Industry News — December 2022

DRUM WORKSHOP
Innovation on Display at 50th Anniversary Celebration
Kicking off a celebration open to the entire community — from the general public to artists, dealers, distributors, and enthusiasts alike — Drum Workshop, Inc. (DW) highlighted its 50-year legacy of innovation, while demonstrating its continued commitment to inspire the next generation of drummers with the introduction of breakthrough technology solutions. Artists, celebrities, and VIPs attended the company’s celebration, and DW artist Sheila E., best known for her longstanding collaboration with Prince, provided the entertainment.

The 50th Anniversary represents a significant milestone for the company, which is the preferred brand of drums and hardware of many professionals and enthusiasts. With five decades of product innovations in acoustic drums, pedals, and hardware to celebrate, the company is not resting on what’s worked in the past.

“We have always looked to improve the tools that drummers have at their disposal, and that is what we’ll continue to do in the years ahead,” said Don Lombardi, chief product officer and co-founder of Drum Workshop. “Looking back to 1972 when John and I started the company, we could not be more proud of what the team has accomplished together and in close partnership with the entire drumming community.”

To celebrate the 50-year milestone, DW Drums released a 50th Anniversary Limited-Edition suite of products on Nov. 4.

Drum Workshop was acquired by Roland Corporation earlier this fall. DW will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, with both organizations benefiting from their shared areas of expertise. 

PERCUSSION MARKETING COUNCIL
Drumming Connects Us Outreach Events
PlayDrums.com and Hit Like a Girl have announced the introduction of Drumming Connects Us Outreach Events, a companion to the groundbreaking Drumming Connects Us Community program launched earlier this fall and the second phase of a new effort to connect and create drummers.

Inspired by drummer and international drum ambassador Mya Cymbaluk, Drumming Connects Us Outreach Events has been developed to expand the drumming community by facilitating live, in-person, outreach events in public spaces such as parks, malls, schools, community centers, churches, music retailers, after-school programs, and more. The 14-page, comprehensive Outreach Events Playbook is now available as a free download on the PlayDrums.com website. It is an excellent resource for any drummer interested in connecting with other players or those who want to learn more about drumming.

Drumming ambassadors can also join the Drumming Connects Us database to receive news and information about Drumming Connects Us and PlayDrums.com activities by signing up on the site.

“The incredible cycle of drumming development that started in the late 1950s and early 1960s has reached its peak,” explains Hit Like A Girl Executive Director and drum industry consultant David Levine. “Drumming Connects Us is part of an industry-wide effort to start a new cycle.”

“The new Drumming Connects Us programs bring drummers together with other drummers and non-drummers — as well as drum retailers — around the world,” states Antoinette Follett, Executive Director of PlayDrums.com and the Percussion Marketing Council. “It’s another step towards fulfilling our mission to grow the drumming community.”

To learn more about these programs and the free resources available, or to participate in Drumming Connects Us, visit PlayDrums.com/drumming-connects-us-events and PlayDrums.com/dcu-community as well as @PlayDrumsdotcom on Instagram and Facebook.

TAMA/BERGERAULT
Bluecoats Partnership 
Tama/Bergerault announced their new partnership with the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. With a history spanning five decades, the Bluecoats organization is one of the most accomplished and storied in the competitive marching arena. Beyond the competitive elements of the Bluecoats, they also put a strong emphasis on cultivating the next generation of percussionists though The Blue Way, an annual series of educational events that take place all over the country. Giving back is also important to Bluecoats, which they put into effect through their partnership with En-Rich-Ment. This nonprofit offers arts resources and opportunities, including a community-favorite drumline, to underserved communities in Bluecoats’ home state of Ohio.

Mike Scott, CEO of the Bluecoats, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Tama/Bergerault as our new percussion performance partner, not simply because of the great instruments they offer, but also because of the level of enthusiasm they’ve shown toward The Blue Way and En-Rich-Ment programs. Our educational outreach programs are very important to us, and having both organizations in sync on that front made it a natural choice to enter into this partnership.”

Tom Rarick, the Bluecoats’ Director of Percussion, added: “The Bluecoats are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Tama/Bergerault. We can’t wait to get these fantastic instruments into our performers’ hands, and begin crafting the sound of the 2023 percussion ensemble.”