After recovering from my whirl-wind of a trip overseas, I have returned to all my ensembles and the weekly road trips to practices. I’ve also started private teaching and am always looking for Private Students for this upcoming year- so if that’s you, Give me a shout! I have set up a studio at home, and have also began internet tutoring for some distance students as well.
I wish the competition was upon us already, but lots of practices still remain between now and the competition season. I’m really looking forward to it!
Stay tuned for more updated information on what’s going on in the near future!
Till Next Time!~
Rotterdam was wonderful. Switzerland was a dream. Oman wasn’t!
The whirlwind of studying, playing and traveling since late August came to an abrupt end last night as I stepped off the plane in Montreal after a full day of flying. It was not how I planned to come home to Canada, but it was a relief to see a Tim Horton’s once again. Over nine months of planning, preparation, writing music and studying came to a crashing halt.
Oman is a beautiful country, of great contrasts and opportunity but, for me, it was clearly not to be. The obstacles to creating a quality drum line would not be quickly overcome and the living accommodations were not conducive to helping me realize my goals: let alone the prognosis was that there would be little, if any, change in the foreseeable future. It was simply not what I was promised or remotely prepared for. So, I pulled the plug and now begin “Plan B“.
I would like to thank those who helped me on the ground in Oman, particularly Tony, his wife and Craig along with many others. Your support during the those initial days will be remembered. It was not easy to make the decision to abandon the programme I had hoped to put in place, but as I reflected on it during the hours in the air, it was the right decision.
Cheers! Now, where’s my double-double?
Another week of my ‘Adventure’ has gone by, and what seemed to be an endless train ride from Brussels, finally came to a stop in Basel. Arriving later in the evening, I found my new friend Danny MaGay from the Wild Bunch F&D Corp at the train station, and continued onto downtown Basel to meet Fabio- the gentlemen who has taken me in for my time here.
Starting on Tuesday, I toured around Basel on foot, checking out many of my surroundings, and establishing myself with groceries and currency. With the sun shining, I put a lot of miles on my feet climbing hills, and checking different places out, and of course taking lots of pictures!
In the afternoon, I paid a visit to Alain Martins drumshop, as well as Schlebach’s drum shop which was not to far from the place I’m staying. -Which is definitely dangerous:)
Wednesday, I had tons of places I wanted to visit in the old part of Basel, and had practice with the Wild Bunch Fife and Drum Corp that night! It was a great time, and very interesting to see how they play the arrangements with their swiss touch. The lead snare drummer-Pascal, invited me to Basler Ueli on Friday night, a Basel Clique to check out his group. After the practice, Danny and I continued down to the Ancient Mariners meeting at a bar down the street, and met that group. It was almost like a brotherhood! These guys were a joy to talk with!
Friday would come, and I was very excited to check out Pascals group. Heading down to the Hahn, I met up with Pascal, and went into the restaurant and met the group. After a drink, we headed upstairs to where they practiced, and the next two hours were a blur! I was very interested in the style, but also interested in the sound they create. It’s absolutely amazing- Talk about dynamics!
Check out the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyG3921Ojko
After a relaxing weekend, and more sight seeing, as well as catching the weekend markets throughout the area, and of course tons of more picture, it was soon Sunday night. With most people eating Turkey for Thanksgiving, I was eating Pizza! That was definitely a first!
Well, until next time!- Cheers
I am in Basel, Switzerland and filling my camera and computer with pictures. I placed many of them on my Facebook account but many people who have written me have said they are not members of Facebook … so …
Take a look at my Picasa Web Gallery. I am just learning how to make this work in the few minutes that I have available each day. This is where I am going to try and keep things organized in the future.
Yep, I am back to playing, playing, playing and learning, learning and learning! Hey with all of this time and no cell phone to interrupt me … can I see that grip one more time?
Stay in touch! … Nathan
Well I’m back on the road again, and so far so good.. but SO Wet! I’m on the train right now from Brussels to Basel Switzerland, and all I can see right now is miles upon miles of mountains and green trees. It’s very pleasant to look at-and hopefully the rain will stop soon! Lots has happened the past couple days and here are the last 5 days… in a nut shell!:)
Arriving in the evening to Pierre Trudeau Airport in Montreal on Wednesday 27th, I flew over to Amsterdam via Zurich, and met up with Jean Paul Ratajczak (President Dynasty Europe) and Al Murray (Vice- President Dynasty USA).
As soon as we began to drive to Dordrecht where our hotel was, the rain had began to fall, and I was starting to get the idea of what ‘jet leg’ feels like. Landing in the early afternoon, we had many different drum corps we had to check out throughout Holland, and lots of driving around was ahead of us.
Freezing cold, and wet, we met up with a Corp from England where we had to drop off some equipment that they had ordered, and continued onto another corp- the defending champions Jubal from Dordrecht After watching their practice, we had an invitation back to their Clubhouse to chat and relax… so of course we accepted the offer. At the time I wasn’t thinking about jet leg, but it definitely hit me after an hour, a drink, and a warm comfy leather couch. I was ready to go to the hotel.
Friday, was a day full from early sun up- to sun down of visiting with corps, and meeting many new faces, but also learning and seeing many parts of Holland. That night after visiting a corp in the region of Amsterdam, we decided to visit, and check out the city. It was beautiful, and the night life was definitely busy as it was later in the day, and in the week. After doing hours of sight seeing, we packed up into the van, and headed back to the hotel. Thank God the Jet Leg would be almost gone at this time, as I had an early morning again setting up for DCE the next day.
My original invitation from Jean Paul, was based around the Drum Corp Europe Championships in Rotterdam, and I was very interested in the styles and arrangements that these corps would produce… so I looked forward to the early morning.. just not my lack of sleep.
Waking up at 6:00AM, Jean Paul picked me up, and we swung over to the stadium to prepare the Dynasty Tent, and get things set up… of course- It Rained!!! Rain,Rain,Rain… Soaking Everything! With the Semi-Finals starting at 9:00AM, corps began arriving shortly after we arrived on site, and than the tent became VERY busy-and stayed like that all day. My job for the day was to take pictures of the drum corps using Dynasty drums for the website, and that task was very simple… although everyone except a couple use Dynasty! So I was running running running getting things done and trying to catch as much as the action on the field as I could as well. Soon the semi results would be posted, and a break until the finals would take place until 6:00.
After taking things down and finishing my last picture, I jumped into the stadium to check out the finals, and Sparta stadium was filled with European fans cheering for their corps. It was quite the site! After all was complete, The Senators from England won the contest, with Beatrix in 2nd, and Jubal in 3rd. In the percussion category, Drum Spirit would take first after a great show! Saying my goodbyes to many new friends and faces, I would return to the Clubhouse to have a couple drinks before packing it in for the night.
Sunday would come, and although Saturday was an amazing time.. Sunday would touch me as a Canadian in a foreign country. Europe being so close to the surround countries, Jean Paul, Al, Neil (From Vic Firth) and myself, headed out on an excursion to visit the oldest city in Holland called Brugge.
Arriving in Brugge, the architecture of the buildings and houses filling the city would catch my eye, as their European construction, as well as historical age brought beauty to a city that I had never really seen before. With stones lining the streets as roads, horse drawn carriages pulling people around, and the marketplace with a statue in the middle in front of City Hall, and a band playing in the background, it provided such a comforting state. Finally one day we had beautiful weather, and was perfect for the setting of our day. After a great lunch at a restaurant, we headed off to the most memorable leg of the trip-Belgium’s Ieper.
Being a Canadian, and having family who have faught in WWI & WWII, Ieper was the location of one of one of the battles fought during the war and we decided to visit the graves of the soldier who have died for the freedom that we have today.
Our first stop was in a cemetery that was full of German soldiers from WWI. Off the main road quite a bit, and covered by a monument and big trees, their name plates lined the grassline of the yard with beautiful vines surrounding the cemetery. it was quite the place! Next we would continue down the road, to where a cemetery full of Belgium’s laid. Their stones grey in colur, were set back off the road quite a bit, and the shadow from the trees throughout the cemetery, shadowed the headstones. After taking some pictures, we came upon the first British memorial cemetery. Off in the mountain on a one lain road, the color of the white limestone could be seen for miles. With the tomb representing those who are known to God directly in the middle, the grave stones stood bravely with no sound to be heard for miles… a very reflective time. Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Al and Jean Paul were determined to find Hill 60- a massive site where hundreds of Soldiers would lay following the war. Driving in between cow pastures, with no cars in site we came upon Hill 60, and the power of the War hit me. Walking through the limestone gate of the cemetery, headstones seemed to line the field for miles with monuments placed throughout the yard and the green grass shinning so perfectly as the wind blew the poppy’s on the tomb stones, I really got a sense of what it really means to be a Canadian. I had lots of time to reflect, and recite the poem that I had learned as a kid about these cemeteries and the war.
Walking back to the Car, Al, Neil, and I had time to trade thoughts, and we couldn’t believe what we had been seeing, and were very touched and I know personally that I will definitely remember this day for a long time.
Starting our way back to Dordrecht, it was soon time to eat, and we stopped in Antwerpen in Holland, and grabbed a bite to eat. After walking around for a bit, and taking more pictures of the buildings throughout the area, it was back to the car for one last time. We would arrive back to the hotel ready for bed, and we would say our goodbyes to each other as Al and Neil had to leave early today.
Waking up at 8:30am, I finished packing up my bags, and waited for Jean Paul to come pick me up to head to catch the train. With the rain falling really hard, traffic was really bad and I’m happy everything was on time. Arriving in Brussels to catch my train, I had 30 minutes to purchase my ticket and figure out how to find the track that I would load on… only a couple problems.. but nothing to serious! I made it- and now it’s off to Switzerland! I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope all is well with everyone!
A big thank you to Jean Paul, and Al for everything this weekend, and Neil of course for putting up with me!:) Also of course, a big hello to my parents and friends back home… Things are good! Wish y’all could be here with me, but I’ll see you soon.
Check out my PicasaWeb Gallery on the main page for pictures!
Talk Soon,
Nathan
Wednesday, September 27th, just after noon hour I drove out of Ontario on my way to Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport in Montreal. The journey begins … ironically the same day my home town newspaper ran a major article on me. Twelve hours later and I would arrive in Switzerland at the very start of the next morning. I flew for seven hours and the clock moved forward by 6 … so leaving at 5:00 PM would mean arriving at 6:00 AM, a lot of kilometres and very little sleep.
Over the next few weeks I will try to record my experiences at DCE (Drum Corp Europe) and in Basel with “Top Secret” before moving on to Muscat, Oman. It is hard to believe as I write this that I have not had a pair of drumsticks in my hands for nearly 72 hours. It is even more difficult to believe that I have not had a cell phone in my hands for 74 hours! My Canadian phone would not work internationally, so it was left behind. The sticks? They are in my bag and tomorrow morning, at 7:00 AM, they are coming out as I prepare to tap-tap-tap again!
It has been pretty easy to stay in contact with home and friends through email, Skype or MSN. Thank you all those who are writing, and yes, I am responding at strange hours … well strange to you … new to me!
Also, thank you to Ian Gray who is the editor of the Perth Courier for the article.
Cheers from Rotterdam!
This past weekend I travelled to Rochester NY to take part in the DCA World Drum Corp Championships Ensemble Competition. Arriving in Toronto on Thursday night, my drumline from CADRE had a practice on Canadian soil before heading over the boarder to prepare for the Ensemble competition. This being my third times competing at the DCA ensemble championships and being the defending champions we knew it wasn’t any walk in the park. It also was a breaking of ground as this would be my first time competing with the Rope Drum Quartet on Snare, and in the Individuals on the World Drum Corp Scene. Playing in three groups on the Friday, I was about to test my hydrenaline, and endurance level.
In performance order, the Rope drum Quartet was the first CADRE ensemble to compete. After a breif warmup by the water, the Quartet split from the ensemble, and headed over to the circle. The final number would turn out to be a 2nd place and the ensemble was happy about our placement. As soon as I finished in the ensemble circle, I had to run out and prepare for my individual solo.
Dropping my rope drum, I picked up my hi-tension snare drum and stand and entered 
the convention center for the individuals. Arriving two spots early, I was able to calm down and listen to my music and prepare my mind for my solo. The field being made up of many former DCA World champions, and the current DCI World Champion, going in I wanted to do a great solo! The next 15 minutes were an absolute blur! After catching my final trick to complete my solo, and saluting the judges, I stepped down from the stage and the hydrenaline was pumping. Meeting many of my fellow competitiors on my way to the back of the room, I had the chance to finally meet names such as ‘Fast Frankey’ Nash, Rick Beckham, John Neurohr, Wayne Oien, and Chris Perna. The guys I had been watching for years were now standing in front of me! It was a pleasure to have played with the greats.
Of course, I still had one more event to compete in… Off I ran to the Ensemble circle again, and joined my fellow CADRE HiTension line for the final competition. Again defending our championships, we watched our competition perform and than it was show time. After setting up, the warmup began, and soon a year of hard work practicing would be over.
Soon the results would be in, and I had achieved a dream- I placed in the top 3 of the Individuals Competition!!! and on top of that, my drumline defended our title and came first. What a day.. A Gold and Two silver.
I was speechless, and couldn’t believe what just happend. I must thank my god friends from CADRE and President of CADRE and my drum instructor Fred Johnson. Of course, I cannot forget my sister and parents for all their support and love.. for all this would not be able to happen if it weren’t for them.
Next, it’s off to the Middle East on the 20th of this month- a great weekend to finish the season on, and I will remember this weekend for a long time!
Kindest Regards,
Why use STICKTAPE.com when you can use electric tape?
That’s what everyone says! Once you have tried this product, you will not go back. Chris Dolittle, and his team at STICKTAPE.com have created a reliable product that will not let you down. Personally, I used white duct tape for the longest time, and the added weight and the durability after alot of use was not holding to my standards. This meant changing the tape regularly, and quickly began to become more of a pain than anything.
That was until I met Chris Dolittle, and STICKTAPE.com and received my firth roll. Applying the roll to a new pair of sticks, I immediately recognized how easy it was to apply to a pair of sticks! Finally no wrinkles, or bubbles, which than let go and mess up your lovely tape job. After testing the tape over a couple days of hacking and wacking, I will never go back to what I used before.
If you tape your sticks, or are looking too in the future, check out STICKTAPE.com. Trust me, You will not go back! Tell Chris Nathan sent you.
Thanks STICKTAPE.com.
I’d like to take the the opportunity to thank Vic Firth, and Olin Johannessen for welcoming me to the Vic Firth Educator Family. Vic Firth- the #1 selling drumstick in the world, has always been my stick of choice and when given the opportunity to become an artist, I didn’t hesitate to accept. With the name Vic Firth comes quality products, great service, and a history of success in every idiom of Percussion.
My Personal Vic Firth Collection of sticks dates back to the originals when Vic Firth was being burned into each stick, and has the consistent quality and reliability that can be seen from the originals, to the current products.
I look forward to working with Vic Firth!
Till Next time!~
As it’s that time of the year, I’ve been regularly on the road performing, competing, and of course practicing with my drumlines.
I have managed to blog my recent events, but will post them as soon as I get a chance to edit them!:)
I hope all is well with everyone!!!! Check back soon for an update.
Cheers!
