What a great Orchestra

This was a magic evening. I got the chance to work with a group of almost 100 young musicians in a Russian set for the Jenny Lin Foundation. Check out the vids below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX1aF0VdRxM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE6nVA7Mj8E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EWdx8W1azQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bydrWHVH-_E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6h6sCNy48U

Facebook too?

Well...I have to apologize. In keeping in touch with all of you, I ignored Facebook for some time, and then I unleashed on FB. Then I had another problem...while I was building community on FB I was blogging here less. Man...I am just one guy...what's a guy to do?

Sooooo...I am renewing my efforts to blog here more. Let me hear from you and anything about percussion you'd like to hear/talk about.

Skype!

We are Skype enabled! This allows us to communicate face to face with each other in real time, allowing lessons and makeups at your convenience. Need to see a type of instrument? a technique? have a broken part?... a video call can really help and it is free. Click onto http://www.skype.com/download/skype/macosx/
to download the software for free. There is nothing to buy, except you do have to have a tabletop usb camera for your computer. I bought one for $40. Built-in cameras work as well. I have a Mac but there is software for different platforms. If I can figure it out...so can you. Once you're set up, or if you are already set up, check your Skype directory for "nsopdrums". Email us for a time and we'll get on line and talk percussion!

What's Shaking?

Pretty cool little tool. This shaker attaches to fingers on either or both hands and provides a maraca sound at the same time that you are playing a drum. I am using these instruments while playing congas and bongos. They attach to your finger with an elastic strap so there is no clicking sound on the drum. Engineered and well made in America too! We've got them in the studio and are only $7.95 each. A lot of sound for such a little price. I use one on each hand, but you could use more. They also work well for your friends who play guitar.

Who Dat?

Bumped into Bernie Dresel while in Anaheim. Cool drummer and all around nice guy. Playing with Brian Setzer and Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band among others.

Boy I really Blew it!

Went to the Namm show, and while I saw a ton of percussion, this contra bass flute caught my eye. Very low indeed. It is about seven feet tall. Very Fun! This one is made by Jupiter/Altus in Japan.