Drummers Are Top Athletes

A special thanks to my drummer buddy Bennii Obana for sharing this informative article.

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Source: BBC News - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7518888.stm

Rock Drummers are Top Athletes

Playing the drums for a rock band requires the stamina of a Premiership footballer, research suggests.
Tests on Clem Burke, the veteran Blondie drummer, revealed that 90 minutes of drumming could raise his heart rate to 190 beats a minute.

Despite rock's reputation for unhealthy living, Dr. Marcus Smith, from Chichester University, said drummers needed "extraordinary stamina".

A hour in concert could burn between 400 and 600 calories, he said.

Clem Burke, who provided the beat for hits such as "Heart of Glass", "Atomic" and "Call Me" was invited to take part in the eight-year project by Blondie fan Dr Smith.

It is hoped that the results could help develop outreach programmes for overweight children who are not interested in sports.

Burke was connected to equipment to measure his heart rate and oxygen uptake, and the levels of lactic acid in his blood.

He found that during a performance, his heart averaged between 140 and 150 beats a minute, peaking at 190, levels comparable to other top athletes.

However, Dr. Smith said that while top footballers were expected to perform once or twice a week, drummers on tour would be doing it every night at a different venue.
Drummers burn 4-600 calories per hour.
He said, "Footballers can normally expect to play 40 to 50 games a year - but in one 12 month period, Clem played 90-minute sets at 100 concerts."

"Footballer find playing a Champions League game once every two weeks a drain, but these guys are doing it every day when they are on tour."

"It is clear that their fitness levels need to be outstanding - through monitoring Clem's performance in controlled conditions, we have been able to map the extraordinary stamina required by professional drummers."

The project was conducted jointly by the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Chichester.
A dedicated "drumming laboratory" is now being built at the Gloucester campus and it is hoped that other professional drummers will be tested.

Dr. Steve Draper, from Gloucestershire University, said: "This is the first facility of its kind in the world."
Professor Edward Winter, a specialist in the physiology of exercise at Sheffield University, said that the challenge of playing the drums should not be underestimated.

He said that at 190 beats per minute, Clem Burke was probably exceeding the maximum heart rate predicted for a man of his age.

"Rock drumming in particular is very energetic, and to add to this, these guys are playing in a hot environment - you'll see them literally dripping with sweat."

Link to related video - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7517867.stm

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Now, isn't that neat? Drumming is serious physical stuff! I'd say that this research is not limited to drummers who exclusively play rock music. Other musical styles such as pop, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz require an abundant amount of energy too. And I'm sure many of my fellow drummers can relate to the physical factors of drumming.

I strongly agree that drumming and sports have its parallels. We drummers can be considered as athletes. Which is why I somehow tend to treat myself like an athlete. I try to eat right. I make an effort to put myself in good condition. I find ways in order for me to perform more effectively with the least amount of effort. I conserve my energy before a performance and during our break times. I take advantage of my days off by resting my body. I must not abuse my body and I must be disciplined. Being a professional musician, I need to take extra good care of myself.

Playing the drums is a great workout. It's fun, and it's always a pleasure to make great music. Drumming has so many benefits. Everyone should give it a try.

Zildjian Day Manila 2006: Kenny Aronoff

It was that time of the year again... Yesterday, the annual Zildjian Day Manila was held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. Anticipated every year by Pinoy drummers, this is one of the biggest annual drumming events in Metro Manila. JB Music, the local distributor of Zildjian cymbals, organized the event.

The event this year seems bigger, and it was appropriate to celebrate it at the biggest mall in the country. Main program/drum clinic was scheduled at 6pm, but festivities began mid-afternoon in front of the JB Music Store branch in the Mall Of Asia, which is not so far away from the Music Hall. The spacious open area in front of the store was set-up with various Gretsch and Fernando drumkits, where in local Zildjian artists had an open drum jam. Present were Zildjian endorsers Mar Dizon, Mike Alba, Vic Mercado (Bamboo), and the two newest Pinoy Zildjian artists, Dindin Moreno (Parokya Ni Edgar) and Mark Escueta (Rivermaya). Even kid prodigy Arien Pulumbarit (one of Sir Jun Regalado's best students) joined the fun!

Well, I didn't witness a lot of that because I arrived around 5pm. But I was able to pass by and hear Mike Alba and Vic Mercado trade licks. They were burning, as usual!

I went straight to the Music Hall area, where I met up with good old drummer buddies such as Bennii Obana (Barfly), Gabby Abes (Manila Philharmonic, DLSU Pops), Relly Mangubat (Stonefree) and many more! I also met a number of Pinoydrums community members. While waiting in line, I enjoyed the drum chat with my peers.

It was already past 6pm when we were sitted, and the program didn't start on time, late as usual... Until finally, cutie host Dylan (Bennii said she's a DJ for this radio station... will confirm that) began her hosting duties. I think it was at least three times she mentioned that she's not a musician. She can't relate with some of the drum talk and drumming-related stuff. How we wished that she did a little more research before doing the hosting gig. Anyway, enough talk... Start the show!

Mark Escueta's Gretsch/Zildjian kit

Mark Escueta and his band Rivermaya opened the show. They performed their hit songs Elesi, Liwanag Sa Dilim & Isang Bandila. Though they did a mighty fine job, I wish frontman Rico Blanco laid back a little and didn't grab too much of the spotlight. I mean, come on, this is a drumming event. Give the drummer some! He didn't even give credit or pay tribute to Mark. I wish Mark had a solo spot. I am aware that Mark is a technically-sound drummer and he's got some chops to show. I was just hoping for Mark to wail out and show more of his stuff. Anyway, Mark does a great job with Rivermaya, he's a great drummer, and he deserves his Zildjian endorsement. Congratulations, Mark!

After Rivermaya's set and before the main event began, everyone was treated with Mall Of Asia's fireworks display. It was timely, because it was a visual treat for this year's special guest...

Kenny Aronoff

Kenny Aronoff is this year's drum clinician. He is one of the top pop/rock session drummers in the music business. There he was, with his trademark bald head, jeans, and his sleeveless black Zildjian shirt which was kinda creepy because it was so small that it fitted like a baby-tee on him haha! I've read that he's one of the hardest-hitting drummers around, so judging from his size and physique, I knew that it will be a physically and sonically powerful performance.

And boy, he rocked really hard! He's one of the most solid and most powerful drummers that I've ever seen and heard. His cymbals were in full motion whenever he played it, and his drum sounds were thunderous, thanks to his beautiful Tama Starclassic Bubinga Omni-Tune drumkit. Kenny played along to various tracks that he recorded with artists like Alanis Morrisette, Alice Cooper, and of course, John Mellencamp (whom he played for, for many years), to name a few.

Besides his show of power and volume, I have no doubt that he's got plenty of heart and passion. And what I like the most is the fact that he plays for the music. He always thinks about four things, whenever he's working on his drumming and his drum parts for a song - time, the beat, the groove, and creative input.

Kenny's drum clinic performances were impressive, though in an educational point-of-view, I think his clinic is geared more for the beginner-to-intermediate drummer. I don't know if it's the weather or the sound system (which became faulty at certain moments) or just the overwhelmingly huge venue (which affected the acoustics), but I sensed that most of the drummers in the audience were expecting more. In fact, I noticed that some were feeling bored, and many thought that the clinic was too long (it ended past 9pm).

Kenny & me: bald power!

Maybe people were expecting something really spectacular in a drumming sense, a la Dave Weckl or Virgil Donati. But hey, that was Kenny Aronoff, and what he did is what he's known for and what he does best. By the way, I think he did a great drum solo for his finale. Now I know why he is one of the best pop/rock session drummers in the business. Way to go, Kenny!

Lighter side of the clinic... During the occasional sound system malfunctions and his short break, Kenny was giving away candy to the crowd, either throwing it or aiming it with a toy tennis racket. Bennii was so happy yesterday because he was witnessing one of his drumming heroes doing his thing. In case you were there, he's that dude doing all that shouting haha... Rock on, Bennii!! And yes, my prized Tama Starclassic Maple snare drum just got another signature. Ah, another great day of drumming...

Kenny's signature on my "Old Faithful" Starclassic.

The Pinoydrums Gathering, 11 June '06

Pinoydrums Gathering: Penguin Bar, Malate, Manila. Sunday, June 11, 2006, 4pm.

For longtime Pinoydrums members like me, we also call this event the "EB3". This eyeball event of drummers is the third of its kind, following the first EB which happened on February 2004, and the second one at Freedom Bar last November 2004. It was envisioned as a simple gathering of drummers; a day of sharing, jamming and camaraderie. Every eyeball event organized just kept growing and getting better. And yesterday's EB3 was one memorable day of drumming.

I arrived at Penguin Bar around 3pm. It's a quaint, artsy bar somewhere near the Remedios Circle in Malate. There's a homey, laid-back feel to the place, which makes it a cozy hangout for young people and bohemians. I thought its ambiance helps give our event an intimate feel. Visual artworks are posted on walls around the venue, and there's a small shop which sells home-made percussion instruments.

Ernest Ramos & Bennii Obana

It was raining when I arrived, and most of the event organizers - JP Buduan, Sandy Baliong, Ernest Ramos, etc. - were already there in order to set-up and do preparations. With the easygoing organizing crew and a few early birds hanging out, I can already sense then that this will be another memorable day of drumming. Two drumkits were brought and set-up. Taking most of the attention is Bennii Obana's impressive 6-piece DW drumkit which he named "Ice". Its customized cover finish looks elegant & it's loaded with a battery of Zildjian cymbals. It looks and sounds awesome.

On Ice's left side is the more modestly set-up fusion-sized Tama Superstar drumkit of Rommel Mendoza. It's a brand-new birch-shelled drumkit, and it sounded wonderful too.

Rommell Garcia

Though it feels satisfying to indulge on Bennii's drumkit, I felt that it might be overkill to do my groove drum clinic on his set-up. So I decided to use Rommel's Tama kit, since I didn't need too many cymbals. Later on, all clinicians decided to play on the Tama kit. I guess all of us clinicians were quite overwhelmed with all of Ice's shiny cymbals. Five drum clinicians were featured in this gathering (more on that later).


My good friend Rommell Garcia was one of the organizers, and served as one of the hosts of the event. Even before the event began, he was already beginning to document the occasion through video, talking about Pinoydrums and interviewing featured drummers.

When doors officially opened, Pinoydrums members lined up for registration and wore their name tags, so that everybody can recognize each other. I went to an empty couch to warm up with my RealFeel practice pad. Soon, friends joined me, sharing my practice pad and exchanging drum talk. While I was busy in the couch, Bennii and Rommell were already wailing on the drum kits.

Arien

Kid prodigy Arien Pulumbarit arrived with his supportive father. Arien, already 11 or 12 years old (?), is one of Jun Regalado's best students. Instantly, I went out of my way to meet and greet the kid and his pop. Arien, being the enthusiastic young drummer that he is, can't help but notice the beautiful DW kit. So I took him to the drumkit and let him play. He attracted everybody's attention with his obviously impressive technique and chops. After playing his solo, everybody applauded and appreciated his drumming. He's got skills and maturity. I first saw and heard Arien about three years ago. Sir Jun Regalado always gives him a solo spot during his recent drum clinics. Everytime I watch and hear him play, he just keeps on getting better. I look forward to this kid's career. He's the future; he'll be a monster when he grows up.

Andre Quimpo

Around 6pm, program began. The first clinician featured was the educator Mr. Andre Quimpo. Andre is a teacher by profession. He teaches art and leads Ateneo's drum line. He is also an active church/gospel drummer. His clinic focused on the topic of drum rudiments, which are essentially the basic fundamentals of drumming. Andre is an excellent speaker. He's obviously used to lecturing and public speaking (he's an educator by profession). He concluded his clinic with a drum duet with Bennii; both played spontaneously, trading licks & feeling each other out. Andre is a very musical and tasteful drummer. And I realized that we have a few things in common. Andre and I are both Industrial Design graduates, and we both cite Neil Peart as our all-time number one drum hero.

Next clinician was Robert Dela Cruz. He's a well-known drummer in the local rock/metal scene, famous for his chops with Skychurch, a band that he formed with his two brothers. Robert is one of the best double bass drummers in the country right now, and he showed everybody why he's worthy of that recognition. I wish I have a fast pair of legs like Robert's. I first saw Robert play over a decade ago, when Skychurch was just starting & the Dela Cruz brothers were just still a bunch of young rocker kids then. Robert was already a monster drummer during that time, and he surprised so many people because as far as I could remember, he was a small harmless-looking kid back then hehe! Looks can be very deceiving. Another funny thing is, part of Robert's pre-gig ritual is gulping down a bottle of Red Horse before a performance. Talk about getting an extra kick!

After Robert's powerful performance, it was my turn to conduct my drum clinic, yours truly, the drummer of K24/7 haha! I invited my bass player Ian Tan to jam with me. My focus on my drum clinic was about groove drumming. I shared some insights on playing groove, keeping good time and making it feel good. I was also able to share a few drum licks that can be used to compliment the groove and the music, such as double bass fills and the rolling shuffle. Admittedly, Ian and I were under-rehearsed for this event. We even had some bass amp and feedback problems, but we were able to handle it somehow. We started off with a hiphop-based groove jam, inspired by the music of The Roots. Then, we did a rendition of one of my band's cover songs, Usher's "U Make Me Wanna". To finish off my clinic, Ian and I performed a rearranged version of an excerpt of the Michael Jackson old-school medley that we play in our gigs.

Franklin Benitez

I'm not really a drum teacher, and I don't know if I'll ever become one someday, but I hope people appreciated my drum clinic & somehow got something from what I shared and played. When I was invited by the organizers to conduct a drum clinic, at first I doubted myself, thinking if I was credible enough to do this. But I accepted it and took it as a challenge. I also thought that this drum clinic could help me and my band, so it was like an investment worth making. I can't wait to receive a copy of the video, so that I can see how I fared in my drum clinic, and how I can improve further. It was a learning experience for me.

After my set, it was time for Franklin Benitez, who captured everybody's attention with his wit and sense of humor. Franklin is the drummer of Barbie Almalbis, and I consider him as one of the best young drummers in the country right now. He is also an active church drummer. Franklin preached his words of wisdom by sharing stories based from his musical experiences. He played a couple of interesting, dynamically diverse drum solos & sampled some Steve Gadd-style linear patterns. And it was also very classy for Franklin to give plenty of credit to his number one drumming mentor Mar Dizon, who was present in the event. The latter is the featured clinician of the night.

And for the main event... It's senyor Mar Dizon! To complement his jazz drumming showcase, he brought along a few friends - Bo Razon on hand percussion, Aya Yuson on electric guitar, and Dave Harder on double bass. Most of the music that Sir Mar and company played were old-school hardcore jazz, swing and bebop, mostly from the Miles Davis collection. It was a double treat because both senyors Mar and Bo entertained drum-related questions. Sir Bo's knowledge on hand percussion is impeccable; and Sir Mar shares plenty of his wisdom, preferring to talk more about musicality, philosophy and artistry rather than technical stuff.

Mar Dizon

Mar Dizon is one of my favorite Filipino drummers, and I consider him as one of my greatest local musical influences. He sights Steve Gadd as his greatest drum hero, and I notice plenty of Steve Gadd influences in his playing. Yet, he has this uncanny ability to improvise and fuse his personal signature into whatever music he plays. Regretfully, I forgot to give credit to Sir Mar during my clinic spot. I want to commend senyor Mar for helping me improve and clean up my drumming. I had the privilege of studying under Sir Mar a few years ago. He is a reason why I'm a better drummer right now. He is a reason why I still want to become better. He is a reason why I'm still pursuing my drumming profession right now. I'm forever grateful to Mar Dizon. It's always a great joy for me to watch and hear him play drums.

After Mar's set (around 10pm), it was open jam time. Some drummers jammed. Some stayed and hung out. Some asked for Sir Mar's autograph. I even helped a couple of drummers tune their snare drums. An hour later, a huge number of drummers already left, leaving the event organizers and a few drummers still hanging out inside Penguin. I felt tired later on, so I relaxed on one corner, lying down against huge pillows, just chilling and listening to non-stop drumming. Then at past 12 midnight, a surprise guest arrived...

Benjie Mendez

Benjie Mendez made it! I was texting Bagets earlier that night, asking him to come over. And he answered back at around 9pm (he just woke up). Regretfully, I should have given him a few days notice. To the lucky few who stayed late in Penguin Bar, we were privileged to witness Bagets do his magic behind Bennii's huge drumkit, soloing for about 10 minutes. It was so powerful, yet it seemed effortless to the master. It was like Bagets taming the huge beast; letting it all out. The world somehow stops whenever he does his magic. Too bad the cameramen already left; nobody took a video! We'll make it a point to book Bagets for the next Pinoydrums gathering, and we'll give him quality minutes for his spot. What we've witnessed could be a much-anticipated teaser to the next Pinoydrums gathering.

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Some random thoughts related to the Pinoydrums Gathering:

I now have an idea on how to prepare myself when someday I'll be able to own a huge kit like Bennii's.
Bennii is such a powerful and entertaining drummer. What a character too!
Makulit pala si Sandy! And Rommell & Ernest wants to steal my 13" snare drum. Hahaha!
Maybe I should try to learn stick twirls.
It's intimidating to conduct a drum clinic alongside great drummers, especially when one of your mentors/idols is present.
I'll make my text brigades earlier next time.
I should organize my ideas further before a drum clinic. I forgot to tackle some of my ideas.
Facing a challenge and conquering it is rewarding.
All drummers are unique. You can tell a drummer's personality by the way he/she plays, the way he/she holds the sticks, and the way he/she sets up the kit.
It's not about egos, competition, or who's the better drummer. It's all about making great music.
I'm constantly reminded about the solid camaraderie among drummers. I'm so grateful I am one. =)

Ice!

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Acknowledgements:
The organizing team - JP Buduan, Rommell Garcia, Sunshine Mendoza, Sandy Baliong, Ernest Ramos, Dennis John Pausanos, Paolo Vivas.
Sir Butch of Penguin Cafe, and his staff.
Bennii Obana and Rommel Mendoza for sharing their drumkits.
Eric Echano and his crew for the video coverage.
Andre Quimpo, Robert Dela Cruz, Franklin Benitez & Mar Dizon and friends for sharing their passion and wisdom.
Bagets for still making it despite the short notice.
My bass player Ian Tan for backing me up.
To all fellow Pinoydrums brothers and sisters, and all the musicians who made it there.


...'til the next Pinoydrums EB!