Well,
this is the third straight year that I have had the opportunity
to attend the Percussive Arts Societies International Convention.
Wow! What an incredible event it is for drummers and percussionists
alike.
This
year I had the privilege of taking two excellent students,
Robbie Hargraves and David Self whom I have worked with now
for a couple of years. We had a great time. My son Taylor
also went with us for his third straight PASIC event; I am
so glad that he is getting the exposure to this kind of atmosphere
at such a young age.
We
got off to rocky start by locking the keys in my car before
we ever left Arab. After waiting for a locksmith and being
thirty-five dollars in the hole after five minutes on the
road, we finally got underway. (Of course, these guy’s
didn’t give me a hard time ;) ) We arrived that evening
around nine o’clock and got settled for the next day.
On
Thursday, we were treated to one of the most incredible drummer’s
playing today. Steve Smith, former drummer for Journey, mesmerized
the audience with his awesome talent. It is not fair that
some people can play like that but it is also very inspiring.
That is the third time I have seen Steve perform, and I can
honestly say the guy gets better with age. Robbie and David
attended a Snare Drum Marching clinic that afternoon while
Taylor and I attended a clinic by Omar Hakim. In between clinics,
we spent a considerable amount of time in the exhibit hall
where vendors set up to show their new gear. Every drum, cymbal,
stick company, and multi percussion company on the planet
was there promoting their gear. The exhibit hall alone is
worth attending PASIC.
Friday
was great as well. We witnessed Cindy Blackman (drummer for
Lenny Kravitz) perform a clinic with one hand and two feet.
I thought she was just showing what can be done with one hand,
but come to find out she had injured her left hand in a bicycle
accident. It was incredible to see someone play like mad and
GOOD with just one hand. After her clinic, we were able to
talk with her and get pictures. She was very humble and nice
and spent a lot of time talking with us and signing autographs.
The
last clinic of the day was by Tommy Igoe. He is very close
to Steve Smith in talent and versatility. Tommy arranged and
created parts for all the score for the Lion King production;
the guy is absolutely incredible and has great stage presence
including a little humor to relax everyone. After a little
more time in the exhibit hall we headed out. It was a great
experience and I am glad to know that the convention will
be held in Nashville Tennessee next year. I hope all the students
I work with can attend. It is just hard to explain how exciting
this event is for drummers and percussionists. What a great
time! I am already looking forward to next year in Nashville.
For
more information about Pasic and the Percussive Arts Society
please check out their websites under the links section of
the web page in the education section.
Rock
on! Lee
