by denardoh » Fri Jul 23, 2004 2:00 pm
You know, I have to comment on this.
I am just getting started with conga methods, and my largest problem has been finding a source that I believe I can trust.
I have been playing 'drums' for years. I teach, play, write, and all that good stuff. I know set players of all disciplines. I march, play timpani, tons of set, and some mallets.
I've really grown to love 'Latin' music and have a large collection of records, tapes and CDs that date back to when I was a kid. My mother always thought it was strange that I loved Spanish music at such a young age. Anyhow, now I have many friends from Mexico, P.R, and new Latino families established here in Delaware. I love the language and all the arts and hope soon to travel and hopefully play/listen/observe/learn about LP all over.
BUT - I want to learn to play correctly, and I hate bash anyone, but there are too many hippies dragging drums around and none of them read eighth notes! Or understand rests, accents, and yeah TECHNIQUE.
I teach high school kids (marching drumline), and I get that all the time. Teach 'em a thing or two, and they think they can change all the rules!
Anyhow, I feel you brother. If I ever make it to Hawaii, I'll drop you a line and I'll hold a rhythm as long as you want. And I'll listen and learn and develop solid fundamentals.
And if anyone has a suggestion for a good source of real technique and playing in the Philadelphia area, please let me know - that's the point of this posting, by the way - I feel like I can't find a honest and reliable source for conga methods. Around here, everyone knows how to play : ) Yeah, right...
Thanks for a great site... DH