and I look forward to spending time with him beginning this week.
From Robert Austin, Michael Jackson's Producer:
My Japanese friend ONE OF JAPAN'S GREATS MUSICIANSHIP PROFESSIONALS EVER TO SET BEHIND A DRUM KIT and new Facebook friend MASTER DRUMMER Eric Okamoto shares the BEAT WITH MY EXPERT ALSO BUSINESS PARTNER AND ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, VETERAN DRUMMER AND PRODUCER OF MASTER MUSICIAN'S MUSICIANSHIP..A MUSIC MAN EXPERIENCED WITH A BLACK GOLD WEALTH OF APPLIED ONLINE KNOWLEDGE IN RECORDING ARTS AND SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY OF OVER 500 RECORDINGS, 42 PLATINUM, 72 GOLD RECORDINGS, LINKEDIN AND FACEBOOK FRIENDAlvin Taylor shares LAYING TRAX IS THE LIFE BLOOD OF A MULTI TRILLION DOLLAR ART FORM.
7\11\15
Established a new World Record in Nine Stroke Rolls
1439 in 60 seconds!
1\1\15
Congratulations to my students who are winners in All-District Band 2015!
High School Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
Sterling Goodwin
(Athens Drive): 2nd Chair Snare 9-10 BandOn to All-State!
High School Concert 9-12 Band
Craig Prince (Fuquay-Varina):1st Chair Snare 9-12 Band
Harrison Dean (Middle Creek): 3rd Chair Snare 9-12 Band
Middle School Concert All-District Band
Sachith Iyengar (Salem): 1st Chair Snare
===========================================================================
Congratulations to my student who is a winner in All-District 2014!
Middle School Concert Band
Cameron Ahn
(Salem): 3rd Chair Snare
Congratulations to my students who are winners in All-County 2014!
Middle School Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
Sachith Iyengar
(Salem): 2nd Chair SnareChris Ahn
(Salem):3rd Chair Snare
7\21\14
11\17\13
Congratulations to my students who are winners in All-County Band 2013!
All-County Band
Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
Cameron Ahn
(Salem): 1st Chair Snare
Raj Mehta
(Carnage): 2d Chair Snare
Concert Band
Will Mason
(Ligon): 2d Chair Snare
7\21\13
HI
everyone.
Just got back from NAMM. It was the best!
I just happened to add another rudimental record with Five Stroke Rolls at
1399 in 60 seconds. mm140x10=1400
That makes 4 now.
1. Doubles 1744
2. Paradiddles 1279
3. Double Paradiddles 1198
4. Five Stroke rolls 1399
Working on another for next year I hope.
BUT the highlite was being there for Tom Grosset and seeing him break the
World Record for single strokes at 1208!
http://www.youtube.com/
Boo McAfee, once again, put on the best show at NAMM.
https://www.facebook.com/
The great Bernard Perdie and Dom Famularo was also on hand. Woe!
BCNU
Eric
5\21\13
Students' Awards in 2012-2013!
Professional
Mike Mckee (Rock Group Delta Rae)
:Bonner Roo Music Festival [Paul McCartney was there]
College
Kuntal Shah (University of North Carolina)
:Completed his Senior Percussion recital and accepted into Medical School
High School
Tommy Cathey (Green Hope High School):
Accepted to Brevard College as a Percussion Music Major with Percussion scholarships!
Jesse Lockamy (Fuquay High School):
Drum Captain (Highest Position)
Won Percussion Scholarship, Pre-Med, and Athletic Band Drummer for Campbell University as a rising Freshman!
Jay Rao (Raleigh Charter High School):
Won the coveted Governor's School Scholarship in Percussion
The Highest Music Honor in High School
Ravin Golwala (Enloe High School):
Drum Captain (Highest Position)
3rd Chair Snare Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]
Josh Marcus (Cary High School):
Drum Captain (Highest Position)
Amith Mandavilli (Athens High School):
4th Chair Snare Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]
Middle School
All-District Symphonic [Highest Band]
Cameron Ahn
(Salem): 4th Chair Snare
All-County Band
Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
Parin Patel (Carnage)
: 1st Chair Snare
Cameron Ahn
(Salem): 2d Chair Snare
Raj Mehta
(Carnage): 3d Chair Snare
Concert Band
Grant McGrew (West lake): 1st Chair Snare
Math
ew Asbill (Davis Drive) and Sarah Lockamy (Fuquay): Tied for 3rd Chair Snare
Will Mason
(Ligon): 4th Chair Snare
11\15\12
Congratulations to my students who are winners in All-County Band 2012!
Symphonic Band
Parin Patel (Carnage): 1st Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam! 1st Chair All-County\District\State)
Cameron Ahn (Salem): 2d Chair Snare
Raj Mehta (Carnage): 3d Chair Snare
Concert Band
McGrew (West Lake): 1st Chair Snare
Sarah Lockamy (Fuquay): 3rd Chair Snare
Will Mason (Ligon): 4th Chair Snare
03\01\12
To be inducted to my " Percussionist's Hall of Fame!"
Congratulations to my Students' Awards in 2011-2012!
Professional
Mike Mckee
:His group "Delta Rae" just signed with Sire/Warner Bros. Records!
Mark Cashin
:Music Director of Clinton High School Band!
Kuntal Shah
:Madison Scouts Drum line! [Drum Corps International]
Brett Scott:
His group and song chosen for a National Clothing Commercial
College
Kuntal Shah (University of North Carolina)
:Drum Captain UNC Drum line [Highest Position]
Campell Dean (N.C. State University)
:Wind Ensemble Percussionist [Highest Band]
High School
Winner in N.C All-State Band Private School
Jorge Ramos (Cardinal Gibbons High)
:1st Chair Snare Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
Awarded "The Most Outstanding Musician"at Cardinal Gibbons High, and he's a Freshman!
Winners in N.C. All-District Band Public School
Brian Ho (Green Hope High)
:1st Chair Snare Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]
Ellen Emmerson (Green Hope High)
:2nd Chair Snare Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]
Alise Jaffee (Apex High)
:2nd Chair Mallets Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]
1st Chair Mallets: All Eastern N.C. Regional Band [Highest Position]
Amith Mandavilli (Athens High)
:3rd Chair Snare
Wind Ensemble [Highest Band]
Middle School
Winner in N.C. All-County Band Public School
Jake Mathura (Davis Drive Middle)
:1st Chair Timpani Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
3rd Chair Snare Symphonic Band [Highest Band]
7\23\11
Just got back after a week from the NAMM convention. 10 hour drive!!!!
It started Thursday and from 12 noon to 5pm I started my runs on the drumometer for the World Records again.
It "ONLY" took 5 HOURS and I hit it. All these were done in 60 seconds each with the metronome.
My previous World Record was 1155 in paradiddles, now it's 1279!
My previous World Record was 1620 for closed doubles strokes, now it's 1744!
I also got to judge the finals event on Saturday for the single stroke catagory. Since I won in 03, I am not allowed to compete. Great people participating and the event was a hit!
I'll post the winners soon. They were from all over the world. One of the winners, Joey, is from Sydney Australia!
He also has a Cancer Cure foundation having sponsors giving 1 dollar for every stroke he does on the drumometer. Great Cause!!! Hats off to Joey! It will be posted to www.worldsfastestdrummer.com soon.
Does anyone have a TIVO or DVD recorder hooked to a TV that I might need someone to use for me for any TV interviews I need to record?
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3\15\11
Congratulations to my student who won in All-State Band 2011!
High School
Elise Jaffe (Apex High): 1st Chair Mallets Wind Ensemble
(Won the Percussion Grand Slam! 1stChair All-District\State in the same year!)
1\28\11
Congratulations to my students who are winners in All-District Band 2011!
High School
Elise Jaffe (Apex High): 1st Chair Mallets Wind Ensemble( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam! 1st Chair All-District\State)
Middle School
Harrison Dean (West Lake): 3rd Chair Snare Concert Band
Craig Prince (West Lake): 4th Chair Snare Concert Band
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10\19\10
Congratulations to my students who are winners in All-County Band 2010!
Symphonic Band
Harrison Dean (West Lake): 1st Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam! 1st Chair All-County\District\State)
Nick Tuttle (Mills Park): 2d Chair Snare
Craig Prince (West Lake): 3d Chair Snare
Eddy Scott (West Cary): 4th Chair Snare
Concert Band
Amith Mandavilli (Carnage): 1st Chair Snare
Brian Hagerty (West lake): 2nd Chair Snare
Grayson Fellows (Salem): 3rd Chair Snare
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1\24\10 Congratulations to the Winners in All-District Band 2010!
High School
Wind Ensemble
11-12 High School
Jesse Rogers: 1st Chair Timpani ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
2nd Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
High School Jazz Band A (Top Band)
1st Chair Drumset ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
9-10 High School
Mike Hopkins: 1st Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
As a repeat of last year, Mike actually outscored all Snare players, Freshman to Seniors, but instead of 1st chair 11-12, he was restricted to the 1st Chair 9-10 Band because he is a Sophomore this year.
9-12 High School Symphonic Band
Campbell Dean: 2nd Chair Snare
Middle School
Symphonic Band
Arunima Punjala: 2nd Chair Bells
Ellen Emerson: 3rd Chair Snare
Concert Band
Ravin Golwala: 1st
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3\01\09
Congratulations to the Winners in All-State Band 2009!
Mike Hopkins: 3rd Chair Snare
1\19\09
Congratulations to the Winners in All-District Band 2009!
9-10 High School
Wind Ensemble
Mike Hopkins: 1st Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
Mike actually outscored all Snare players, Freshman - Seniors, but instead of 1st chair 11-12, he was restricted to the 1st Chair 9-10 Band because he is a Freshman this year.
Symphonic Band
Jesse Rogers: 3d Chair Snare
Middle School
Concert Band
Ellen Emerson: 2nd Chair Snare
Ravin Golwala: 4th Chair Snare
November 19, 2008
Congratulations my students who are winners in All-County Band 2008!
Symphonic Band
Ellen Emmerson: 1st Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam!)
Ravin Golwala: 2d Chair Snare
Dylan Jenkins: 3d Chair Snare
Nihar Parikh: 4th Chair Snare
Concert Band
Jeremy Jordan: 3d Chair Snare
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***Unofficially, April 11, 2008, 1799 Closed Double Strokes [mm150x12] in 60 Seconds.***
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6\1\08
Congratulations to Kuntal Shah who received a Full 4 year Percussion Scholarship to UNC School of Music in Percussion starting in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!! Kuntal Shah is also my youngest student ever who started at age 6 1/2 and kept taking through 12 grade at Enloe.
3.25.08
Congratulations to the Winners in All-State Band 2008!
11-12 High School Wind Ensemble
Kuntal Shah: 4th Chair Snare [Kuntal has received a full Percussion Scholarship from UNC!]
Middle School Symphonic Band
Mike Hopkins: 2nd Chair Snare
1.11.08
Congratulations to the Winners in All-District Band 2008!
High School Wind Ensemble
Heather Johnson: 1st Chair Mallets ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
Kuntal Shah: 2nd Chair Snare ( Qualifies for All-State! )
Symphonic Band
Jesse Rogers: 1st Chair Timpani
Middle School Symphonic Band
Mike Hopkins: 1st Chair Snare (Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam and All-State!)
Yeshel Chockshi: 2nd Chair Snare ( Qualifies for All-State!)
Concert Band
Brian Ho: 1st Chair Timpani
11\15\07
Congratulations to the Winners in All-County Band 2007!
Symphonic Band
Mike Hopkins: 1st Chair Snare ( Qualifies for the Percussion Grand Slam!)
Yeshel Chockshi: 3d Chair Snare
Brian Ho: 4th Chair Snare
Concert Band
Eric Dekker: 1st Chair Timpani
Ravin Golwala: 4th Chair Snare
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8\12\07
For those who actually want to hear me and my group play, I'll be at Rey's in Cary on the 17 from 7:30-10.
One thing though, its 150.00 per couple to be in the room where we are playing. Sorry........
We are Bill Stonehouse and The Revue. [Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and straight ahead jazz.]
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5\23\07
-
Congratulations to Rebecca Merritt, being accepted to the Apex High School's Wind Ensemble {Apex's Top Band} as a Freshman!
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3\27\07
Congratulations to the Winners in All-State Band 2007!
(Middle School, there's only One Band offered)
1st Chair Timpani: Rebecca Merritt
[The Percussion Grand Slam:1st Chair All-County, All-District, All-State, in the same year!!]
4th Chair Snare: Yeshel Chockshi
1\12\2007
Congratulations to the Winners in All-District Band 2007!
Wind Ensemble (High School)
1st Chair Snare: Kuntal Shah
[5.5 points from a perfect score, and in the running for the Percussion Grand Slam, 1st chair All-District\State!]
Symphonic Band
2nd Chair Snare: Andrew Fetch
Symphonic Band (Middle School)
1st Chair Snare: Yeshel Chockshi
1st Chair Timpani: Rebecca Merritt
1st Chair Mallets: Rebecca Merritt
[In Phase II for the Percussion Grand Slam: 1st Chair All-County\District\State]
4st Chair Snare: Ben Cohn
Concert Band
4th Chair Snare: Ryan Prather
12\17\2006
Congratulations to the Winners in All-County Band 2006!
Symphonic Band
Ben Cohn: 1st Chair Snare
Rebecca Merritt: 1st Chair Timpani
Rebecca Merritt: 1st Chair Mallets
[In Phase I for the Percussion Grand Slam: 1st Chair All-County\District\State]
Yeshel Chockshi: 3d Chair Snare
Brian Ho: 4th Chair Snare
Concert Band
Nathan Trull: 1st Chair Snare
Ryan Block: 2nd Chair Snare [later became 1st Chair]
Olivia Goodwin: 4th Chair Snare
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9\8\06
FYI,
I will be playing at St. Raphaels Church carnival, in North Raleigh, Friday and Saturday at 6,8,10 pm. It's a benefit for the church with World music, Country?, and variety pop. So if you're are around, stop by and bring money for the event. There are rides and food, food , food. The music will be simple.
Thanks,
Eric
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