Annual Drum Competition
MMW's 5th Annual Competition at Cactus Jacks
Music Maker Workshops’ 5th Annual Drum Competition went off with a bang on Sunday, February 19th! Drummers with experience of less than 1 year up to 3 or more years, competed in three categories for the coveted title of 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. It was standing room only at Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill, and the energy during each performance was infectious! Participants chose their own music that ranged from rock, metal, pop, indie and had 2.5 minutes to show the judges and audience their beats.
The Judging Panel
The judging panel was made up of the MMW drum faculty and a special guest judge, Austen Mack, from popular valley band Captain Squeegee. Beloved Music Makers’ instructor and director of the Desert Sound Drum Corps, Devin Brown, MCd the event.
The Drummers
The participants were judged on tempo, technical skills, artistry and overall performance. Creativity was at an all time high, with participants wearing masks ranging from a taco hat (song was “It’s Raining Tacos” by Parry Gripp) to a gas mask (song was “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons), to one drummer, Timothy Johnson, who handmade dynamite to throw out to the judges during his performance of BTS’ “Dynamite”. The top two categories were true nail biters that ended in ties, with the judges having the tough decision to deliberate on who to place in the top spots, and finally the afternoon ended in a celebration of all the drum students’ accomplishments throughout the day! One parent, Josh Lawing, said of the day “Thank you for this amazing opportunity for all to share, shine and enjoy!”. “This is one of my favorite events of the year to organize.
A Favorite Event
This is one of my favorite events of the year to organize. Holding space for a special day to highlight our drumming community is something truly special. Drummers are never usually in the spotlight so it is a pleasure to celebrate them on a special day each year.” said studio manager, Jess Magee. One parent in the audience mentioned, “it was so neat to see how many parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends came out to support these students, it made for an amazing event!”. Studio director Shelley Yakubow mentioned “One thing that stands out to me is how supportive and uplifting the kids are to one another. I was backstage in the green room and the kids were amping each other up and congratulating each other when they came off the stage. It was nice to see them being so good to one another.”
Winners were as follows:
Division I:
1st place, Oliver Twilley,
2nd place, Lucius Readhead,
3rd place, Sydney Savoy
Division II:
1st place, Henry Garvy,
2nd place, Luke Nigro,
3rd place, Kellen Glover
Division III:
1st place, Alex Silva,
2nd place, Abby Hughes,
3rd place, Eden Hartsfield
Thanks to Cactus Jacks
It was standing room only at Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill, and the energy during each performance was infectious! Participants chose their own music that ranged from rock, me
For more information on Drum Lessons
Music Maker Workshops has a thriving drum program with almost 100 drum students and a diverse, friendly and experienced drum faculty made up of professional musicians. The studio is located on the southeast corner of 32nd Street and Chandler Blvd. For more information about lessons call or text (480) 706-1224.
Email: lessons@mmwaz.com