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In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I enjoyed interviewing the legendary Cubby O'Brien. You may know him from his days as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club, but his drumming career goes way beyond that. We talk about his early start in music, following in the footsteps of his drummer father, and his work with some of the biggest names in the industry—Lawrence Welk, Bernadette Peters, the Carpenters, and more.
Cubby shares stories from his incredible journey through different eras of music, from the early influence of The Beatles and playing alongside icons like Steve Gadd. We dive into his Broadway experiences, where he brings his unique energy to every performance, and his thoughts on teaching and adapting to the ever-changing world of music. Whether you're a fan of musical history, a drummer, or just curious about what it takes to build a long-lasting career, this episode is packed with insights and memories you won’t want to miss.
Tune in to hear about his collaborations with legends like Shirley MacLaine and Nathan Lane and his work on Tony Award-winning shows—it’s a deep dive into a life well lived!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:16 Chance Encounter on Broadway Cruise
00:57 Sports Talk: Cowboys and Dodgers
02:49 Cubby's Early Drumming Influences
04:48 The Mickey Mouse Club and Early Career
10:10 Transition to Studio Work and Variety Shows
15:18 Working with the Carpenters
18:43 Electronic Drums and Siegfried & Roy
21:08 Collaborations with Bernadette Peters
26:32 Learning the Drums: Insights from Jack Sperling
27:13 Meeting Susan Stroman and the Producers Journey
28:52 The Creative Process with Mel Brooks
29:47 Challenges of Repetition in Broadway Shows
31:30 Selecting Dependable Substitutes
34:44 Transitioning to Gypsy and Working with Marvin Laird
36:23 The Joy of Live Performances
39:00 Maintaining Longevity and Avoiding Injuries
42:41 Choosing Eugene, Oregon
44:03 Advice for Aspiring Musicians
44:38 Memories with Shirley MacLaine
47:01 Appreciation from Fellow Musicians
48:04 Preferences in Drum Kits
53:05 Top Five Favorite Drummers
54:27 Concluding Remarks and Future Plans
Carl "Cubby" O'Brien, born July 14, 1946, in Sun Valley, California, is an accomplished American drummer and former child actor, best known as one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1958). Discovered by Disney talent scouts at a Screen Actors Guild benefit in 1954, Cubby became the youngest male to audition for the show, securing his spot after a simple yet memorable rendition of "Happy Birthday." After his time with Disney, Cubby pursued his true passion for drumming, performing with bands around Los Angeles, including a two-year stint with Spike Jones, which opened doors to major acts. He went on to work with legendary artists such as Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, and Diana Ross, and spent ten years touring with The Carpenters after meeting them on The Carol Burnett Show.
Cubby’s prolific career extends to Broadway and television, with notable performances in productions such as West Side Story, Hair, The Producers, and Gypsy. He has also lent his drumming talents to movie soundtracks, including Grease, Change of Habit, and Gypsy. In addition to his extensive stage and screen credits, Cubby has played drums for Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas and continues to perform in the Broadway production of Chicago. Throughout his career, he has worked with an array of stars, from Bernadette Peters to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and remains a respected figure in the music industry. Cubby resides with his wife, a University of Oregon graduate who recently relocated from New York.
Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform that provides specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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In this special episode of Broadway Drumming 101, host Clayton Craddock sits down with Andrés Forero and an incredible lineup of musicians currently subbing in Hamilton. Forero is joined by Alex Giosa, Juan Felipe Mayorga, Dena Tauriello, and Ryan McCausland as they discuss the unique challenges of being a sub in one of Broadway’s most complex and iconic shows.
FEATURING: @andresforeroofficial @denatauriello @juanfeniche@ryanmccauslanddrums @alexg_drums
Alex Giosa delivered some invaluable: "Don’t practice until you get it right—practice until you can’t get it wrong." He shared how this philosophy has shaped his approach to preparing for Hamilton, where the level of perfection expected is incredibly high. Alex also spoke about how subbing has sharpened his ability to stay focused, ensuring that he’s in the zone and ready to perform flawlessly when he steps into the pit.
Ryan McCausland discussed the balance between acoustic and electronic drums in the show, particularly during the high-energy sections like Cabinet Battle 2. He stressed how important it is to adapt quickly to the feel of each instrument and the different dynamics it requires. Ryan also shared how maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude off-stage has been key to building a successful career as a sub.
Dena Tauriello, who also plays for Little Shop of Horrors, discussed the importance of honoring Andrés Forero’s original drum book. She meticulously studied his every note, fill, and dynamic choice, ensuring her performance stayed faithful to the original. Dena highlighted the mental and emotional stamina required to keep up with the demands of a show like Hamilton, where the intensity never lets up from start to finish.
Juan Felipe Mayorga shared his journey of preparation and adaptation, emphasizing the physical and mental endurance required to play this show night after night. Juan also reflected on the importance of the sense of community among subs—how they rely on each other for advice and support to ensure everyone is always at their best.
Andrés Forero, a TONY, GRAMMY, and EMMY award-winning drummer and percussionist, brings deep insight into his process and the importance of being prepared. Known for his work on Hamilton, In the Heights, and Bring It On!, Forero shares stories about his journey and the importance of paying it forward to the next generation of musicians.
This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in Broadway drumming or understanding the behind-the-scenes demands of a hight profile musical.
Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode!
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Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
In 2021, I started this podcast with a clear goal: to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and careers of Broadway drummers. Since then, we've hosted some genuinely remarkable guests who've shared their unique stories, experiences, and insights.
As our audience has grown, we've realized that many of you might have missed out on some of our most inspiring interviews. So, over the next year, we’re bringing back some of those classic, condensed episodes. Whether it’s your first time hearing them or you’re revisiting them, I hope they spark the same sense of inspiration.
But don’t worry, that’s not all—we’ve got some fresh, exciting episodes in the works, along with a few surprises along the way. Stay tuned, because there’s plenty more coming your way!
Thanks for reading Broadway Drumming 101! This post is public so feel free to share it.
In this second episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I had the pleasure of talking with Damien Bassman. Damien is currently the drummer for Death Becomes Her on Broadway. Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Damien holds a BM from the Cleveland Institute of Music, an MM and Performer's Residency Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University, and an Advanced Performer's Certificate from The Juilliard School.
Damien’s résumé is nothing short of impressive. Currently the drummer for the musical Death Becomes Her, he was a featured drum set soloist with the Tonkunstler Orchestra in Vienna and Italy and recorded with them on Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. He’s performed as a soloist and section percussionist/timpanist with the Cleveland Orchestra, the National Symphony, and the Columbus Symphony. Damien also created, arranged, and performed the hybrid percussion/drum set book for the hit musical Next to Normal. He designed the drum/percussion book for Hi-Fidelity and brought African and multi-percussion elements to The Color Purple. He’s also worked on Aida, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, Nine, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and Caroline or Change, to name a few.
Damien also collaborated with Green Day on the Broadway adaptation of American Idiot and worked with Andrew Lippa, Nathan Lane, and Bebe Neuwirth on The Addams Family. More recently, he’s been the drummer for How to Dance in Ohio, Jagged Little Pill, Almost Famous, and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.
Damien’s versatility extends beyond Broadway. He’s served as the drummer for some of Broadway’s biggest stars, including Adam Pascal (Rent, School of Rock), Kristin Chenoweth (My Love Letter to Broadway), Kelli O’Hara (South Pacific, The Pajama Game), Jason Danieley (Curtains, Chicago), Julia Murney (Wicked, Lennon), and Michael Longoria (Jersey Boys).
This episode is packed with great stories and insights, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, host Clayton Craddock chats with Ryan McCausland, a drummer who made his way from Southern New Jersey to the heart of the New York drumming scene. Ryan talks about his early influences, the importance of being kind, and the ups and downs of making it as a professional musician.
He also shares stories from his time playing on Broadway and touring with hit shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing. Ryan offers practical advice about how to stay healthy as a drummer, especially when it comes to avoiding injuries. This episode is packed with personal stories, tips for musicians, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Broadway drummer.
Whether you're an aspiring drummer or just love Broadway, this episode gives you an inside view of the challenges and rewards of a music career.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00: Introduction and Welcome
00:48: Growing Up and Family Background
02:12: Early Musical Experiences
03:48: High School Dreams of Broadway
08:04: College and Musical Influences
12:20: Playing on Cruise Ships
16:15: Touring with Dirty Dancing
20:23: Landing the Dear Evan Hansen Tour
28:51: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome on Broadway
29:31: Life on the Dear Evan Hansen Tour
30:15: Moving Between Different Shows
32:09: How to Avoid Drumming Injuries
34:35: Staying Sane on Tour
38:05: Exploring Cities While Touring
39:32: Moving to New York for Broadway
42:43: Subbing on Broadway Shows
43:53: Playing with Orchestras
46:11: Getting Gigs with Wicked and Hamilton
51:37: Advice for Drummers Who Want to Play on Broadway
53:41: Favorite Drum Gear
56:22: Looking Back on a Career in Music
Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation!
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Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
In 2021, we started this podcast with a simple goal: to offer you an inside look into the lives and careers of Broadway drummers. Since then, we've hosted numerous incredibly talented guests who have shared their stories, experiences, and wisdom.
As our subscriber base has grown, we've realized that many of you may have missed some of our amazing interviews. That's why, over the next year, we'll revisit and repost some of our classic condensed interviews. This will allow you to revisit or discover these conversations, and we hope you'll get inspired.
But that's not all—we've got several exciting new podcasts and a few surprises up our sleeves! So stay tuned because there's plenty more to come.
In this first episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I had the pleasure of sitting with Bill Lanham, who shared his journey from Lindenhurst, Long Island, to becoming a master musician who has held several chairs on Broadway. Bill opens up about his early years, where his passion for drumming began in elementary school, and how his experiences in high school marching and jazz bands shaped his musical path.
We discuss Bill's college years, during which he balanced a computer science major with a music minor. We talk about how this combination influenced his career. Bill also shared about his time touring with the first national production of Les Misérables, the various shows he's been a part of on Broadway, and what it truly takes to succeed.
Bill shares valuable insights on the challenges of performing on Broadway and the importance of treating fellow musicians respectfully and offers advice for aspiring professional musicians in New York City.
Whether you're an aspiring drummer or just a fan of Broadway, Bill's story is sure to inspire and motivate. Tune in to learn from his extensive experience and hear his thoughts on maintaining passion, adapting to technological changes, and navigating the dynamics of the Broadway pit.
Episode Breakdown:
* 00:09 Bill's Early Life and Hometown
* 01:27 Starting the Drumming Journey
* 02:14 High School Musical Experiences
* 03:36 Musical Influences and Bands
* 08:23 College Life and Musical Pursuits
* 14:34 First Teaching Experiences
* 16:44 Transition to Broadway and Touring
* 26:48 Reflecting on Broadway Experiences
* 27:49 Maintaining Passion and Gratitude
* 31:59 Challenges and Changes in Technology
* 34:37 Subbing and New Opportunities
* 44:45 Navigating Broadway Pit Etiquette
* 52:04 Balancing Music and Technology
* 55:15 Career Reflections and Advice
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK
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In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I sit down with the incredibly talented Skyler Fortgang, the drummer for The Great Gatsby on Broadway. We dive deep into his journey from early drumming experiences to landing a coveted spot in the Broadway scene.
Highlights from the Episode:
* First Impressions: Hear about when Skyler took a lesson with me and immediately blew me away with his drumming skills.
* Broadway Breakthrough: Learn how Skyler connected with The Great Gatsby through his work with Chris Jago and how subbing on Paradise Square opened doors for him.
* Mentorship and Connections: Discover how Sean McDaniel became a pivotal mentor for Skyler, guiding him through critical stages of his career.
* Musical Evolution: Skyler shares how his playing style evolved under Sean McDaniel’s mentorship, focusing on less-is-more techniques and the importance of sound quality.
* Early Inspirations: Find out how Guitar Hero and lessons from Rudy Bird (Lauryn Hill’s drummer) sparked Skyler’s passion for drumming.
* Navigating New York: Skyler offers invaluable advice for musicians planning to move to New York, including saving money, committing fully to the journey, and the importance of networking.
* Drumming Challenges: Skyler talks about the physical challenges of drumming, from dealing with tendonitis to adjusting to different setups in Broadway pits.
* Career Highlights: Skyler reflects on his subbing experiences on Broadway, including working on Strange Loop and Titanic, and how those roles prepared him for The Great Gatsby.
Skyler also provides insights into his equipment preferences, advice for aspiring drummers on preparing for subbing gigs, and how he balances his Broadway career with other musical projects.
Connect with Skyler:
* Instagram: @SkylerFortGang.music
Tune in to get an inside look at the life of a rising Broadway drummer and gain tips on breaking into the scene yourself!
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK!
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Check out this insightful chat with Steve Picataggio!
Episode Highlights:
* Early Inspirations: Find out how Steve’s older brother got him hooked on drumming.
* Jazz and Beyond: Learn how Steve expanded his musical tastes from pure jazz to include pop-punk and Broadway tunes.
* Starting Out: Hear about Steve’s first drumming experiences, including summer music camp and high school bands.
* Making It in NYC: Get tips on navigating the New York music scene, from taking the subway with drums to finding the right gigs.
* Balancing Act: Steve talks about juggling his professional music career with personal enjoyment and family time.
* Theater Drumming: Discover what it’s like to play in cabaret gigs, jazz bands, and touring shows like Four Phantoms and Wicked Divas.
* Touring Tips: Steve shares practical advice for drummers on the road, including packing smart and staying organized.
Take some time out to hear Steve Picataggio’s inspiring journey and get practical tips for making it as a theater drummer. This episode is full of great stories and useful advice that you won’t want to miss!
Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Steve Picataggio is a professional drummer and educator in New York City from Coral Springs, Florida. From the age of ten, Steve immersed himself in classical percussion, marching drumlines, pit orchestras and big band jazz ensembles.
He then made the commitment to study with world-renown jazz drummer Danny Gottlieb at the University of North Florida. There he had the opportunity to learn the extensive hand techniques originated by Joe Morello. He focused on the history of jazz drummers, most notably Mel Lewis and his influence on big band drumming. As well as the drummers of Count Basie and gravitated towards small group drummers such as Shelly Manne, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Ben Riley and Ed Thigpen.
During his time in Jacksonville, Steve met Ulysses Owens Jr. a native Floridian and NYC based jazz drummer. For five years Owens mentored Steve on drums and the music industry. Under Ulysses’ guidance, Steve expanded his musical knowledge and mindset and was given the tools required to be a successful musician in New York.
This mentorship jump started Steve’s journey to New York City in 2011, where he studied with Billy Drummond at New York University Steinhardt School of Music while pursuing his Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance.
After graduating from NYU in 2013, Steve Picataggio began a professional career as a bandleader and sideman. He has performed at The Blue Note Jazz Club, Birdland, The Kitano, The Bar Next Door and Feinstein’s 54 Below.
His debut record Two Feet on the Ground features original compositions and arrangements and is available on iTunes and CD Baby.
He performs regularly in New York with jazz and Broadway singers, straight ahead jazz small groups, big bands, cabaret, and musical theatre shows. Steve has also toured the US performing with the jazz group The Hot Sardines.
In 2018, Steve began playing drums for Suzi Shelton, an award winning children’s music singer/songwriter. Performances include Outreach morning concerts for the Brooklyn Public Schools, Fort Greene Music Festival, Madison Square Park Summer Festival, Brookfield Place and The Levitt Pavilion in Westport, Connecticut. He also played in Suzi’s band for a performance and interview on Kids Place Live at the Sirius XM Radio Studios in Washington, DC.
Steve has been the drummer for Broadway’s Lesli Margherita since 2013 and appears on her record Rule Your Kingdom: Live at 54 Below (Broadway Records), All Hail The Queen (Feinstein’s 54 Below) and Broad (Birdland Jazz Club). He also plays drums for Wicked Divas, a cabaret show featuring current and former actors from Wicked.
He has played the Off-Broadway shows Under The Bodhi Tree (Royal Family Theater) and About Love (Sheen Center). Currently, Steve is the drummer with Four Phantoms in Concert. A touring performance featuring former actors from the Broadway production.
As an educator Steve has created and established a unique curriculum for all groups including beginners (age four), intermediate, advanced young teens, college students and adults. His philosophy and passion for teaching has proven successful and he currently teaches over 40 students throughout the New York City and New Jersey areas. He has created individualized in-person and online lessons in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Los Angeles and parts of Europe.
Steve Picataggio is on faculty at The British International School of New York, The Grace Church School and is the Adjunct Drumset Professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Steve Picataggio is endorsed by Vic Firth Drumsticks and Zildjian Cymbals.
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we are thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Bill Hayes. With an illustrious career that has spanned decades, Bill shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a celebrated Broadway musician. Tune in as we delve into:
* Broadway Career: Bill Hayes discusses his extensive Broadway career, maintaining a balance while working with renowned artists like Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra.
* Early Music Interests: Starting with piano lessons in kindergarten, Bill's passion for music grew as he got interested in drums during junior high. He formed his first band, "Barcelona Brass," inspired by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.
* High School and Beyond: Bill studied under Alan Dawson in Boston during high school and later attended Hart School of Music, where he learned from notable musicians like Gary Burton and Al Lipak.
* Transition to Broadway: Bill describes his move to New York, initially facing uncertainty but soon finding opportunities to sub in Broadway pits, eventually leading to his own chairs.
* Challenges and Adaptations: Hear about Bill's experiences adapting to technological changes in Broadway pits, from acoustic settings to using in-ear monitors and flat screens.
* Diverse Musical Styles: Bill emphasizes the importance of versatility in Broadway, switching between various musical styles quickly, and how this skill is valuable when playing with different artists.
* Networking and Subbing: Bill advises aspiring Broadway musicians to start by subbing, meeting established players, and building a network as crucial steps for getting and maintaining work on Broadway.
* Maintaining Musicianship: Learn about the importance of staying in shape, both musically and physically, to avoid injuries and maintain high performance levels throughout a long career.
* Career Longevity and Flexibility: Bill reflects on the unpredictability of Broadway careers, the importance of staying flexible, taking opportunities as they come, and continuously learning and adapting.
Bill Hayes' career has taken him around the globe, performing with legends like Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, and Audra McDonald. His international tours have included destinations from Paris to Uruguay to Tokyo. Bill has recorded three albums with Streisand, six with Minnelli, and collaborated on projects with Sinatra, Rufus Wainwright, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Meredith Monk, Maria Schneider, Gerry Niewood, and Lea DeLaria.
His musical versatility is a hallmark of his career, demonstrated by his diverse collaborations. From sharing the stage with KORN on MTV Unplugged to performing with Spiritualized at Radio City Music Hall, Bill has worked with musical icons like Aretha Franklin, Kenny Rogers, Ray Charles, Marvin Hamlisch, and Art Garfunkel. Bill's Broadway contributions are equally impressive, with chairs in over 60 Broadway shows and recordings of numerous cast albums. His television appearances span five continents, showcasing his global influence.
Bill Hayes proudly endorses Innovative Percussion and Paiste Cymbals.
Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of Broadway's finest musicians!
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
CONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK!
Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe -
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In today's episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with the highly accomplished drummer and percussionist Charles Descarfino. With a portfolio of over twenty Broadway shows, Charles shares his extensive experience and unique insights into the world of Broadway music. Here are the key highlights from the episode:
- Charles' experiences performing in over twenty Broadway shows, including "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "On the Town," "Elf," "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," "Follies," "Ragtime," "Young Frankenstein," "Les Misérables," "The Threepenny Opera," "Sweet Charity," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Seussical," "Titanic," "The Who's Tommy," and "City of Angels." and many more.
- Charles discusses his early influences, including his father, a saxophonist who played in nightclubs and introduced him to music. He shares how his father's passion for jazz and his late-night jam sessions at home sparked his interest in music and laid the foundation for his career in percussion.
- Charles bravely shares his first Broadway experience with "Sweet Charity," a journey that was not without its challenges. He credits Joe Passaro and John Miller for their pivotal role in launching his career, and shares stories about the opportunities and obstacles he encountered as he transitioned into the Broadway scene.
- He discusses his time at William Paterson University and how it was a transformative period. There, he studied under notable instructors and expanded his musical knowledge. He underscores the importance of formal training and continuous learning, which has been instrumental in maintaining and honing his musical skills.
- Charles shares his experiences conducting shows like "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and working with various conductors and musicians.
- Charles emphasizes the importance of perseverance, respect, and readiness for those looking to break into the Broadway scene. He provides practical advice, such as the need to constantly practice and improve, the importance of networking and building relationships in the industry, and the necessity of being prepared for auditions and performances.
- Charles talks about his international travels, including memorable trips to Italy, France, and Hawaii. He reflects on the cultural enrichment of traveling and experiencing diverse musical traditions, sharing how his visit to Italy inspired him to incorporate classical elements into his Broadway performances, and his time in Hawaii introduced him to the beauty of Polynesian rhythms.
- Charles discusses the evolving Broadway scene, the impact of technology and social media, and contemporary musicians' challenges. He also shares his thoughts on the future of Broadway and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry, highlighting how social media has revolutionized the way musicians promote their work and how technology has enhanced the audience's theater experience.
- He reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, building solid relationships, and continuously striving for excellence.
Tune in for Charles Descarfino's remarkable journey, insights, and valuable advice for aspiring musicians. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in working on Broadway.
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Derek Stoltenberg to our show. He is a highly experienced drummer who has performed on cruise ships, Broadway stages, and many other prestigious platforms. In this episode, Derek shares his valuable experiences, insights, and words of wisdom for young musicians who aspire to succeed in the music industry. Here are the highlights of our conversation:
* The Art of Adaptation: Learning the ropes of performing in diverse environments, from cruise ships to Broadway, and the importance of adaptability.
* Musical Influences: A deep dive into the drummers and bands that shaped Derek's approach to drumming, including Josh Freese and Travis Barker.
* Tour Life Realities: The challenges and rewards of touring include navigating different venues and equipment and building relationships with crew members.
* Navigating New York's Music Scene: Insights into making it as a musician in New York City, from finding the best gigs to the significance of networking and adaptability.
* Words of Wisdom: Derek offers advice for aspiring musicians on perseverance, networking, and staying true to one's musical identity.
Join us as Derek Stoltenberg provides a detailed account of his vibrant career. Whether a budding musician or an experienced professional, you will find something interesting in Derek's story.
Derek Stoltenberg is a drummer and percussionist originally hailing from Pittsburgh, PA. Growing up, he developed a love and vocabulary for music of all genres, from punk and hip-hop to be-bop and salsa. After finishing studies in both classical and jazz performance, he spent several years teaching and freelancing in the PA, OH, and WV tri-state area before traveling the world performing for Princess Cruises in both the house and party bands.
From there, he would travel nationwide for national tours of Broadway shows such as Mean Girls, The Prom, Mamma Mia, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. These experiences have allowed him to perform in concert with artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, Jessica Vosk, and Richard Kind and on stage at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and Carnegie Hall.
In 2012, Derek had the honor of world premiering "Concerto for Drum Set and Percussion Ensemble" with the Slippery Rock University Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Glover. The piece, composed for him by Jamie Whitmarsh, went on to win first place in the 2012 Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest and is available through C. Alan Publications. His Broadway subbing credits include How To Dance In Ohio and Hell's Kitchen.
Derek holds a BM in Percussion Performance from Slippery Rock University and an MM in Jazz Studies from Florida State University. He currently resides in New York City, where he maintains an active freelance schedule and sensible sneaker collection.
Derek proudly endorses Innovative Percussion Drumsticks and Mallets.
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour) and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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Today, we're joined by Kevin McNaughton, an incredible musician who is currently on the road with the Mamma Mia tour. Kevin shares a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a touring musician.
* Getting Started in Touring: Kevin's journey began in Florida, where networking and a timely opportunity launched his career with the national tour of South Pacific.
* Musical Influences: From early experiences seeing the Chick Corea Electric Band to absorbing the works of Beethoven, Kevin's diverse musical influences shaped his approach to drumming.
* Family Support: Despite the uncertainties of a music career, Kevin was fortunate to have unwavering support from his family, who encouraged him to pursue his passion.
* Learning the Craft: His decision to take private lessons and the impact of his father's drumming was pivotal in Kevin's development as a musician.
* Education and Career Choices: Kevin reflects on his education, opting for a jazz studies degree over classical percussion. He contemplates how different decisions might have directed his career path.
* The Business of Broadway: Kevin emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of Broadway, from contracts to Broadway grosses, offering advice for those aspiring to join the industry.
* Touring Life: He contrasts the experiences of bus and truck tours with first national tours, discussing accommodations, the grueling schedules, and the unique challenges of performing in different venues.
* Drumming Techniques and Influences: Kevin shares his top drumming influences and discusses how he incorporates various styles into his playing.
* Aspirations and Advice for Newcomers: Looking towards the future, Kevin expresses his dream of playing on Broadway and offers advice for musicians aiming to make their mark in New York City or in touring productions.
* Creative Ventures: The podcast concludes with a light-hearted discussion about potential creative projects, showcasing Kevin's passion for music and storytelling.
This episode provides a comprehensive look at Kevin's experiences and insights into the world of touring Broadway shows. You don't want to miss it!
Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Kevin honed his classical percussion and drum set skills under the guidance of Grammy™ nominated artist Brian Slawson, refined his vocal abilities with MET Opera singer Mark Baker, mastered the art of conducting with John C. Carmichael, and explored composition with Grammy™ nominated composer Chuck Owen.
Throughout his career, Kevin has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Bobby Floyd, Laura Osnes, Jeremy Jordan, Carolee Carmello, Mary Testa, Bonnie Milligan, and Andrea Burns, among many others.
Kevin has also subbed on the Broadway shows Be More Chill, The Easter Bonnet in 2019, the All-Female 1776, and Elephant and Piggie. He has toured with several hit musicals, including Pretty Woman, Elf, Dirty Dancing, Beauty And The Beast, Memphis, Shrek, and South Pacific.
Kevin is currently the drummer for the Mamma Mia tour.
For more: https://kpmdrummer.wixsite.com/kpmdrummer
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour) and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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Hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Pat Petrillo is a world-renowned drummer who has significantly impacted the drumming industry over many years. His impressive career includes collaborations with an eclectic range of artists spanning various genres. Some notable musicians he's worked with include Patti LaBelle, Gloria Gaynor, Oz Noy, Chieli Minucci, Ed Hamilton, and Glen Burtnik, and his contributions to numerous Broadway shows such as "A Chorus Line," "Grease," "Footloose," "Newsies," and "Dreamgirls."
Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Pat Petrillo is the frontman of the Big Rhythm Band, a group of exceptional musicians based in New York City. Their latest album, "The Power Station Sessions," showcases nine tracks brimming with infectious grooves in the Contemporary Instrumental category. The record features guest appearances by acclaimed artists like Nile Rodgers, John Popper, Oz Noy, and more. Notably, their debut album, "The Abbey Road Sessions," won the Top 20 on Relix/Jambands.com charts.
In addition to his music career, Pat Petrillo is a respected educator in the drumming community. He has created popular instructional videos available on Drumeo.com, and his published books and DVDs through Hudson Music have inspired and educated countless drummers worldwide. Pat's teaching experience extends to his time as an instructor at Drummers Collective in New York City for many years.
Currently, he serves as a visiting adjunct instructor at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he continues to share his wealth of drumming knowledge through clinic performances and master classes across the globe.
Click here for more: https://patpdrummer.com
Broadway Drumming 101 is your digital mentor with an unwavering commitment to empowering musicians with the essential tools and guidance needed to excel as professional musicians. BD101 stands as your comprehensive resource center, delivering specialized mentorship and meticulously curated resources exclusively designed for aspiring musicians on their journey to a thriving career in musical theater.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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Hailing from Perth Amboy, NJ, Juan "Carlito" Mendoza is a seasoned musician with over 25 years of experience. A classically trained percussionist, he excels in playing the marimba, timpani, orchestral snare drum, vibraphone, drum set, and hand percussion. Juan obtained his BA in Music Education from New Jersey City University in 2004 and earned his MA, summa cum laude, in Music Education in 2013. His musical journey has been enriched by studying under renowned instructors like Nicholas Cerrato (Timpanist for the Tony Award-winning Broadway show "Cats"), marimba expert Greg Giannascoli of the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra, and Brazilian percussion maestro Guillerme Franco.
Juan's musical prowess was evident from an early age. At 13, he won Best Soloist at the national Maid of the Mist competition in Niagara Falls, Canada. His competitive spirit continued through various drum corps engagements. He performed with the esteemed Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps from Hawthorne, NJ, in 1997 and 1999-2001. In 2002, he joined the Syracuse Brigadiers, contributing to their victory at the Drum Corps Association World Championship and securing the best percussion title. That same year, Juan outperformed 35 other contestants to become the Drum Corps Association Snare Drum Champion.
Juan's talents have also led him to feature in Pat Petrillo's educational DVD "Learning to Read Rhythms" by Alfred Music, where he recorded all the musical examples and appeared as a featured soloist. His crowning achievement came in 2012 when he outshone over 5,000 competitors to win the Guitar Center Drum Off Grand Champion title. Juan has recently contributed to Drumeo, offering valuable content for their platform and the broader drumming community.
Currently, Juan serves as an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University, operates a drum educational website offering pre-recorded video lessons covering various techniques and musical styles, and holds a position as a middle school band director.
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For more: https://www.carlitomendoza.com
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
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As we bring our special three-part series to a close, we want to express gratitude for your interest in the podcast.
We started a few weeks ago by introducing you to Michael Aarons, an industry veteran, whose invaluable insights have broadened our understanding of the many facets of musical production—from Broadway stages to recording studios, live events, and beyond.
With a career that's been both broad and deep, Michael has shown us what it takes to assemble world-class pit orchestras, navigate complex labor agreements, and manage the intricacies that come with large-scale productions. His wealth of knowledge has proved invaluable for drummers and anyone aspiring to make their mark on Broadway.
As Broadway Drumming 101 continues to grow and evolve, we are more committed than ever to bring you diverse voices and perspectives from industry titans like Michael. We believe that this series has been a treasure trove of information and strategies designed to elevate your musical career to new heights.
To contact Michael:
https://www.m2music.nyc
If you've missed any part of this trilogy, don’t worry! All three episodes are available for you to check out by subscribing at Broadway Drumming 101. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just taking your first steps in the drumming world, this series stands as an invaluable resource you won't want to overlook.
For future updates and more invaluable content, subscribe here:
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
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In the second installment of our special three-part series, we're showcasing Michael Aarons, a veteran with an extensive background encompassing Broadway, live events, recording studios, television, film, and national tours.
He's been instrumental in assembling top-notch pit orchestras for numerous Broadway shows and over 15 national tours. Outside the theater, his multifaceted talents shine through in his roles as a music coordinator and guitarist on Grammy-winning albums and in various capacities within television and film, including as a composer.
What sets Michael distinctly apart is his comprehensive grasp of the business aspects of music. He excels in logistical oversight, adept negotiation of union labor contracts, and the skillful navigation of complex challenges commonly associated with large-scale productions. His expertise serves as a goldmine of information for drummers and anyone aiming to carve out a niche on Broadway.
Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
As we continue to expand the scope of Broadway Drumming 101, we're excited to include invaluable insights from industry veterans like Michael—professionals who offer unique viewpoints and indispensable advice.
This installment is part of a trilogy aimed at providing a deep well of knowledge and actionable tips to enhance your journey in the world of music. Keep an eye out for the next episodes, scheduled to be released on November 11th and 18th. Whether you're an experienced drummer or a beginner, this series is a crucial resource you won't want to miss.
For additional information, head over to M2 Music.
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
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While we frequently spotlight drummers who have made enduring contributions to Broadway and touring stages, it's just as essential to get the inside scoop from the influential figures orchestrating things behind the curtain. That's why today marks the launch of a special three-part series. We're ecstatic to start by introducing you to Michael Aarons, a seasoned Music Coordinator whose portfolio spans Broadway, recording studios, live events, television, film, and national tours.
With a career spanning over 20 years in various corners of the music industry—from Broadway theaters to concert arenas and from TV studios to film sets—Michael is a revered music coordinator and guitarist. He's the linchpin behind forming first-rate pit orchestras for countless Broadway productions and more than 15 national tours. Beyond the stage, Michael's talents extend to his roles as a music coordinator, guitarist for Grammy-winning albums, and in various capacities in TV and film, including work as a composer.
What truly sets Michael apart is his deep-rooted understanding of the commercial aspects of music. He is adept at overseeing logistics, negotiating union labor agreements, and skillfully steering through the complicated challenges often tied to large-scale productions. His insights are a treasure trove for drummers and anyone aspiring to make their mark in the music industry.
As Broadway Drumming 101 continues to evolve, we're delighted to broaden our horizons to include voices like Michael's—industry stalwarts who provide unique perspectives and priceless counsel.
This episode is the first in a three-part series designed to dive deep into a wealth of knowledge and tips to elevate your musical career. Stay tuned for the next installments, set to drop on November 11th and 18th. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just getting started, this series is an invaluable resource you will want to take advantage of.
For more details, visit M2 Music.
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
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https://cartermclean.com
Carter was born in San Francisco and shortly thereafter moved to Connecticut. This is where McLean listened to and fell in love with music and especially the drums. At age 10, he started his journey as a musician. Broadway wasn’t even on his radar when he started working at Manny’s Music in Manhattan just prior to 9/11.
The self-taught musician had just wrapped up his studies at University of Colorado, Boulder and was hoping to land a gig with someone like Sting, Peter Gabriel or Paul Simon. But then, while working his shift and playing at the store, he got noticed by a vet of Stevie Wonder’s band Dennis Davis and got invited to play with legendary musician Roy Ayers in Harlem.
While touring with Melvin Sparks in 2002 McLean was approached to be a sub at The Lion King in NYC. This eventually lead to McLean taking over the chair at the hit show in 2011. From Charlie Hunter to the Lion King on Broadway, McLean has been busy touring and doing studio work as well as having a busy teaching schedule.
In addition McLean has shared the stage or recorded with Jamie McLean, Greg Holden, Charlie Hunter, Victor Wooten, Anthony Hamilton, Bernie Worrell (Parlament Funkadelic), Fred Wesley (James Brown), Shelby Johnson (Prince), Melanie Gabriel (Peter Gabriel) Leni Stern, Matt Duke and many others.
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Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
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Dan has been making music most of his life. While attending East Carolina University's School of Music, he auditioned and was hired at age 19 to join the cast of the Off-Broadway show "STOMP". After performing in the New York company, he joined the national tour, eventually playing the lead role and becoming the Rehearsal Director. During this tour, he had the opportunity to perform on stage with Bobby McFerrin for the Presidential Millenium Celebration and appeared on several tv shows, including "Good Morning America", among many others.
Dan has since moved back to NYC to continue his music career and has performed at such venues as Madison Square Garden, Town Hall, The Grand Ole Opry, Radio City Music Hall and The Meadowlands Arena.
Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Dan recently played drums on Broadway for "The Cher Show," a biographical musical co-produced by Cher herself which premiered in December of 2018 at the Neil Simon Theater. He also acted as the house drummer for seasons 7, 8 & 10 of NBC's "America's Got Talent" and played for the PBS special "From Broadway With Love" featuring Chita Rivera, Kelli O'Hara, Jesse Mueller, Norbert Leo Butz and Lilias White. He held the percussion chair for the Broadway show "Holler If Ya Hear Me," and has also subbed on drums in the orchestra pit for Broadway shows like "Wicked" and "Little Shop Of Horrors," played hundreds of auditions the casting office of Bernard Telsey Casting and recently played drums for the Obie Award-winning show "The World Is Round" at BAM. He plays often for Grammy Award winning artist Tim Kubart and was grateful to contribute percussion to his winning album "Home." He has played for a number of artists including Cher, Andrea Bocelli, Tituss Burgess, Melinda Doolittle (American Idol Finalist), Stephanie Block, Kelli O’Hara, Heather Christian, Montego Glover, Lucie Arnaz, and Randy Rainbow. In addition, he occasionally performs for corporate events for companies such as GM, Microsoft, Pfizer. etc. Also trained in music production and recording, Dan produces, engineers and mixes music on a for-hire basis. Recently, he produced, engineered and mixed a Christmas record for Randy Rainbow with the title track co-written by Marc Shaiman. It reached #1 on the Billboard Comedy charts and #7 on iTunes Top Albums. Dan also recorded vocals for bounce music legend Big Freedia(the artist featured on Beyonce’s “BREAK MY SOUL”) for an upcoming track. He also produced (and played drums for) "The Sedaka Sessions", where he had the honor of working with Neil Sedaka and an incredible team including engineer Roy Hendrickson (Paul McCartney, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, etc) and Grammy Award-winning executive producer Tony McAnany.
Some other audio production highlights include a national commercial for "The Grinch That Stole Christmas", a track for Coca-Cola's 125th Anniversary Celebration and mixing of promotional content for Broadway shows like "Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," and “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”. He also had the opportunity to contribute as an engineer (as well as a background vocalist and percussionist) on the album "LISTEN", which features Hall & Oates, Carly Simon, and Duncan Sheik.
Dan proudly endorses Paiste Cymbals and ACS Custom In-Ear Monitors.
http://www.danweinerdrums.com
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
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Gregory Landes is a versatile musician, excelling as a drummer, percussionist, composer, educator, and arranger. His impressive orchestral credits include serving as a timpanist and percussionist for esteemed ensembles such as The New Jersey Symphony, Garden State Philharmonic, The New Haven Symphony, The American Symphony Orchestra, New York Chorale Society, The Brooklyn Philharmonic, Princeton Symphony, Albany Symphony, Little Orchestra Society of New York, Greenwich, Stamford, and Westchester Symphonies, Masterwork Chorale Orchestra, Goldman Band, and The New Jersey Wind Symphony.
For the past three decades, Gregory has demonstrated his musical prowess as both a drummer and percussionist in over 50 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Notable mentions include his involvement in the 2019 Lyrics and Lyricists show "Live and in Living Color" at the 92nd St. Y, with Andy Einhorn and Rob Berman as musical supervisors, as well as his contributions to the 2018 musical "The Beast in the Jungle" by John Kander, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. He has also been involved in Director John Doyle's productions of "Pacific Overtures" and John Kander's "Kid Victory." Gregory played a crucial role in creating the drum and percussion book for John Kander's musical "The Landing."
Gregory has an extensive list of credits in the world of theater, having performed as the original drummer and percussionist in productions of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" on Broadway, in Chicago, Boston, and Madison Square Garden. He has also showcased his drumming and percussion skills in various other productions, including "Avenue Q," "Newsies," "In The Heights," "Curtains," "Wicked," "42nd Street," "Play Without Words," "Ragtime," "Les Miserables," "Falsettos," "Putting It Together" (with Julie Andrews), and many more.
Additionally, Gregory Landes is a founding member of The Pit Stop Players, a chamber ensemble composed of highly sought-after freelance musicians in New York City. The group is dedicated to performing new works by emerging composers. Gregory's arrangements and pieces written for percussion ensemble can be found in publications by Bachovich Music Publications. He held the position of director of percussion studies at The Calhoun School in New York City and was involved with The Calhoun Percussion Ensemble. Furthermore, he serves as a drum and percussion instructor in the Encore Program at Ridgewood High School in New Jersey and has taught General Music and Percussion at The Pingry School.
Gregory's talent has gained recognition from renowned musical instrument manufacturers, as he is endorsed by Paiste cymbals and is an Innovative Percussion artist. Since 1997, he has been performing alongside his brother Garah Landes, a pianist, as the duo Synchronicity. To learn more about their extensive performance history, interested individuals can visit their Facebook page, watch their videos on YouTube, or explore their website at www.synchronicitymusic.com.
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Jordan Rose is the drummer for Theo Katzman,Cory Wong, Caleb Hawley, Darren Criss,Charlie Puth, Pomplamoose, Charlie Hunter, Jeff Coffin, Joe Louis Walker,Louis Cato, sub for Dear Evan Hansen (on Broadway), Rufus Wainwright, Ruel,SZA, Maddie Poppe, and held the chair for Only Gold (Off-Broadway).
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