Sabian - Because Sound Matters

SABIAN Honors Six with Lifetime Achievement Award

PASIC 2003

At the recent Percussive Arts Society Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, SABIAN hosted an evening of hospitality during which six legendary drummers and educators were honored. The six very distinguished gentlemen are the first to be honored with SABIAN's Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence and contributions to the world of percussion. The honorees were:

Alan Abel

Performer, educator, instrument designer and manufacturer, author, mentor...Alan Abel is all of these. Having performed under the direction of some of the world's greatest conductors during his tenure with the Philadelphia Orchestra, he has performed most of the major works of the symphonic repertoire and participated in numerous world premieres. As a teacher, Alan's influence may be felt through his students, many of whom can be found in leading symphonies and universities throughout the world. With his line of triangles and bass drum heads he set new standards, while his orchestral repertoire books are utilized in percussion programs around the world. Alan Abel has truly created a legacy of excellence in the world of percussion.

Jim Chapin

You will rarely see Jim Chapin without a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad. When his book, Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, was released in 1948, he was frequently challenged to prove the patterns it contained could actually be played, so he constantly found himself giving impromptu demonstrations that the seemingly impossible was indeed possible. Over the years that book, popularly known as 'The Chapin Book' became the bible of modern drumming. Today, 55 years later it is still in print...and very popular. Jim Chapin, master student, master teacher, and major influence is one of drumming's greatest legends.

Morris 'Arnie' Lang

As a child growing up in the Bronx, Arnie Lang was surrounded by many styles of music. This is when he first fell in love with the drums. They were a good choice because his talent was immediately obvious. While studying at Juilliard he freelanced with the Radio City Music Hall, the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the American Opera Society Orchestra, and, eventually, the New York Philharmonic, which ultimately led to a forty-year relationship (1955 - 1995). Currently he is the president of Lang Percussion which makes Gladstone Drums and Timpani. Arnie also teaches at Brooklyn College, where he is molding the next generation of percussion greats. With Arnie Lang, they're in great hands.

Joe Morello

One of the all-time great names in jazz drumming, Joe Morello made his mark on such classic recordings as "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo A La Turk", with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. His articulate sticking and fluency in odd-time signatures brought him recognition as a pioneer in modern jazz. His playing influenced -- and continues to influence generations of players who have sought to perform with the mix of technique and creativity that Joe continues to exhibit with his playing today. Over forty years after he stunned the jazz world with his impeccable playing, Joe Morello and his reputation as one of the world's greatest and most influential drummers still shines.

Ed Shaughnessy

Ed Shaughnessy is renowned as the world's most versatile drummer. Best known for his many years with the Doc Severinsen Band on The Tonight Show, Ed established his enviable reputation playing with such greats as Stan Getz, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Don Ellis, Count Basie and other ground breaking musicians. His powerful big band drumming is just one side of this dynamic personality. He has also played with virtually every major symphony orchestra in the United States. And he is a dedicated educator. Ed Shaughnessy is, without a doubt, a giant among all drummers.

Ed Thigpen

Globally renowned for his exemplary musicianship, his masterful brush playing technique and his highly effective teaching methods, Ed Thigpen is truly one of the great music makers of our time. Through career highlights including the original Oscar Peterson Trio, the great Ella Fitzgerald, and his own critically acclaimed groups including Action-Reaction, Ed has consistently proven himself as a consummate musician. He is also one of drumming's most effective educators. A longtime resident of Denmark, Ed Thigpen is a man of the world, someone whose playing and personality combine to make him one of this industry's most respected and loved personalities.