Takashi Hagiwara

Takashi “Hagi” Hagiwara has been called the “godfather of Yamaha drums” as the unofficial ambassador of the company’s percussive products around the world.  His father was a silversmith in Tokyo, a profession he was thought to continue, however, he decided to take a part-time job as a teenager in a local music store.  Hagi found his personal passion in the music industry and was honored to be given a chance to work for Yamaha in the drum and percussion department at the Ginza store location.  His role expanded with Yamaha especially after the company decided to manufacture drums,

Jim Rupp has had a passion for drumming as far back as he can remember. As a percussionist for several traveling groups in the 1970s such as those led by Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman, Jim recognized the need for a pro drum shop in which the musician customers are addressed on their level. He established Columbus Pro Percussion and carved out a unique market in the area focusing on what he knew best. Jim has also been active within the industry, serving on the NAMM Board and for the Percussive Arts Society.  

T. Bruce Wittet is the widely read drum journalist who began his musical passion playing harmonica. His love for all things music led him to an exciting career playing in the school’s jazz ensemble, gigging in coffee houses and working as a studio musician for over 12 years. These experiences provided the background to write articles for Modern Drummer magazine, which Bruce has done since 1980. Among his articles still talked about today were the two he wrote about John Bonham and those that covered the makers of instruments such as William F.