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[zmorton]

Hello all,

I've been a HOD reader for some time now and figured it was time to join in the conversations.

Regarding Virgil; Does anyone know if he has any formal rudimental training in his bio? I ask this because I myself have a big rudimental backround and noticed that Virgil has a very similiar approach with his hands than that of todays modern rudimental snare drummers.

I do remember reading once that he took lessons from Rob Carson, a rudimental snare champion.

[Steve Holmes]

Hi Zak, welcome!!!!

I don't think IF he has had formal training is in question. It's not possible to gain that kind of technique and rudimental approach without some guidance, I don't know from whom though. You may want to hit the forums at Virfils site as well.

[zmorton]

Good point... I guess where and who is a better question.

[beats]

Virgil had some instruction in Melbourne.Studied for 4 years with a guy named Graham Morgan between the ages of 7-11.When he was 19 he moved to the US and had some lessons w. Philly Joe Jones(!!).So that being said,Philly's playing was ALL about rudimental phrasing+technique.Philly taught out of the book "Modern Rudimental Swing Solos" by Charles Wilcoxon.I'm sure Virg. did his homework over the years to settle and aquire correct arm/hand positioning.Thomas Lang has the same thing goin on it seems.He also studied with snare drum champion Rob Carson.When and where is unclear.........hope this helps.....beats

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 23, 2003 10:56 PM: Message edited by: beats ]</font>

[dr-funkenstein]

i am under the impression that virgil also hung out w/ Tom Floate (blue devils instructor from 82-90). so he may have hit up the cali rudimental big-wigs.

[mja61]

Someone asked Virgil about this at a clinic recently, and he said he was never in a drum corps, but that he knew people who would show him things here and there. He made it sound like his mastery of the rudiments was just part of his self-imposed practice regimen, rather than someone in a drum corps leading the way.

At one point in the clinic, people were calling out the most complex rudiments they could think of, and Virgil was playing them on the double pedal. The kicker was when someone yelled out "triple flam paradiddlediddle," which I'm not even sure is an official rudiment, but Virgil killed it anyway, at top speed of course.

[beats]

Virgil is a nut.Unreal.

...peace....beats.

[McKenzie]

It is inspirational when someone is that committed to learning more and more and being disciplined enough to get better even when they already have achieved an amazing level of profiency. The Man is Nuts!

Regards Digital

[Vdrummer]

I know Virgil studied a bit with Rob Carson and has picked the brain of Jim Kilpatrick who leads the 12 time world champion Shott's and Dykehead Pipe Band. They were doing a clinic together for Premier and Jim said Virgil knocked on his door and made him show him Pipe Band rudiments and phrases for 4 hours straight.