snare drums

Chris Brooks is proud of the publications he and his partner Chris Crockarell have created as part of their percussion-focused music publishing company. Since forming Row-Loff in the early 1980s, the team of Chris and Chris have lived up to their slogan of providing the “foremost in marching and concert literature.” Behind each of their unique publications such as “Rhythmuscles,” “Halloween Rap” and “Novelty Jamz” is their deep passion for music making and the art of percussive music education.

John Craviotto, the founder of Craviotto Drum Company, has helped pioneer the handcrafted solid-shell snare drums, a leading product for his company and a tool he sought as a young drummer in the 1960s. As a musician, John worked for a host of top artists such as Neil Young, Ry Cooder, Buffy St. Marie and Moby Grape. He studied the kits he loved and became a student of woods from around the world. He also spent many hours building and re-building snare drums to better understand what made the “sound” he sought.  For about a decade beginning in the 1990's, John’s snare drums were available as part of Drum Workshop's catalogs, which greatly expanded the brand name and resulted in a life-long friendship with Drum Workshop founder Don Lombardi.

Chris Crockarell and his partner in music publishing, Chris Brooks, have created a special line of percussion methods and music books for those educators looking to bring fun to the art of music. With silly and fun method books and a host of levels and skill sets, the Row-Loff catalog includes such gems as “Pep Band Stuff,” Bucket Beats,” “EZ Blazin’” and “Bag, Bucket, Box, Barrel ‘O!” The company has been a staple at the Midwest Band Clinic and PASIC for several decades, helping both students and educators alike. 

Rob Mazzella is the vice president of GMS Drum Company. As a teenager, Rob combined his love of drumming with this love of machine shop work and began creating small accessory items for local music stores. Rob established GMS, which stands for his series of products called Grand Master Series, in Farmingdale, New York. Over the years the company has introduced a wide range of products including drum kits and hardware. In 2002, the company celebrated its 15th year in business with a unique Anniversary Snare Drum presented at the NAMM Show, just one in many milestones for the company.

Ed Thigpen, known as Mr. Taste for his remarkable touch and feel as an innovative drummer, had a few (hundred) tricks up his musical sleeves when it came to brush work on the snare drums or speed on the high-hat. As a jazz drummer, Ed played with just about everyone everywhere. And yet, he was a firm believer in encouraging future percussionists and thus wrote method books and providing countless clinics in the hope of inspiring others to make music! His impact on the industry may never be fully realized but it will be felt for years to come.