Saul Goodman
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Saul Goodman

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…

William F. Ludwig, Sr.
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William F. Ludwig, Sr.

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…

John Noonan
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John Noonan

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…

Roy C. Knapp
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Roy C. Knapp

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…