Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my quest to become a world champion snare drummer. After 3 years of very hard work (after 31 years off from rudimental drumming – how I survived, I have no idea) that dream was realized last week. But I did not get there alone. If you will please indulge me a few moments, I want to take the time to acknowledge and thank those who are most responsible for achieving that goal. I will begin by thanking my Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters, Bob & Leota Goodrich (my in-laws), my wife Cris and my 5 kids for allowing me the time I needed to practice (and for putting up with the nearly constant noise of living with a drummer), and for constantly supporting as well as pushing me when I needed it. Next come my personal teachers throughout the years in drum corps: Mike Murphy, Paul Milano, Skip Swoverland, Jim Neverman, Tom Flowers, Bill Morgan and Steve Smith. I also want to acknowledge 4 people I marched with for pushing me more than anyone else because I just couldn’t stand the thought of them playing something harder or better than me: Rich Meyer & Dolly Beshekas (Rada) from the Fox Valley Raiders, and Randy Knox and Doug Albritton from the Blue Stars. Rich Meyer is also responsible for me getting back into rudimental snare drumming after all that time away. Now, a special thanks to 2 people: First, to Wayne Oien, who showed me some of the most creative, craziest and fastest stuff I have ever seen, and for giving me all of the information I needed on how to write a solo that could win. The other person is Sam Kays. Sam issued me a challenge (made a request) to play and video the 1974 Anaheim Kinsmen’s’ opener (Mambo). This required so much work from me that it gave me back the endurance I needed to move to the next level. Sam has also been there as an invaluable advisor and supporter the whole time. Why he took an interest in helping me, I have no idea. But I am so glad he did. Next, I want to thank a bunch of people who may not even know they helped me. I am talking about those who have either written specific exercises and pieces that have helped me advance, or simply been unbelievable players that have inspired me through their videos. Some I have drummed with in person, and some I have never met, but all have been instrumental in helping me reach my goal. These include Eric Carr, Casey Brouhard, Mike Rabinowitz, Joe Fontana, Gary Gomez, Robb Sirat, John Grant (Tcha-degga-da), Kevin Murray, Mike Stephens, Ralph Poznanski, Robbie Robinson, Rick Beckham, Scott (Hulka) McCoy & Javier Morales. I also want to thank the hundreds of drum students I have had the honor of working with over the years. It is absolutely true that the best way to learn is to teach. Finally, to all of my friends I know personally, and all of the new friends I have made through Facebook (especially Joe Coleman, Mark Minas, DCI Snares, MP 101 and all of the “CalJam” California dudes), your love and support mean the world to me. Now…to get that drumline going for next year…
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 13:34:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015