APRDC

The American Patriots Rudimental Drummers Club was founded in 2003 by John and Barbara Flowers to promote the preservation of historical rudimental drumming from our earliest roots to modern drumming as we know it today. Our First Annual Iinternational Convention was held in Harrisburg, PA in April 2004. Drummers from all over the United States and Canada meet annually for a weekend of truly inspiring performances and socializing. Our members range from young performers to Hall of Fame drummers.

FIFTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION TO BE HELD:
April 18 thru 20th, 2008
NEW LOCATION: Harrisburg Holdiay Inn Hotel & Conference Center

CLICK HERE FOR COMING EVENTS-INFORMATION ON CONVENTION

ALSO:

GAS (Great Alliance of Seniors) "Greates Drum Corps Reunion Ever" Coming to ONTARIO, CANADA,hosted by The Drum Corps Alumni of Toronto (DCAT)
MAY 2,3, & 4, 2008 contact: patmaloney@sympatico.ca , or GAS 2008, 4660 Greenlane Road, Beamsville, Ontario, L0R 1B1

News Notes:

APRDC Drummers Participated in the Westbrook Muster in August 2007.

REVIEW of FOURTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION:

The Fourth Annual International Rudimental Drummers Convention was held on April 20th-22nd, 2007. SEE A PHOTO SHOW of our EVENT: http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/qJ6iB5Bk

Here is Barbara Flower's commentary on our 4th Annual Convention:

They say it was the best so far!  Many folks have commented that this years’ convention was the best we’ve had.  Why?  It was basically the same format – maybe it’s that after so many years we know each other better.  Icons are now friends, strangers are now buddies.  In some ways it’s almost more like a family reunion than a club meeting.  Friday night was the usual – getting things set up, unpacking, greeting, practicing, etc.  Music for Westbrook was attempted and the first massed drums took place.  The USAF guys were already practicing when John & Barbara arrived with the “convention in a U-haul”.  Fortunately, there were helping hands to unload all the many boxes, containers, drums, etc.  Barbara and her wonderful volunteer crew from the “Rose Brigade” got the Reception table up and running and all the packets, fruit baskets, etc. set out and ready for the first participants to arrive. 

Saturday, the big day started out as usual with last minute practicing.  The days’ schedule had to be revamped somewhat due to two key members not being able to attend because of health issues at home….neither Nick Attanasio nor Fred Johnson were able to attend so several of the exhibitions that would have included them were canceled.  We still kept to the schedule quite well.  Chew Gernandt had an unexpected accident at the convention and also was unable to play.  Nathan McLaren’s Dad had come along in place of Fred Johnson and was heard earlier in the day playing fife.  When asked if he and Nathen would fill in one of the empty time slots, he seemed reluctant to do so, but eventually gave in – WOW!! What a surprise.  It was definitely THE hit performance of the day.  Turns out Brent McLaren is the official Town Crier of his home town and has won MANY championships.  He and Nathan put on a terrific performance as did ALL of our performers.  Tom Reed looked splendid in his American Originals uniform as the opening exhibition of the day – always a tough spot to draw. The Dynamic Duo of Joe & Jack were as usual phenomenal, the Mason Dixon Ensemble has really stepped up their show and was extremely entertaining – loved the cymbal solo by Lynn, the bass drum expertise of Mo and that “drill” starting off with the father-son duo.  The new Sky Alumni quartet consisting of Jack, Joe, Erin & John was so impressive!  A copy of the complete Saturday schedule is enclosed.  Every year EACH AND EVERY PERFORMER seems  to perform “above” their talent level.  It truly is amazing.  Jim Clark did a fine job with his Clinic and the audience was definitely enthralled with his knowledge, skill level and the historical information contained in his presentation.  Bill McGrath did a unique demonstration including overhead projector and all!  Thanks for the effort Bill.  The final exhibition of the afternoon was by CADRE from Canada.  They did an excellent job and surprised John Flowers by dedicating their competition piece for this year to him.  They also presented him with a book of the music autographed by all the CADRE members.  It was a memorable closing for the exhibitions. The afternoon ended with the massed drumming segment and run through of the Westbrook tunes again.  (Apparently, there was some M&M going on out in the hall way as the female Westbrook contingent was warming up their marching skills and practicing column rights, forward march, etc.  All the ladies seem to be quite enthused about their upcoming participation in the Westbrook muster).