FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Rebecca Eaddy Marketing Communications Manager Roland Corporation U.S. (323) 890-3718 [email protected]

JP BOUVET WINS 2011 ROLAND U.S. V-DRUMS CONTEST Top U.S. Player Earns Big Prizes and a Spot at the V-Drums World Championship

Los Angeles, CA, September 1, 2011 — Roland U.S. held the second V-Drums® Contest National Championship at Sam Ash Music in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 25, 2011. Co-sponsored by DRUM! magazine, Drum Workshop, REMO, and Vic Firth, the event was the culmination of nearly four months of intense drumming competitions throughout the country. JP Bouvet from Lakeville, Minnesota, was the evening’s big winner, earning the title of U.S. V-Drums Champion for 2011 and a seat at the V-Drums World Championship in January.

The annual V-Drums Contest gives drummers a unique opportunity to explore the flexibility and creative options of electronic percussion while battling for Roland percussion products and other prizes. Through a six-week online entry process that began in May, over 200 drummers were chosen to compete in preliminary events before live audiences. At those competitions, judges chose over 30 contestants to advance to the regional round, where eight drummers were selected to move on to the U.S. challenge.

In addition to JP Bouvet, the finalists included Pat Adams from Missouri; Marvan Alexander from Texas; Josh Davidson from Florida; Clifford Jackson Jr. from Tennessee; D’Anna Kennedy from Ohio; Brannon Nelson from South Carolina; and Charles Williams from California.

Before a standing-room-only crowd of more than 400 at Sam Ash Las Vegas, each of these talented players gave an original drum performance using the TD-20SX V- Pro® Series V-Drums and the OCTAPAD® SPD-30 Percussion Pad. JP Bouvet’s winning performance featured a spirited blend of orchestral, contemporary fusion, and Latin styles using a wide variety sounds, loops, and textures. Runner-up Pat Adams displayed a command of several musical styles with a dynamic, thoughtfully constructed drum solo.

For his victory, JP will receive a huge bounty of prizes: a TD-20SX V-Drums kit; a set of REMO custom shell wraps; a PM-30 Personal Monitor System; a complete set of DW hardware; dozens of personalized signature sticks from Vic Firth; and a year’s subscription to DRUM! magazine. JP will also represent the U.S. at the first-ever V- Drums World Championship, which will be held during the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California.

In addition to the exciting competition, the audience was treated to impressive performances from veteran drummer Chad Wackerman (, , ), Tony Royster Jr. and his jazz/fusion band, and the unique group Recycled Percussion.

“This year’s Roland V-Drums Contest was the best ever, and the playing level of the contestants and use of V-Drums technology was excellent!” said Roland Percussion Product Manager Tim Root, who also served as the evening’s emcee. “I feel the V- Drums National Championship sets the standard for future drum competitions. The V-Drums World Championship in 2012 is going to be crazy! Go USA!”

For videos and further information on the Roland V-Drums Contest, please visit www.RolandUS.com/VDrumsContest.

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About Roland Corporation Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia products. With nearly 40 years of musical instrument development, Roland sets the standard in music technology for the world to follow. For more information, visit http://www.RolandUS.com.

About DRUM! Magazine DRUM! magazine is the world’s leading source for information about drumming, electronics, and hand drums. Each issue features today's top artists, gear, and lessons. Plus, there are enhanced multimedia instruction and community features on www.drummagazine.com.

About REMO REMO, Inc. is the world’s largest drumhead manufacturer. For over 50 years they have led the way in synthetic drumhead and shell development to enhance and expand the possibilities of percussion. REMO is the dominant OEM supplier of drumheads to the largest drum kit manufacturers. They continue to break ground in marching, orchestral, world percussion, education, kids, and the recreational drumming market. To see the large array of REMO drumheads, drums and accessories, visit www.remo.com.

About Drum Workshop California-based Drum Workshop, Inc. offers a complete selection of professional quality, award-winning drums, pedal and hardware. DW Custom Shop Drums include the industry standard Collector’s Series, the Jazz Series and retro-inspired Classics Series. Other DW branded products include DW Factory Accessories, DW Smart Practice and DW DVD. The company’s extensive family of artists includes world famous drummers such as Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen), Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Abe Laboriel, Jr. (Paul McCartney/Eric Clapton), Neil Peart (Rush), and Sheila E.

About Vic Firth Vic Firth Company is the world's largest and leading manufacturer of drumsticks, mallets and percussion related accessory products. A US company with all sticks and mallets made in Newport, Maine, Vic Firth Company continues to lead the industry in product innovations, invent and design the custom tooling and equipment to consistently make these products to the highest quality standards and continue to work closely with the manufacturing plant to improve efficiencies to remain competitive against cheap competitor product copies. To see the entire line of VFC products, extensive family of top drumming/percussion talent and view a wealth of free lessons visit www.vicfirth.com.