Music clinics...

I first heard of musicians doing "clinics" when I was in high school.  My dad read in the St. Louis paper that an amazing drummer, Dave Weckl, was doing a drum clinic sponsored by Drum Headquarters, Zlidjian and Yamaha.  I was curious, so we drove down to St. Louis, a 2 hr trip from our town of Hannibal, Mo, to check out Weckl's clinic.

It was hosted in a high school auditorium, which was pretty full.  There were a lot of guys wearing their Zildjian shire and hats, I was one of them, and there was an expectancy in the air.  Something big was going to happen.

Dave put on a fantastic show, his kit was hooked up to the latest in drum processors and he played with some pre-recorded tracks that showed his orchestration and groove skills.  The audience was truly blown away, I know I was. After Dave played a couple tracks he spoke in depth about his approach to the drums; his concept of snare drum technique, his kit, orchestrating musically, tuning, and the New York music scene.  Weckl spoke at length about New York and that there was room for everybody and that if a musician was very serious, they should think about going to New York.  That was maybe the first time I thought seriously about it.

Over the years I went to a few more clinics and they all had their own vibe.  Ed Soph was very matter of fact and no-nonsense.  Gregg Bissonette was high energy and entertaining, while also very grounded and conversational.  Louis Bellson.  Dennis Chambers.  Simon Phillips.  Tony Williams.  Kenwood Dennard.  Victor Lewis. Every clinic I ever went to I can remember something interesting about each one of them, I came away with something to think about.

Some of my favorites were not the drummers, but pianists and horn players:  Bob Brookmeyer, Clark Terry, Lew Soloff, Clare Fischer, Gerald Wilson, Phil Woods, Kenny Werner.  All amazing musicians with a lot to share.  Just being in the same room with them, listening to their ideas, elevated those who came to listen.

With Wes Faulconer of Explorer's Percussion at a clinic in 2015

Now, I am giving my own clinics and it is an awesome experience, more exciting than I ever thought.  I've been doing a lot of clinics with high school jazz groups and it's always fun and I end up learning something.  A recent clinic at Explorer's Percussion in Kansas City was a favorite, we had a great turnout and I felt a real connection was made with everybody in the room.

I do some playing in the clinic, but I try to emphasize the "Why" of music.  What motivates us to play music anyway?  Why do we do what we do?  The sacrifices, what is it for?  I always get very interesting answers from musicians as to why they love music, why they do what they do.  Sometimes it can't be explained, but I feel it's something we can benefit from being in touch with.

Aside from the philosophical side of things, in a clinic I try to give my audience something they can't get anywhere else.  So I approach rhythm from a totally different perspective…. the jump rope!  Check out this video to see rhythm from a different perspective.