by Lauren Vogel Weiss Raynor Carroll was the first Black percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he served as Principal Percussionist for over three decades, from 1983 until 2016. He also promoted diversity in classical music through his performances with the Sphinx Symphony and Chineke! Orchestra. But his most important legacy may be his…
by Robyn Flans Sheila E will make history as the first Latina percussionist/drumset player inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame. When made aware of that fact, she was blown away, exclaiming, “What? Are you kidding? Wow! What an honor! That’s awesome!” In addition to pointing that out in her letter nominating Sheila, Colleen B….
by Joe Bergamini Dom Famularo traveled the world playing drums and inspiring people over a 50-year career that had no pre-cedent. He was one of the most sought-after drum teachers in the world, leaving a legacy of thousands of students, including many top professionals, who sought his advice for their technique, careers — and their…
by Lauren Vogel Weiss The legend of Tom Float was born in the 1980s, when California’s Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps received the top drum score four years in a row (1983–86) at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships. He also taught Spirit of Atlanta (Georgia), Oakland Crusaders (Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada), and the…
by Nancy Zeltsman Jamey Haddad is beloved by numerous, diverse musical artists for the breadth and brilliance of his creativity, the joy in his music-making, and the way he constantly lifts up others, on and off the bandstand. “Jamey is so full of passion for the exploration within the heartbeat of the world of music,”…
by Rick Mattingly Former PAS President Gary Cook considers William Moersch to be one of the most highly respected pedagogues and internationally recognized performers in the percussion world. “I have followed his career since I was his first marimba teacher when he was a high school student in the early 1970s,” Cook said. “From his…
by Frederick D. Fairchild Timpanist, teacher, composer, author, conductor, and inventor Saul Goodman served as timpanist with the New York Philharmonic for nearly two generations, having succeeded his own teacher, Alfred Friese. He was on the Juilliard School of Music faculty and is one of the most renown teachers in percussion history, sending many students…
by Frederick D. Fairchild William F. Ludwig, noted percussion manufacturer, percussionist, and inventor of the balanced-action timpani, began playing drums when his family moved to Chicago in 1887. His career led him to play concerts, operas, dances, shows, and circuses, most notably with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Arthur Pryor’s Band, Chicago Grand Opera and Chicago Civic…
by Frederick D. Fairchild John Noonan’s career began with silent movies and expanded to include all areas of classical and popular percussion. His educational activities included private teaching, serving as Educational Director for Ludwig & Ludwig and Percussion Instructor at Illinois Wesleyan University, authoring numerous magazine articles, and writing educational booklets including Notes on Band…
by Frederick D. Fairchild Known as the “Dean of American Percussion Teachers,” Roy C. Knapp’s long tenure in Chicago dated from 1921. He became well known as a drummer, percussionist, and xylophone soloist, recording and working for the large radio stations. From 1928-1950, he was on the staff of station WLS, playing such shows as…
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