Sabian - Because Sound Matters

SABIAN Honors Five with Lifetime Achievement Award

PASIC 2004

SABIAN LTD honoured five legendary drummers at the recent Percussive Arts Society Convention in Nashville in November 2004. These five join a group of six honoured at the November 2003 PASIC show, specifically Alan Abel, Jim Chapin, Morris "Arnie" Lang, Joe Morello, Ed Shaughnessy, and Ed Thigpen and four honoured at the NAMM January 2004 show: Carmine Appice, Billy Cobham, Harvey Mason, and Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie. Recipients received an engraved gold watch and a commemorative certificate signed by Robert Zildjian, Chairman of SABIAN. Dan Barker, President of SABIAN, commented "These fine gentlemen and drummers have contributed immensely to the music industry we know today. We are better for it and for that we thank them."

Dennis DeLucia

Globally renowned as a percussion teacher, arranger, clinician and performance adjudicator, some of Dennis' accomplishments include being inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame, World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, Professor of Percussion at Rutgers University and author of many percussion education publications.

George Gaber

From performing with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, the legendary NBC Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Symphony under Fritz Reiner, to his legendary teaching at the Indiana Unviersity School of Music, George Gaber defined himself as one of the world's percussion greats.

Ralph Hardimon

Renowned as a marching percussion educator, coordinator, arranger and composer, Ralph got his start with the L.A. Police Band. Between 1976 and 1980 he made his mark as Director of Percussion for the famed Santa Clara Vanguard, winning five "high percussion" awards and four world championship titles. In addition, Ralph has received Grammy nominations for his work in jazz and rhythm 'n' blues with a gold record in the latter format.

Larrie Londin

Larrie Londin was encouraged by his friend Chet Atkins to settle in Nashville which not only made drums an integral part of the 'Nashville sound' but created 'Country' drumming. He has played on chart-topping hits with the biggest names in country, pop, and rock music including Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, etc. Today the memory of Larrie Londin remains an enduring inspiration for drummers everywhere. Sean Londin, Larrie Londin's son, accepted a signed certificate and a cheque to the Larrie Londin SABIAN/PAS Scholarship fund in memory of Larrie.

Michael Skinner

With positions including principal percussionist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Michael Skinner is renowned as one of Britain's leading percussionists. He is the recipient of numberous awards including Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts and has been a featured SABIAN clinician at numerous major events throughout the UK and Europe. Since Michael was performing during the Awards, Nick Ormrod (President of the UK Chapter of PAS) accepted on his behalf.