Drums
Tom Gauger was a regular member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years and taught percussion at Boston University for over 30 years. Over those decades, he developed several methods as well as designs for improving bass drum mallets. His friend in the symphony, Vic Firth, encouraged Tom...
Larry Dalton started playing drums at a young age after seeing The Beatles on TV. His love for music stayed with him, and he began playing in multiple bands and went on many tours in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Larry then went on to get heavily involved with drum machines, programming...
Frank De Vito was the drummer and percussionist in the studios in Hollywood known as the Wrecking Crew. His long career as a jazz player gave him the chance to work with Charlie Parker, Buddy DeFranco, Frank Sinatra, and several big bands. As a rock musician in the studios, Frank recorded with...
Jim Plank grew up in San Diego, California and can tell you all about the music stores in and around the area, especially since he began playing drums in the 1950s. Jim became a professional musician playing with the likes of Mike and Joe Pass. He later added to his musicianship by mastering the...
Dana Bentley opened Bentley Drum Shop in Fresno, California in 1992. The store has hosted over four special events and clinics each year and provides in-house lesson programs that have inspired and encouraged musicians throughout central California. Playing drums since he was in the fifth grade,...
Kenny Aronoff gained a worldwide fan base as the drummer for John Cougar Mellencamp from 1980 until 1996. He conducted countless clinics in music stores from coast to coast and enjoyed long lasting relationships with suppliers such as Tama Drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth drum sticks, Evans...
Mike Capalbo worked as manager at Downey Music which was started by his dad, Nate Capalbo. The family owned and operated, Downey Music was established in 1952 when Nate left La Habra Music. Mike recalls how his father, Nate, used his passion for music and some financial help from his parents, to...
Sarah Hagan wanted to play the drums more than anything when she was young. After asking so many times, her parents finally agreed and got her a snare drum and signed her up for lessons. Sarah loved every minute of playing the drums, and would even skip recess during elementary school to receive...
Santa Davis began playing drums as a child in Kingston, where he witnessed the growth and development of Reggae in Jamaica playing alongside Bob Marley. His playing career began when Ska was popular. Santa and his contemporary musicians defined Rocksteady, which became the foundation for Reggae,...
Frank Capp .always fancied himself a jazz drummer, although he successfully played many styles of music. As a session player in Los Angeles, Frank played on many hit recordings, among them, "The Beat Goes On" and "I Got You Babe" with Sonny and Cher. He led big bands and played in small groups with...