INSIDE THE EVOLUTION OF YOUR A 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION By Vince Sanna FRANK CORNIOLA “EDITING THE METHOD IN HIS MADNESS” Rhythm Section Drumming. the Australian drumming community had embraced On September 20th 1985, Australia’s newest forum with arms wide open. the 140-page publication, In 1998, Drumscene Rhythm Section Drumming became a partner to the (RSD) saw the light of day and Corniola founded Vorticity was released independently Music - a Jazz/Fusion based through Frank’s own touring and record company. publishing company, Muso's Vorticity and Drumscene has Publications (MP). since been credited as the Undoubtedly, the advent of RSD (the first book of its driving force and major kind in the world) was the springboard to Frank’s sponsor behind a plethora of illustrious publishing career. RSD now holds the local and international artists distinguished title of Australia’s biggest selling including the Dave Weckl Band, OTV, Vital educational drumset groove book to date. Information, The YellowJackets, Billy Cobham and MP went on to produce, publish and distribute Randy Brecker, Bill Evans Band featuring Vinnie s young man during the early 70's, Frank many other groundbreaking and landmark drumming Colaiuta, Kurt Elling, Chad Wackerman Band, Joe Corniola always dreamed of publishing his books, videos and compact discs by Australian Zawinul Syndicate, Mike Stern Band featuring Dennis A very own educational Drum publication. In drumming luminaries including; ABC of Drumming Chambers and Planet X. 1976, Frank wrote his first book, Progressive Studies, (Serge Carnovale), New Rhythm Grooves (David Jones), Frank’s brainchild, The Ultimate Drummer’s Day, a 130-page introspective Focus on Practice (Darryn Farrugia), Inspirations debuted at Dallas Brooks Hall in Melbourne on study into drumset theory and (Damian Corniola), Stretch (Virgil Donati), Analysis of February 20th 1993 and has since metamorphosed technique. Unfortunately, the Contemporary Drumming (Graham Morgan) and of into The Ultimate Drummers Weekend (TUDW), fruit of his labour was never course, Rudiments & Motions. Obsessive Drumming featuring the finest local and international drumming publicly released, as the (Virgil Donati), Power Drumming (Virgil Donati) and talent. TUDW was the first Australian Drumming Author believed the text’s Sight Reading (Alex Pertout) were also distributed Festival to be recorded and released on DVD in 2002 content was not original by MP. and is acknowledged by the drumming world as a enough to warrant a viable On January 20th 1992, Frank embarked on yet highlight and “must see” on its events calendar. It was alternative to the plethora of another project to open what has since been recognised Corniola’s intention that the weekend also fostered educational drum books that saturated the marketplace. as Australia’s world- Australian drumming talent by playing host to Thus, the endeavour for invention continued. renowned drum and Australia's Best Up & Coming Junior, Intermediate and Between 1979 and 1984, Frank was appointed percussion retail and Open competitions. TUDW 10 and TUDW 11 have Education and Feature Writer for the respected educational headquarters - now achieved the inaugural distinction of international National music magazine, Drumtek. But it wasn’t until distribution via the Hudson Music Corporation. Journal of Australian Music 1993, when Corniola In 2002, Muso's Publications changed its name and Musicians (J.A.M.M.). published the first to Musictek - the current publisher of Drumscene, and J.A.M.M. presented Frank “in house” Drumtek distributor of thousands of Drum and Percussion titles. the enviable opportunity to quarterly newsletter, In The I studied the lives of great men and famous interview many prominent Groove, did the method in women, and I found that the men and women who drummers and in turn, create his madness truly begin! In The Groove quickly proved got to the top were those who did the jobs they had camaraderie within the itself to be a hit amongst Drumtek clientele. Sensing the in hand, with everything they had of energy and Australian drumming need and apparent void for a National periodical, enthusiasm. community and garnish respect from its peers. During Frank’s journey to publish Australia’s own “Drummer’s - Henry Truman this time, as an endorser for Paiste Cymbals and Sonor Magazine” began. Nothing is achieved in one’s life without “sacrifice” Drums, Corniola presented many National drum clinics On April 20th 1995, the hotly anticipated 1st and “vision”. From humble beginnings as a drummer and published two 16-page clinical books - Rhythm issue of Drumscene Magazine saw the light of day. and educator but with the sole focus and determination Section Drumming and Rudiments & Motions. Australia’s incomparable drumming superstar, Virgil to recognise, credit and develop Australian Drummer’s The books proved to be an extremely successful Donati, proudly donned its cover and duly launched the and the Australian Drumming scene, (your) Drumscene educational tool amongst students and professionals magazine, in clinic, to a capacity and rapturous is truly indebted to the life work of Frank Corniola - alike, and gave Frank the impetus to embark on the audience at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre a true pioneer of education and inspiration. monumental task of completing a “full study” work on in Melbourne. It was evident from the outset, that Congratulations Frank on ten incredible years! 32 DRUMscene Issue 40 ISSUE 1 – 40 OVERVIEW that was created within the pages of its first edition, determination and open mindedness, Drumscene “Dear Reader, Welcome to Drumscene, the albeit ten years ago. Drumscene has always strived to quickly proved itself to readers and the like. Its existence drummer’s magazine. Drumscene has been conceived cater for drummers of all levels by constantly listening as one of the world’s foremost drumming publications is and designed with you in mind. That is, the concerns to their needs, wants, opinions and aspirations. Without well documented by the thousands upon thousands of and interests of drummers. Until now, drummers in you, the “drummer”, there would be no “drum scene”. drummers and industry personnel worldwide who read Australia have had to rely on overseas magazines for It’s that simple. Drumscene has always prided itself on the magazine today (a mere cry from its initial print run information on the drumming world. It’s about time presenting a blend of appealing and insightful interviews of 2,000 copies) and treasure it as a valuable resource. that drummers in Australia are directly catered to as with Australian and International drummers. Growth and innovation have been the essential consumers and given their own magazine which contains Cornerstones such as Work’n Out, Rhythm Check, ingredients in the Drumscene revolution. The sheer information relevant to them. Our aim at Drumscene is National Drum Scene, New Breed and Product Reviews look and feel of the magazine throughout the years not to just provide reading material, but to enable you still exist today, close to their original form. Music is has clearly been “cutting edge” and is attributed to to grow as musicians if you so desire. There are many indeed a life long journey and the yearning for knowledge the countless hours spent by a small but dedicated, other things I could tell you about Drumscene and how is what all drummers ultimately seek. To this end, passionate and talented team of writers, editors, it has been designed to help you, but the proof is really Drumscene has painstakingly ensured quality (not advisors, assistants, contributors, photographers, in the reading. So just get right into it and please, let quantity) between its lines of the utmost highest and most importantly, designers. us know what you think. As I said, this mag is yours. standard - no gimmicks, no clichés. You may have noticed that in this issue, Drumscene Enjoy.” Taken from Simon Higgins Editor’s Letter, The walk across the musical stave has not always has modified its motto from “The Drummer’s Magazine” Issue No. 1 April/May 1995. been in time. As with any “fresh” publication, the to “Australia’s Drum Magazine”. This is in recognition Drumscene’s philosophy in 2005 remains confidence of its readers and acceptance by its peers of the invaluable contribution that Drumscene has made unchanged. The 104-page monster that you hold in your is a respect that is earnt and not bought. In its infancy, to the Australian drumming community and in an effort hands today is a natural progression of an Australian biases and lack of industry support were all hurdles to finally proclaim this publication as “your magazine”. drumming institution, a drummers brotherhood per se, that Drumscene had to overcome. Through sheer Happy Birthday Drumscene! Issue 1 Apr/May 1995 Classic Quote: “Playing music has taught me so many Cover Story: Virgil Donati things that go way beyond just the music itself…” Features: Simon Phillips, Chris Lacinak, John Ferraro. – Virgil Donati Rimshots: Rhythm Check, Work’n Out, National Drum Scene, New Breed Players, The Ultimate Drummer’s Day ’95 Program Issue 2 Aug/Sep 1995 Classic Quote: “One thing that I get annoyed with is when drummers seek to be merely clones, especially Cover Story: Chad Wackerman in situations where they can afford to be creative” Features: John Watson, Peter Luscombe, Land Richards. – Chad Wackerman Rimshots: Product Reviews, CD Reviews, Drum Miking. Issue 3 Oct/Nov 1995 Classic Quote: “Learning any technique involves hours of Cover Story: Dave Weckl constant repetition, with the aim being to gain a relaxed Features: John Zak, Clayton Cameron, Darren Danielson, Max War. mastery over the technique” – Dave Weckl Rimshots: The Ultimate Drummer’s Day ’95 Review, Technical Note, Ear! (Hearing & Health). Issue 4 Dec/Jan 1995/96 Classic Quote: “My musical philosophy is fairly simple. It’s very spiritual and honest.