Percussion-Drums

Spencer Aloisio began working for the Slingerland Drum Company in 1969 and stayed with the company until 1980. During that time he worked on the selling, promoting and marketing of the popular percussion products. Spencer worked his way up from factory employee into the office as sales manager and then as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The company’s owners changed a few times during that time and Spencer worked hard to keep consistent customer care and dealer relations during that time. Spencer later worked within the band and orchestral segment of the industry before becoming the secretary and treasurer of the Chicago Chapter of the Musicians Union.

AJ Altieri began working in the music retail business in the mid 1970s after a childhood filled with music. He played in bands as a student along with being a Drum Major, before performing in area rock bands. He began working in Elliott Rubinson’s Thoroughbred Music in Tampa, Florida. AJ was asked to manage the small drum area of the store, which under his direction over the next decade outgrew the space. The success led to the idea of his own drum shop one day, which became a reality in 1995 when Thoroughbred Music was sold. AJ and his wife Gracie opened AJ’s Pro Percussion Shop in Tampa where they soon became the spot for drums and drummers.

Grace Altieri has a background in law but was willing to put that career on hold when her husband decided to open a drum shop in Tampa. AJ was working for a local music store and was really growing the drum segment of the business, so, when a chance came along to open his own store he jumped at it. Grace soon took over the books, the sales and sheet music department and found that as the store grew so did her love of the industry. Grace recalls many meaningful memories of the ten years she and AJ owned the store including several late night jam sessions and successful clinics in the store.

Vinny Appice began playing drums at a young age, just like his older brother Carmine. Vinny played drums ever since the age of eight and by age sixteen he was working with John Lennon! His influential career developed in the 1970s with a series of albums, and by 1980 joined the rock band Black Sabbath. Two years later he left the band with singer Ronnie James Dio to form the band Dio, which resulted in five studio records before Vinny left the band in 1989. His drumming style has been the inspiration for a generation of players who were fascinated with his steady and driving force while also able to play soft and gentle.

Drew Armentrout worked in music retail for years before being hired by the Roland Company to work in the electronic drum division. His early experience served him well as he viewed both the musician’s and retailer’s points of view when developing and marketing products for Roland. Drew’s passion for music can be traced back to his childhood and after all these years in the industry his passion is as strong today as ever! 

Billy Ashbaugh remembers with a smile his first drum kit as a kid and the desire to play professionally almost from the very beginning. He learned the ropes as a sub drummer and studio player before landing the gig as drummer for the boy super-group N’Sync. The explosive popularity of the group’s tours and recordings provided Billy with the opportunity to present clinics and classes to inspiring drummers around the world.
 

Ray Ayotte was born in Millardville Canada where as a youngster he began playing drums for rock bands he formed with schoolmates. Throughout his early playing days Ray made little adjustments to his kit and learned that other players enjoyed the changes and sounds he could make. He dreamed of one day making his own drum set. After working in the music retail business Ray finally had his chance when he created the Ayotte Drum Company. After selling the company he began creating new models for Taye Drums to great success.

Leonardo Balducci is the President of EMD Music, Inc., a European music wholesaler and distributor that specialize in guitars, drums and percussion instruments, wind instruments, cymbals and accessories. EMD is located in Brussels and sells products to more than 2500 music retailers via two subsidiaries, two branches and 27 exclusive sales representatives. This client base covers the majority of European territory in the sector, namely the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria.
 

Michael Balter discovered, as a percussionist for many stage and symphonic orchestras, that he could create his own sounds by adjusting or wrapping his mallets. He slowly began designing his own mallets for himself and friends, until it was clear that he had his own business. Over the years the Michael Balter Mallet Company produced a steady number of innovative products while gaining a tremendous reputation as a supporter of school music programs and industry organizations.

Robert Beals was just a young man when he first met Chick Evans. The two worked to perfect and promote Mr. Evan’s idea of a synthetic drumhead in the 1950s. Up until that time, drumheads were made from cow skin, which presented several problems. With the skin drumheads, any change in temperature could greatly affect the sound and they would often fade out of tune. Robert became president of the Evan’s Company and oversaw its purchase by the D’Addario Company, which continues to produce the products Bob helped create. Mr. Beals passed away on August 7, 2010.