We will have a small list of demo gear on sale following the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) conference coming up next week. We have partnered with Pearl/Adams Percussion to supply gear for the event and be able to pass along savings to you on very lightly used gear, as everything will have only been used for the IMEA Junior All-State Band rehearsals and performance from January 16th – 18th, 2025.

If you are looking for a chance to save on lightly used gear that is in like-new condition, here is your chance. Give us a call to check on availability on these items after the conference or arrange to pick up in Fort Wayne if you are attending the event.

For the updated sale list on current availability you can use this link: IMEA Demo List – Price List – Updated

Be sure to stop by the Paige’s Music booth and say hi, while you are attending IMEA as well. It is always great to catch up with everyone at these events!

We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting Mark Ford right here at Chops Percussion on January 15th, 2025! Mark will be conducting a masterclass that covers many aspects of marimba performance. This FREE event will start at 6:30 pm and open to the public. The clinic/masterclass will last approximately 2 hours.

The event is sponsored in part by Tama/Bergearult, Innovative Percussion, and Sabian Cymbals.

This event will cover many aspects of marimba performance and may include opportunities for students to perform for Mark and get direct feedback while at the event. If you are looking for the can’t miss clinic to start off the year for percussion education here in Central Indiana, stop by in a few short weeks.

You can RSVP to attend the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mark-ford-marimba-masterclass-tickets-1129127393429?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to seeing you on January 15th!

About the Artist: Mark Ford

Mark Ford  is a marimba artist and the Coordinator of Percussion at The University of North Texas College of Music in Denton, Texas. As a Past-President of the Percussive Arts Society and the coordinator of one of the largest percussion programs in the world at UNT, Ford is an active performer and composer. Mark has been featured as a marimba soloist throughout the United States at universities, festivals and music conferences. He has performed internationally throughout Europe as well as in Japan, China, Taiwan, Australia and South America. In addition to his duties at UNT, Ford is also the Artistic Director for the bi-annual Drum Fest Marimba/Vibraphone Competition in Opole, Poland.

With over four decades of performing, teaching and composing to his credit, Mark’s recordings have established his dedication to excellence in music. Ford’s solo marimba CDs, Stealing a Moment, Motion Beyond and Polaris, have become standards in the percussion world. His CDs have been described by PAS’ Percussive Notes as “beautiful, exceptional and  virtuosic.” Contact, with the UNT Wind Symphony conducted by Eugene Corporon features Mark performing marimba and percussion concertos by Jennifer Higdon, Daniel McCarthy, Keiko Abe and Ford.

Additionally, Ford has written popular works for solo marimba and percussion ensemble including Head Talk, Polaris, Stubernic, Afta-Stuba! CABASA!, Wink for Alto-Saxophone,  Marimba, Coffee Break (co-composed with Ewelina Ford) and many others. Mark’s latest work, Concerto for Marimba and Wind Ensemble (2022) was recently premiered in Australia by the Melbourne Conservatorium Wind Symphony directed by Nicholas Enrico Williams. His Stubernic Fantasy Concerto (2012) has been recorded on 5 albums and performed on tour by the US Navy Band, the US Air Force Band and numerous university wind ensembles. His percussion compositions have been performed at universities and concert halls throughout the world and also featured on National Public Radio.

Ford is also the author of Marimba: Technique Through Music (Musicon Publications), an intermediate four-mallet marimba method book, used by conservatories and schools of music around the world. His latest book, #MarimbaBaby, has received critical acclaim and is established as a progressive educational songbook for marimba.

Ford has been recognized as a leading percussion educator, and his former students perform and teach throughout the USA. Under his direction the UNT Percussion Ensemble has toured in Poland, Croatia, France and Belgium and also won the PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition. Mark Ford is the Artistic Educational Director for Tama/Bergerault and also proudly represents Sabian Cymbals, Evans Drum Heads, Musicon Publications, Meinl Percussion and Innovative Percussion Inc. as performing artist and clinician.

Are you in the market for a new set of marching drums? Have a limited budget but still need a high quality sound? Not sure what you are looking for and wanting to try something new? Pearl Drums has exactly what you need with their Finalist Series marching drums. If you are looking for the same quality sound that Pearl marching drums are known for, then the Pearl Finalist series may be exactly what you need at a more affordable price point.

While the Finalist series have been on the market for a while, we thought we would do a deep dive on some of the differences and similarities between the Finalist and Championship drums, and point out some of the excellent features the Finalist series has to offer you.

Shell Type

The Finalist Series Shells offers a birch shell as compared to the maple shell that is offered on the Championship Series of drums. These 6-ply, 5.4mm thick shells give the drums a cutting tone and most importantly offer a lighter weight than the Championship Maple drums. With 6 strategically located vent holes on the Finalist series drums they have been able to balance the volume, snare sensitivity and stick response to work best with the lighter birch shells.

Marching Snares

The best part of the Finalist series is that it uses the tried and true Aluminum Hardware that Pearl has used on many of their marching snare drums for years. One major change to the hardware is the new “vaulted” edge ring, where the batter head sits on the drum. This new design also helps to alleviate weight while increase the strength of the edge ring. The biggest difference here would be the new “NanoTouch” snare release which is compact, lightweight, and allows for quick changes in snares on or off. All these changes combined with the changed to a birch shell make the Finalist snares high in performance and lower in weight to the performer.

Marching Tenors

The biggest difference with the Finalist Series vs Championship Series tenors, is the new “Mid-Cut” Shell rather than the Full Depth or Shallow-Cut offered in the Championship Series. The “Mid-Cut” allows for a reduction in weight without a loss in sound production and tone. With the standard round bearing edges and maple reinforcement rings, you get depth and added punch in your sound. The hardware is the same as used on the Championship series drums.

Marching Basses

Overall the only big change from the Championship Maple bass drums is the birch shell in the Finalist Series drums. They have the same quality maple hoops and hardware. The reduced weight of the birch shell shouldn’t be overlooked and the cutting tone produced by the birch shells are unmatched at the price point.

Accessories 

Arguably one of the best features of Pearl marching drums, is the excellent accessories that are offered and this doesn’t change with the new Finalist Series. You can use the CX2 Air Frame Carriers with the Finalist Series drums, offering you lightweight and comfort. In addition, the Pearl Marching stands will all work with the Finalist drums. These means if you already have newer stands and carriers you can look to just upgrade you drums to the Finalist Series and not need to worry about compatibility issues.

Pricing

For pricing and more detailed information on the Finalist Series drums please give us a call at 317-813-2070 or send us an email at chops@chopspercussion.com. Whether you are looking to upgrade your drums only, get drums and accessories, or have a budget to work with, we are sure we can help you get what you need for you program!

As the Bands of America Grand National Championship Grand Nationals descend upon Indianapolis this week, we thought we would highlight the many bands performing from around Indiana and offer a comprehensive list of performance times. Prelims for the event start of Thursday November 14th and will continues through Friday November 15th. Bands advancing to the Semi-Finals will perform Saturday 16th morning/afternoon, with the Finals performances taking place on Saturday night.

Below is a list of all #teamindiana groups performing this week.

Thursday November 14th, 2024

8:15 am – South Dearborn HS
8:45 am – Batesville HS
10:15 am – Ben Davis HS
11:45 am – IPS School Showcase
2:00 pm – Greenfield-Central HS
2:45 pm – Noblesville HS
3:00 pm – Marching Price of Lawrence Township
6:30 pm – Floyd Central HS
6:45 pm – Monrovia HS
7:45 pm – Center Grove HS
8:00 pm – Avon HS
9:00 pm – Brownsburg HS
9:15 pm – Sound and Spirit of Columbus
9:30 pm – Carmel HS
9:45 pm – Fishers HS
10:30 pm – Castle HS

Friday November 15th, 2024

2:45 pm – Shawe Memorial HS
5:00 pm – Goshen HS
6:30 pm – Homestead HS

For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, you can go to https://marching.musicforall.org/event/grand-national-championships-2024/.

Best of luck to all the bands performing this week and special shout out to all the #TeamIndiana bands that will be participating. Enjoy your final performances of the season!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As PASIC 2024 descends upon Indianapolis in just a little over a week, we thought we would share some of the top sessions we feel would be valuable to a music educator attending the event. There are so many options to choose from when attending PASIC and we tried to balance variety of sessions while also highlighting certain sessions we feel a music educator specifically would benefit the most from attending, with a few must see/can’t miss clinics thrown in as well!

Wednesday November 13th, 2024

8:00 pm – Antonio Sanchez & Bad Hombre with Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI & Lex Sadler
Sagamore Ballroom

One of the best professional drummers in the world, Antonio Sanchez has been lighting up the stage for years and has even being selected as Modern Drummer’s “Jazz Artist of the Year” in the past. Joined on stage by an awesome line-up of musicians, this concert will be an excellent way to start PASIC 2024. Grab a bite to eat in Downtown Indy and find your way to Sagamore Ballroom where you can sit back, relax, and take in the good fun that is sure to happen on stage. This is a MUST SEE!

Thursday November 14th, 2024

9:00 am – Aledo High School Percussion Ensemble
Wabash Ballroom

There is no better way to do some research on new music or find inspiration than watching your fellow colleagues from across the country. Under the direction of Scott Stephens, this is a great way to start your first full day at PASIC 2024!

10:00 am – Fabian Ziegler, music by John Psathas – Innovation of New Works and Technology in Percussion Repertoire
Sagamore Ballroom

This session will for sure be a crowd pleaser. With special guest the John Psathas Percussion Project, this concert will explore new and recent works from John Psathas and looks to be an audio and visual blended concert. If you have never witnessed the energy in John Psathas works in person, this concert is highly recommended.

11:00 am – Chelsea Levine and Thomas Claeson – Money & Marketing for Musicians – Lessons Learned from Being Self-Employed
Room 201

If you dabble with private teaching, are a composer, teach drumline at a school, or are trying to break into the market of product design, this session will answer many of the questions you likely already have but are afraid to ask. This session will focus on topics like websites, social media, revenue streams and more.

12:00 pm – University of North Alabama – New Percussion Literature Showcase
Wabash Ballroom

New works for percussion ensemble will be presented by Tracy Wiggins and the students at the University of North Alabama. All the works on this concert will have been completed in the last five years.

1:00 pm – GRAB some LUNCH (there are many great sessions during this time but this is a good chance to take a break and refuel for the rest of the day

2:00 pm – Expo Hall Time – Go check out some of the great new product being launched this year at PASIC. Perhaps do a little window shopping for what you might want to purchase for yourself or your music program.

3:00 pm – RCC Show Design – The Idea Dictates the Process
Room 201

As a school educator you likely are involved in the marching arts, whether it be during marching season or during indoor percussion season if you school participates. This session will take you into the minds and process of how RCC goes about design a show. This is a great opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business as you get your show design going for the upcoming indoor percussion season in 2025.

4:00 pm – Peter Erskine – The Use of Melody in Teaching the Drum Set
500 Ballroom

Not much to say here. Erskine is a legend in the drumming world and every opportunity should be taken to see and learn from on of the masters of his craft. With an ode to drummers like Max Roach, this session will help with audience find their own melodic voice through the drums. This is a CAN’T MISS session!

5:00 pm – Scott Johnson & Pat Petrillo – SNAREdrumSET
Room 125

This session is a great way to explore the connection that rudiments have in both snare drumming and drum set. Learn from two two educators and performers on how you can take your playing to the next level, regardless of the idiom.

8:00 pm – Stefon Harris & Blackout
Sagamore Ballroom

This evening concert will feature Stefon Harris and his band Blackout. One of the best jazz vibraphonist in modern times, Stefon brings an eclectic style and blends funk, R&B, jazz, and more to create songs and adaptations that stand out above the rest. Definitely on you don’t want to miss!

Friday November 15th, 2024

9:00 am – CCPEC – High School Division
Room 105

The Concert Percussion Ensemble Competition takes placed from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in Room 105. Featuring high schools from around the country that have signed up to partipate. We think this is a great way to support the hard work and dedication of student percussionist. In 15 minute intervals, you can pop in and out at various times throughout the day and see some excellent performances.

10:00 am – University of Texas at Arlington – Showcase Concert
Sagamore Ballroom

There is no better way to do some research on new music or find inspiration than watching your fellow colleagues from across the country. Under the direction of Andrew Eldridge, this is a great way to start your second day at PASIC 2024!

11:00 am – Quinton Robinson – From Practice to Performance: A Drummer’s Journey to Broadway and Beyond
500 Ballroom

While Quinton Robinson will focus on his journey as a drum set player, it sounds like this session will cover some topics that relate to all percussionist and music educators with regard to a journey of musical and educational growth. The added benefit is you’ll be able to check out some awesome drumming! The audience Q&A session will be an intriguing part of this session as well.

12:00 pm – Nicholas Papador with the Heartland Marimba Quartet – Vessels of Song: Precedents of Klezmer Suites for Mallet Ensemble
Wabash Ballroom

Take a journey of klezmer music as performed by these wonderful musicians. This session will be rich with style and history and one we think will be a good mid day concert!

1:00 pm – Grab some Lunch and Hit the Expo Hall – Go check out some of the great new product being launched this year at PASIC. Perhaps do a little window shopping for what you might want to purchase for yourself or your music program.

3:00 pm – Sammuel Torres – Hands of Fire: Igniting Latin Percussion Dynamics and Control
Room 125

Spice things up with this session and learn of tips and tricks you can take back to use in your jazz ensembles and percussion ensembles for an even more authentic sound and feel. Samuel will cover topics such as rhythmic language, connecting different styles, and finding your voice. A great chance to learn from on of the best!

5:00 pm – Generations Trio featuring David Friedman
Wabash Ballroom

David Friedman is one of the most influential vibraphonist ever and any chance you have to see him in person is not worth passing up. The concert is the first release of the new album from this trio and looks to be very exciting indeed!

8:00 pm – So Percussion – Evening Concert
Sagamore Ballroom

As far as professional percussion groups performing around the world today, few top the creativity, skill, and refinement that is offered by So Percussion. This evening concert will cover music from their last couple of seasons and will have a wide variety of style and intrigue. If you are a fan of new music and concert percussion ensembles, this concert is right up your alley!

Saturday November 16th, 2024

9:00 am – Birdville High School – Showcase Concert
Wabash Ballroom

Another great concert to get your day going on the last day of PASIC 2024! Led by Akira Robles, this ensemble was the overall winner of the 2024 Pasic IPEC High School division. One of the best high school concerts of the year can be see this day!

10:00 am – RCC Indoor Percussion – Clinic/Performance
Sagamore Ballroom

Keeping with the tradition of bringing in a top marching group each year, this is one that all drummers can enjoy, regardless of specialization. Learn from some of the best while seeing the 16-time WGI medalist throw down some tasty beats!

11:00 am – Blackman Middle School – Showcase Concert
Room 120

Under the direction of David England, this ensemble is one of the finest in Tennessee and has performed around the state at various conventions and days of percussion. This is a great opportunity to see younger students performing at a high level. Take the time to see them perform and be motivated to bring back some great music and motivation to your younger students. We think this is a MUST SEE for all music educators!

12:00 pm – GRAB some LUNCH and visit the EXPO hall one last time(there are many great sessions during this time but this is a good chance to take a break and refuel for the rest of the day)

1:00 pm – John Beck with the UNC Professors – Your Ear Drum: The Most Important Instrument You Own
Room 205

Join this awesome panel with discussions on Health and Wellness and demonstrate things that lead to hearing loss in percussionist. Most importantly they will offer proven solutions to protect your hearing and prolong your career. As music educators, you can take what you learn from this session and put it into action IMMEDIATELY!

2:00 pm – Russ Miller – Developing Your Sound
500 Ballroom

Russ Miller has been known as a premier clinician for many years and this session should be no different. Whether your forte is drum set or not, his tips and tricks on touch, musical playing, and sound quality can transfer to anything you teach!

3:00 pm – Laura Noah – Two World: Marching and Orchestra and the Skills Between
Room 205

One of the most often asked and debated questions in percussion is how much crossover their is between marching and concert skills. This session looks to answer this exact question. We a deep dive on timing, balance, and character, we think this may be one of the most informative/transformative sessions of the whole convention!

6:00 pm -The US Army Blues with Mike Clark, Peter Erskine, Colleen Clark, Greg Hutchinson, Maria Marmarou, and Steve Fidyk
Sagamore Ballroom

Close out PASIC 2024 with the US Army Blues joined by some of the top names in drumming!

Of course with BOA Grand Nationals happening at the same time, you may find yourself going back and forth between events throughout the weekend, but we hope this guide can help you find some great clinics and concerts while at PASIC! Regardless of what events you choose to attend we hope this list can be a starting point for you to start to build the schedule that fits your likes and dislikes!

While it’s too late to preregister, you can still come and register on site in Indy. For more information visit https://pas.org/pasic/registration/.