Drumming Up Talent: Sonny Emory Nurtures Young Players
ATLANTA, Ga. Yamaha Drum Artist Sonny Emory continued his commitment to young drummers by sponsoring a camp and a benefit concert in his hometown of Atlanta during the week of June 5-10. Emory's endeavors are well-known throughout the Atlanta area. He recently received an 11Alive Community Service Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by a local television station.
From June 5-9, Emory hosted the first Sonny Emory Drum Set Camp, held at the Woodward Academy (1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park, Ga.). Emory, along with several prominent staff members who have performed with renowned artists, including Lil' John Roberts (Janet Jackson), Yonrico Scott (Derek Trucks Band), and Bill Wilder (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), taught attendees rudiments of drumming, practice skills, recording techniques and the history of great drummers, among other topics. Goals included promoting professionalism, refining listening skills and fostering team work.
"Music is an essential ingredient to a well-rounded education," said Emory. "My staff and I shared the techniques we've learned over the years to help the students become better musicians."
Guest artists, who also conducted a series of special evening clinics, included Dennis Chambers (Santana), Alex Acuna (Weather Report) and Ndugu Chancler (Michael Jackson).
Yamaha Drums donated six drum sets to the camp. After the session ended, the kits were distributed to deserving students and schools in the Atlanta area.
"Yamaha has long been dedicated to promoting music education," said Joe Testa, international artist relations manager, Yamaha Drums. "I have a feeling that over the course of time, Sonny's camp will become one of the premier drum educational events. We're pleased to not only support the camp, but also to be involved in helping nurture the next generation of great drummers."
Emory furthered his community commitment on Saturday, June 10, when he held Nurturing the Gift, a special benefit concert featuring that also featured keyboardist Bruce Hornsby and vocalist Francine Reed, among others. Proceeds were earmarked for Emory's Drumline Makeover Project, which raises funds and provides new equipment for the Frederick Douglass High School Marching Astors Drumline, Emory's alma mater, along with other schools in the Atlanta area.
"When I hear the Frederick Douglass High School Marching Drumline perform using their new gear, it makes my toes curl," said Hornsby, founder of the band Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful event," said Reed, who has performed with Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson. "Being a grandmother of nine, I understand the importance of activities that provide a positive vibe and enable children to better themselves especially music."
Grammy® Award winner Sonny Emory occupied the drum chair of Earth, Wind & Fire for 13 years. He has also performed with Stanley Clarke, Steely Dan, David Sanborn, Bruce Hornsby, Al Jarreau and Boz Skaggs. His latest project is the deep funk band State of the Art. He also teaches percussion at Georgia State University.
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamahadrums.com.
About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer-based products targeted to both the amateur and professional markets.
 Sonny Emory gives out some pointers at a recent Yamaha drum clinic. |
"Music is an essential ingredient to a well-rounded education," said Emory. "My staff and I shared the techniques we've learned over the years to help the students become better musicians."
 Ndugu Chancler spending time with participants at the Sonny Emory Summer Camp. |
Yamaha Drums donated six drum sets to the camp. After the session ended, the kits were distributed to deserving students and schools in the Atlanta area.
"Yamaha has long been dedicated to promoting music education," said Joe Testa, international artist relations manager, Yamaha Drums. "I have a feeling that over the course of time, Sonny's camp will become one of the premier drum educational events. We're pleased to not only support the camp, but also to be involved in helping nurture the next generation of great drummers."
 Sonny addresses camp participants |
"When I hear the Frederick Douglass High School Marching Drumline perform using their new gear, it makes my toes curl," said Hornsby, founder of the band Bruce Hornsby and the Range.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful event," said Reed, who has performed with Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson. "Being a grandmother of nine, I understand the importance of activities that provide a positive vibe and enable children to better themselves especially music."
Grammy® Award winner Sonny Emory occupied the drum chair of Earth, Wind & Fire for 13 years. He has also performed with Stanley Clarke, Steely Dan, David Sanborn, Bruce Hornsby, Al Jarreau and Boz Skaggs. His latest project is the deep funk band State of the Art. He also teaches percussion at Georgia State University.
For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; email infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamahadrums.com.
About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer-based products targeted to both the amateur and professional markets.
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