Musicians from as far away as Canada and Germany gathered at Famularo's home in Long Island, New York to salute Jim. Each received specially made Vic Firth drumsticks with Jim Chapin's signature, and the newly designed reissue of “Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer". The book which virtually revolutionized drumming, now includes two CD's of Jim performing its material, and is available from Warner Bros. Publications.
Under a huge tent erected on the Famularo property, Jim held court, teaching and demonstrating hand technique, and sharing his historical knowledge of drumming greats, past and present, in his unique and humorous fashion. With ample food and drink provided by the hosts, drummers gravitated to the Wizdom DrumShed (a personally designed, state-of-the-art teaching facility by Dom Famularo) to express themselves, create exciting duets, share licks and have a ball.
In the TV room, there were plenty of drumming videos to watch, including Jim Chapin's “Speed, Power, Control, Endurance". Raffle prizes were awarded to those in attendance, which compromised of drumsticks, CD's, books, and a variety of percussion products, including Real Feel pads provided by HQ percussion, and a 20" HH ride sent by Sabian with Bob Zildjian's signature. In addition, artist Steve Leahy offered a hand-painted drumming cartoon. In sum, the event raised over five thousand dollars allowing the drumming family an opportunity to pay respect to one of its patriarchs.
For more information about Jim, please go to www.jimchapin.com. For additional information about supporting Jim, please go to www.domfamularo.com
Written by: Dan Britt and Cheech Iero
For more information contact All About Jazz.
