Buddy Rich
Charles Owens has always believed in the importance of music education; after all, his own career began while attending the University of San Diego. As a result, Charles kept returning to education throughout his career even when he became a sought-after studio musician and touring jazz saxophonist...
Bob Baca teaches trumpet and is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, where he approaches his teaching from not only the standpoint of a musician but from the prospective of a student himself wanting to learn. Bob has much to offer his students that he learned from...
Rick Nelson got into the music industry by parking cars at the famous Greater Boston jazz club, Lennie’s-on-the-Turnpike. This job allowed him to make great connections, and eventually got him on the road with the Buddy Rich Orchestra. After touring with Buddy Rich and doing a lot of playing on his...
Ted Wade was raised in a house full of music! His father played trumpet with several big bands such as Clyde McCoy during the swing era. When Ted was four years old he was playing drums along with his father and brother, both on trumpet. As he grew up in the Catskills, Ted was cutting his teeth...
Dave Weiderman was raised in a family with a great love of music. Dave’s father owned a music store in Chicago, where Dave was able to meet some of the great musicians of the time. His early years as a player were influenced by watching Buddy Rich live and wanting to make music of his own. His...
Henry Adler helped define the percussion industry with his music publishing company, drum shop and method books. His amazing life in music began as a drummer during the big band era. His many gigs and one nighters gained the attention of a friend who encouraged Henry to open a drum studio and...
John King is among the most noted cymbal testers in the business. Working alongside Armand Zildjian in the factory in Massachusetts. John learned the fine skills of a tester and worked with Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, and other top players. John, a Product Communications Manager, has also become a...
Leon Chiappini is the Head Zildjian Cymbal Tester who gained his skills and phenomenal musical ear from two of the true icons in the industry, the father and son team of Avedis and Armand Zildjian. Leon developed improved ways of testing the sound of each product and worked with the “A” team...
Armand Zildjian had many friends in the music industry and even years after his passing, the stories of Armand and his role in the industry seem to be everywhere. As president of the Avedis Zildjian Company, Armand oversaw the cymbal manufacturing that was part of his family since it was first...