Gear People | Music |
Drumlines Stu Warmington of the British Drum Co. returns to Rhythm with his entertaining and edifying column about marching percussion
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ell, here we are once again with a new instalment of marching articles, and just like last time, we’ll be traveling around the world interviewing seriously talented drummers who work with some incredible groups. We’ll be bringing back popular features such as the Coffee Break Challenge where our guest interviewee pits you to challenge yourself either around your drum kit or on a drum pad with their chosen material. During the oncoming months, we will cover a variety of groups, but one particular type are entertainment drumlines, and that’s exactly where we start now. The Walt Disney Company ® is famed for many things, including Micky Mouse and making dreams come true. One aspect of the company you may not beware of, however, is the Disneyland Percussion Ensembles, and today we’re talking to Danny Raymond, who has been with Disney for the last 30 years. Disney Drumlines Prior to all the drumline entertainment groups, roughly 25 years ago, marching percussion was a foundation and inspiration for a drum group comprising three custodial workers that decide to take a cleaning break, pull out their drumsticks and ram some cool beats on trash cans, bins and buckets. They became the Trash Can Trio. The group was so well received, the entertainment department in the Florida park decided to provide
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a group there as well. In 1995, Da Jammitors was created and continue to share their drumming fun with Disneyland guests today. They were so popular in fact, that Disney was inspired to create the Green Army Drum Corps at the Walt Disney Studios, which won an award for top entertainment group among the theme parks in Florida. Danny Raymond “I’ve been very fortunate to be a Disney cast member for 30 years,” explains Danny, “and I just celebrated 25 with the Jammitors. I help create and, on occasion, have produced all the groups I perform in (Jammitors, Zombeatz and Green Army Drum Corps). I have written and recorded percussion for groups and shows at the Walt Disney Company, and I serve as a casting associate for various percussion auditions.”
corps, and his influence along with the marching activity played the biggest roll (pardon the pun!) in my foundation as a drummer.” Who is your biggest drumming influence? “I’d have to say my dad for obvious reasons, however, one of the best gifts he gave me was his encouragement to study with other drummers and teachers. He wanted me to receive as much as I could to help me with my drumming.
ESSENTIAL 10 At what age did you start drumming and how did you get into it? “Since my dad, Danny Raymond Sr., was a marching drummer, instructor and judge, I guess you could say I was born into it! He started my journey with a pair of 3S marching sticks and showed me the basics, or rudiments. I’m pretty sure paradiddles was the first pattern learned. Lots of repeating and muscle memory helped me develop from an early age. “By the time I was in elementary school, I at least had some ability of a few rudiments and started to read music. This was maybe around the third grade (age 9 or 10). My dad was heavily involved in the marching activity through drum and bugle
Rhythm | Issue 298
Marching | Stu Warmington
“So, to that end, there are more people than I can actually name that have influenced and continue to influence me, be it marching, drum set, percussionists, etc. I will, however, name three specific drum lines that continue to influence and inspire. They are first and foremost: the 1969/1970 Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights, the 1975 Santa Clara Vanguard and the 1976 Garfield Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. Recordings by way of either audio or video can be found by searching the web, and I encourage anyone interested to give a listen to these groups! In all actuality, I’m amazed and inspired by anyone who has taken this thing of marching percussion to demonstrations I never thought possible, be it drum corps, pipe bands, solo performers, etc. I see it as a celebration of what we all do, no matter the style and era.”
music and possibly drumming. Here was an opportunity to help put my goals in motion. I auditioned, and 30 years later, here I still am! Very, very grateful to say the least.” Which drummers/group would you most like to play with? “There are a bunch of groups I would like to jam with, especially on drum set. Wide range here… The Who, Cheap Trick, Genesis… man, I can go on and on! I will say though that
I’m very happy to have played with – and continue to drum with – my friends in the Jammitors, Zombeatz, Green Army Drum Corps and the drum corps I marched with (New York Skyliners). Any time I get to make music with others is a good thing!” What is your proudest drumming moment to date? “It really is impossible to name just one moment, I’m afraid. Let’s just say it includes things like competitions, publishing, performing, teaching – and not
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COFFEE BREAK CHALLENGE Singles and Doubles 2016
What made you want to join the Walt Disney Company? “My first visit to Disney World revealed there was more to the experience than just attractions. Yes, the attractions were a lot of fun, but then to my amazement, I saw not one, not two, but THREE marching music groups perform in one day at Epcot! I did start to wonder since I was involved in the marching activity, could this possibly become my job? “It had been a goal of mine to have some kind of career that involved
Rhythm | Issue 298
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Gear People | Music |
w in any particular order. I’m grateful for it all.”
Your most embarrassing moment? “Oh, I’ve had my share! Not being up on my reading or sight reading, dropping a stick in the middle of a performance comes to mind. I’m sure there’s more! Let’s move on!!” What has been your most memorable gig and why? “Once again, I’m really grateful for it all, but if I have to choose one, it’s probably Da Jammitors. I’ve had a lot to say and play with the group, and what helps me feel proud is our longevity. We’ve continued to evolve while maintaining an integrity and connection to the gig and to our audience. To know that I’ve been integral to the group’s success for so long, it’s impossible not to be incredibly proud.” How has COVID-19 effected your job this year? “I was furloughed for a period of three months. Steps have been taken to keep our guests and cast members as safe as possible, and when guidelines allowed, I was able to be recalled. Upon return to work, those who were fortunate to be recalled are very grateful, and safety guidelines are an integral part of our daily operations.” What is the most rewarding part of your job? “Without a doubt, I get to do what
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Marching | Stu Warmington
I’ve enjoyed since being a little kid for a living. That includes everything from performing, teaching, writing, judging and, even as a fan, watching and experiencing myself this drumming thing!” Do you have any advice or a quote you’d like to share with us? “I wrote and taught a drum corps from North Carolina, Carolina Gold, back in 2005 and 2006. Prior to a competition, our equipment truck hadn’t arrived for rehearsal, so the line made do with wooden park and grandstand benches. Well, let me tell you, playing on planks of wood
or even a wooden table top (which was a practice tool for many drum and bugle corps drumlines way back when) exposed many drumming indiscretions! I was able to address these indiscretions by announcing to the line, ‘Da Wood Don’t Lie!’ Playing on a plank of wood produces a clarity of sound that can be both an ear and eye opener with your drumming. I guess it would be the sonic quality of the wood that allows for such clarity. So, the next time you find yourself drumming on a wooden surface and you hear or discover interesting things about your playing, remember… ‘Da Wood Don’t Lie!’” Next Issue: Chicago Bears Drumline Disneyland Percussion Ensemble Kit: A majority of the drums and harnesses at Disney are Pearl USA. Danny’s drum is a Pearl FFX Championship Marching Snare in Emerald Mist. For Zombeatz or specific themed performances, they use a On2 Percussion slip covering. His marching sticks of choice are Vic Firth SRH Ralph Hardimon model. anny.raymond d dannydrum6 www.youtube.com/playlist?list= PL7A25D55713DD20CC
Rhythm | Issue 298