DrumUltimA

Hah! So, DrumUltimA is literally the first username I ever chose, back in 4th grade when my dad decided I was old enough to have my own America Online account. I thought long and hard about my username, because I knew that whatever I chose had to accurately represent me for the rest of my life. So, after drafting up a long list (and figuring out what would fit into the 10-character limit at the time), I decided my username would be my two favorite things: music and video games. I had just started playing percussion, so I chose Drum. I had also just started playing Final Fantasy III (or 6--you know what I mean) on my friend's SNES, and chose "Ultima" after the attack. Then I wanted some symmetry visually so I capitalized the A. 17 years later and I still think it represents me pretty well. I can't exactly use it professionally, but it's become a great informal moniker

Wow, that looks gorgeous--I'll definitely have to check this out. I actually just played a gig with one of the guys who recorded the strings--it sounds great!

People Seized with Life from Chrono Cross, a hundred times over. I even did a remix of it here for the sake of feels!

Great stuff, man. You're an inspiration

I can't believe we actually finished our thing in time. I'm super pumped!

Hmm, I guess I should go to this, given I will be wheeling a vibraphone around anyway!

Here's a fun guide my cousin made!

Just noticed it wasn't mentioned in this thread, but Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is up for an award--that was scored by ocremixer bustatunez, with performances from other remixers in the ensemble (such as myself!)

Yeah, Manhattan Transfer is a vocal jazz group that, inevitably, fell into the temptation of using crazy synths like everybody else in the 80's. They certainly did more traditional sounding stuff:

My Roommate Ben and I will see you there!

Aww, thanks Brad!

My old band's album is up there. Not VG related, but maybe you'll like it! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/medicine-lake/id408948146

Use my music!!!

Hey guys! My roommate Ben and his girlfreen are trying to find a room to stay in last minute. Anybody have any space in their room for two by any chance? They are cool dudes!

Actually we do--his name is Ben: (you'll meet him at magfest)

Let it be known--I am bringing the pain. But I won't be bringing it alone. I'm bringing my army.

This is some really great orchestration... but man, I'm loving the Irish whistle! Super expressive and really natural nuance. Great stuff, congrats!

Bumping this because it's DONE! Check out the video!

Great stuff man! Super funny

(So as I began typing this, I got a call and an email about potential work. Go figure!) A couple of my friends have used this quote, so I don't know who to cite, but I like to follow the rule that "Luck is just the combination of opportunity and preparation". Here's my story: The first job I got straight out of school being hired at Western CT State University as an adjunct professor of percussion. This is the perfect job for somebody of my education. What was crazy about it is that I got this job not by applying or looking for jobs--rather, I got it in the form of a Facebook message from the professor who is now my superior. It seemed like dumb luck, but it actually could be explained: First of all, I've been practicing my ass off for the past nine years. In the process I got pretty bad tendonitis, so I took about two years off. After I recovered, I became interested in becoming more of an activist for musicians suffering from tendonitis--especially students. That prompted me to write this article in my blog, which was reposted on a percussion website called DrumChattr. I got a message from a student studying at WestConn (the school I'm teaching at now) who happened to find this article and asked for advice--he was suffering from tendonitis. I invited him over to have a (free) lesson, specifically for trying to target what he was doing in his playing that could be aggravating the condition. I never taught him again. A few years later, another WestConn student emailed me asking for a lesson--he had been referred to me by the previous student. I ended up teaching a couple lessons to two WestConn students that year. Meanwhile, I ended up on the sub list at a couple different orchestras and wind bands--specifically, the Coast Guard Band and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Once again, that was prepared luck--I took a lesson with the principal percussion of the Coast Guard band, which prompted him to put me on the sub list. One of the other percussionists at the Coast Guard band happened to be the son of the principal percussionists of the New Haven Symphony, and recommended me there when looking for a sub. The principal percussionist of the New Haven Symphony is the primary percussion instructor at WestConn. So, while getting a Facebook message seemed like dumb luck, it would not have happened without these events. I could have easily screwed it up along the way: *Not putting myself out there (with my writing and web presence) *Not offering to help *Not having busted my ass practicing for nine years and therefore playing/teaching poorly *Not being a nice person to work with So my "luck" was simply an opportunity that arose as a result of my preparation. Luck happens all the time--nobody can predict things like these. But with good preparation--networking, practicing, etc--you can be ready for them when they arise.

You know, I went to school for music for nine years. Spent the first 7 mostly practicing, and the last 2 networking a lot. I'm making money now, but I definitely wouldn't be if it wasn't for all the practicing and networking

yo, i'm totally planning on attending :3

Thanks guys! Here's an updated mixed/mastered wip! http://dougperrymusic.com/ratherbemaster.mp3

MASSIVE EDIT: It's done! My video is done! Check it out here: Enjoy!