Included in this year’s event were technical demonstrations, insight
sessions, and appearances by
WFD Champions Mike Mangini, Art Verdi, Johnny Rabb, Tim Waterson and
Jotan Afanador. Jon ‘Bermuda’ Schwartz of The Weird Al Yankovic Band took
the stage to say:
"Some drummers look for a deep meaning, some great
musical purpose to WFD, and then put it down when they
can't figure it out. What they conveniently overlook
is the tremendous amount of technique and practice
required to move sticks so quickly, precisely, and
seemingly effortlessly. Perhaps the naysayers just
don't understand how such control could possibly apply
to their own drumming (but more likely, they wish they
possessed a little of that technique themselves!) And
the idea that WFD might also be enjoyable for all
involved completely escapes them.
I've been to several competitions and, besides being impressed,
I am inspired. Not to enter the contest,
but inspired to be better - to work on my fingers and hands, and
apply that to my playing.
It's been a long time since I've been motivated to improve myself.
Thanks to Johnny, Art, Jotan, Tim and all of the
contestants for reminding me that practice and diligence pays off."
The NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest was sponsored by THE
MUSIC EDGE.COM, NAMM’s new teen promotional initiative, and was open to
everyone attending this year’s Winter NAMM Show. All contestants were scored
on playing single strokes (no bounces, presses or buzz) for 60 seconds
as recorded by the Drumometer.
Winner of The Battle of the Feet contest went to Reno Kiillerich of
Demark with a blistering foot score of 802 single strokes in 60 seconds.
Kai Katchadourian of Hawaii won The Battle of the Hands with an astounding
907 single strokes in 60 seconds.
GRAND PRIZES for this International Event included: two MAPEX Drum-Sets,
a year’s supply of ProMark Drum Sticks (with Winner’s name), two sets of
MEINL Cymbals, AXIS LongBoard ‘A’ Double Pedal, 50 REMO Drum Heads, and
two NAMM Fastest Drummer Stick Box Trophies from Tim Byrd .
For those who missed NAMM First Annual Fastest Drummer Contest, it will
air on Fox Sports Net’s XSTV next Season. For more information on this
event visit www.namm.com.
Front row: Battle of the Feet winner Reno Kiillerich and The Battle
of the Hands winner Kai Katchadourian
Back row: Johnny Rabb, Art Verdi, Jotan Afanador, Miss WFD Kristee
Lively, Tim Waterson
Jotan Afanador and Battle of the Feet winner, Reno Kiillerich
Clayton Cameron gives it a try using brushes!
Clayton Cameron with the WFD Championship Belt
Fox Sports Net’s Sara Kate, Miss WFD Kristee Lively, Jotan Afanador,
The Battle of the Hands winner Kai Katchadourian, and Battle of the Feet
winner Reno Kiillerich
Fox Sports Net’s Sara Kate, Johnny Rabb, and Miss WFD Kristee Lively
Tim Waterson blisters the bass drum
It is also worth mentioning that Tim Waterson ran an
AMAZING 650 strokes on a SINGLE bass drum using the
Vruk Single pedal
Miss WFD Kristee Lively and Kimberly
Contreras
Mike Mangini
The WFD plays to a full house!
Jon 'Bermuda’ Schwartz of The Weird Al Yankovic Band and
Bryan Hitt of REO Speedwagon address the crowd.
Johnny Rabb 'funks' things up a little!
The Winners and WFD staff goofing around!
Miss WFD Kristie Lively with the Championship Belt
Johnny Rabb and XSTV's Sarah Kate and Miss WFD Kristie Lively
Tyler Olson gets interviewed for TV!
Miss WFD Kristee Lively keeps up with the score as Mike Lane competes
in the Battle of the Feet
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