I’ve recently returned from the “Star Wars In Concert” US tour. It was a fantastic experience. The presentation was rock concert meets symphony orchestra meets movie experience. We played music from all 6 Star Wars scores, synced to high resolution film clips shown on a huge LCD screen. The evening was narrated by Anthony Daniels, better known as C-3PO.
I was blown away by the huge crowds this event drew. In Texas Stadium we played to over 30,000! The pyrotechnics and the production values were stellar (no pun intended). Every show was a memorable experience for me.
Playing the snare drum parts to all the Star Wars music gave me the opportunity to “test drive” the new Grover G3 Orchestral Snare Drum. All I can tell you is that a few of the other percussionists are now interested getting one and the first time I used it the sound engineer noticed the improvement in articulation.
Now it’s back to work at the office. We’re gearing up for our exhibition at PASIC next week. I have been informed that I will receive the PAS Outstanding Supporter Award, one of only 3 awards presented. I’m deeply honored and thankful to my PAS colleagues.
Here are a few pics from the road…
Hoping the force is with you,
About the Author
Neil
Neil W. Grover holds the unique distinction of having performed with one of the world’s foremost orchestras, the Boston Symphony; with legendary rock bands like Aerosmith; and on John Williams’ soundtrack for Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom.
For the past 28 years, Neil has gained worldwide visibility in the percussion section of the famed Boston Pops. Neil is one of the music industry’s most requested clinicians.
Neil is the author of Four Mallet Primer, and also co-author (with Garwood Whaley) of Triangle, Tambourine and Cymbal Technique, both published by Merideth Music. Neil has had numerous articles published in leading music journals including, Percussive Notes, School Band & Orchestra, and Drum Tracks. In addition, he has been the subject of feature articles in Percussive Notes, Modern Drummer, School Band & Orchestra, Drum Tracks, and Musical Merchandise Review.
As the Founder and President of Grover Pro Percussion, Neil Grover has been the world’s leading exponent of raising the standards of percussion instrument design and manufacturing. He has recently been featured on two episodes of “How It’s Made”, which airs worldwide on the Discovery Channel.
Neil Grover has been elected to six terms of office and has served on the Board of Directors of the Percussive Arts Society for 12 years. He is also a Trustee of the Winchester (Massachusetts) Community Music School, one of the country’s premier community music schools.
Blog Categories
Social Media
Newsletter
