My Story
My journey with drumming began at a very early age. I still have a vivid memory of my dad showing me traditional grip and how to play paradiddles. I was 3 years old. Little did I know that something I considered fun to do would eventually lead me down a career path that includes participating in music from elementary school up through college, playing in jazz and rock bands, performing , teaching and judging in the marching activity, conducting clinics around the world, published snare drum solos and articles and last but certainly not least , a 33 year career at the Walt Disney World Company as a performer, show music designer and conducting auditions!
Now, did I put a lot of time and effort into all these things? You better believe I did and I was very fortunate to have the help, guidance and inspiration from many in the field of music that allowed me to do all these things. However, the one thing, the common denominator that ties everything in my career together and can easily be overlooked or under appreciated is the reason I do what I do…ready? IT’S FUN! I ENJOY WHAT I DO!!
That feeling of picking up a pair of sticks and laying down some beats has stuck with me since beating up the sofa or arm rest of my dads car’s. I know many of you reading this can identify exactly what I’m talking about!
I’m so fortunate to have had the guidance and inspiration that has allowed me to have the career that I do. Others took the time to make a difference in my life and career and that is precisely the reason for sharing my story and the reason for this website. I want to share my enthusiasm and insight with all of you! I can do this in a number of ways. If you’re interested in my solo compositions, this site will link to the publisher and provide plenty of background regarding the material. If you’re interested in checking out how I play the things I do, you can always contact me and ask questions. I enjoy talking shop or chops! You can even schedule a lesson in person and schedule permitting, I might set up a Skype session! If you’re looking for a judge for your Fall marching band show or indoor, feel free to reach out and contact me! Looking for another set of eyes and ears and additional guidance for your drum line? I can certainly make time to consult with your program. And, I really enjoy conducting clinics that can cover a wide range of topics and tailor made to suit your needs.
So, please check out the rest of the website. If you would like to get in contact, please do so and allow me to share my insight and enthusiasm in the hopes I can make YOUR drumming experience as enjoyable a journey as mine!
–Danny
My Dad
This is where I get to honor the memory and accomplishments of my dad, Danny Raymond Sr.
His career in drumming, which lasted just over 50 years, was primarily within the drum and bugle corps activity.
He marched, taught and judged in addition to having a family and holding down full and part-time jobs. He also put a pair of 3S sticks in my 3 year old hands and taught me how to play. In addition for all that he did for his family, the drum and bugle corps activity was always very much a large part of his life and he dedicated all he could to it.
As a young man, he learned to drum at the Bayonne NJ (his home town) Police Athletic League Drum and Bugle Corps. His instructors were Neal and Vinny Cerbone. He then moved over to the National Champion St. Vincent’s Cadets, also from Bayonne. Upon aging out of junior drum corps, he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Ft. Campbell KY. Although he was a member of the Army Band, he was one of many federal troops who stood guard and protected students in Little Rock Arkansas in the late 1950’s. Upon his discharge from the Army, he found himself up all night practicing drum parts on a corps bus with the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps on way to his first show, the 1958 American Legion National Championships in Chicago, IL. which the corps won! This was the first of 6 national titles in a row he would enjoy with Hawthorne. In total, he won 13 national titles as a member of both the St. Vincent’s Cadets and the Hawthorne Caballeros – truly an amazing accomplishment.
He truly touched the lives of many as both a mentor and friend and in some cases, another father figure. He always had a joke to tell, most of them so bad they were funny. He also had a way of making someone he just met feel like they’ve known each other for years. He also held himself accountable as an instructor and judge in the activity, traits I will always try to live up to. Mainly, he was just my dad, but a very special one who shared his passion with his family and friends…a bond I will be eternally grateful for. From a very proud son, let me say “Thanks for everything, dad!”
Making the Magic
The Walt Disney World company is known to just about everyone living on planet Earth. The name is synonymous with cutting edge imagination and quality entertainment.
I’ve been very fortunate to have spent over 30 years of my professional career in the Orlando WDW theme parks as a performer, show director and audition facilitator.
In the ranks of professional musicians, it’s really been an honor to meet and perform with these world class people…an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I started my WDW career at Hollywood Studios in a group called the Hollywood Brass, and soon thereafter the Hollywood Hitmen. These “street bands” were featuring Orlando’s finest brass and rhythm section players covering all genres of music from grand opening fanfares to charts from the Tower of Power soul band. I played at the Hollywood Studios from 1989-1995.
More importantly, I met my wife Cate while working at the Hollywood Studios!
In 1995 the Disney creative department (WDW Creative Entertainment) had set out to re-create a percussion trio street act that originated at Disneyland that ultimately became known as “Da Jammitors” at EPCOT.
The original cast of Paul Collins, Anthony Parrulli and myself help create, shape and develop what many consider to be a “must see” entertainment experience at EPCOT and actually replicated at theme parks worldwide!
The success of Da Jammitors has opened the door as a creative collaborator with music and show directors from WDW’s Creative Entertainment department and most recently I’ve written for the Royal Majesty Maker/Giggle Gang musicians, entertainment acts that appeared at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. In 2018, I had the pleasure to co-write and perform with the Green Army Drum Corps, an award winning entertainment group at the Disney Studios.
Marching Arts
To say that drum corps and the marching arts have been a major part of my life would be a gross understatement.
My father was heavily involved in the drum and bugle corps activity and put sticks in my hand at age three. My childhood is from a generation minus smart phones, apps and computers. We didn’t talk about Google at my house… we talked about Paradiddles…which incidentally, you can look up on Google.
I marched in the New York Skyliners Senior Drum & Bugle Corps from 1987 – 1988 and I was crowned the Individual Snare Drum Champion, Drum Corps Associates in 1989 & 1990.
As an instructor I’ve worked with high schools, senior corps, junior corps, and private students. I’ve spent time with the Syracuse Brigadiers, Boston Crusaders, Carolina Gold, and most recently the Santa Clara Vanguard. I have also consulted with Infinity Percussion, the Orlando based WGI World Open finalist, as well as Reef Independent, an open class indoor percussion ensemble from Ft. Lauderdale Florida.
I am a composer and contributor for Tapspace percussion publishing company and I’ve penned quite a few solos for snare drum and drum set that have been performed by students all across the country. You can check out my library by clicking here.
If all of that weren’t exhausting enough…I also adjudicate marching arts contests. I am affiliated with the FFCC, FMBC, SWFIEA, NWAPA judging circuits and I freelance in this area as well.
Drum Set Performer
I’ve been a freelance drum set performer in the Orlando area for over 30 years.
I enjoy staying as busy as I can in the freelance world performing with some very talented musicians in the Central Florida area.
