With the 2007 DCI season right around the corner, some of the best and brightest marching percussion writers, arrangers, and instructors recently visited the Zildjian factory for a day of learning and information-sharing. This was the fifth such "meeting of the minds" which is sponsored by the Norwell, Mass.-based Zildjian company every several years.

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According to Al Moffatt, Zildjian's Drum Corps Consultant, "this was the largest and most diverse group to take part in this program. There were 25 people representing nearly all of the 19 DCI Division I corps which perform with Zildjian products, as well as other highly-respected members from the drum corps and indoor percussion communities, and members of the DCI Hall of Fame as well." The morning started with short presentations from some of the Zildjian educational staff, along with a video highlighting the history and looking ahead to the future of the Avedis Zildjian Co. Guests were then treated to a tour of the factory and the opportunity to meet Leon Chiappini, the legendary cymbal tester who has been with Zildjian for more than 40 years. The afternoon sessions featured roundtable discussions, followed by an opportunity for all to test and hear the newest instruments from Zildjian. "The Zildjian Company truly appreciates everything these guys do for us and percussion education and performance as a whole. It was our pleasure to host them and get their feedback on what we are doing," commented Adam Weems, Manager of Education for Zildjian. Photo caption: Seated, left to right:
Paul Rennick (Phantom Regiment), Jim Ancona (The Cavaliers), Scott Johnson (Blue Devils), Thom Hannum (marching percussion consultant), Jeff Queen (Colts), Ed Argenziano (marching percussion consultant), Lee Beddis (Carolina Crown) Standing, front row:
Brian Mason (Santa Clara Vanguard), Roland Chavez (Crossmen), Clint Gillespie (Spirit from JSU), Bret Kuhn (marching percussion consultant), Chris Whyte (Cascades), Mike McIntosh (Bluecoats), Mike Jackson (Santa Clara Vanguard) Standing, back row:
Colin McNutt (The Cadets), Stuart Spoon (Pioneer), Chris Hestin (Glassmen), Jim Wunderlich (Blue Devils), Tom Float (marching percussion consultant), Roger Carter (Madison Scouts), Jim Casella (The Cavaliers), Tom Aungst (The Cadets), Murray Gusseck (marching percussion consultant), Billy Rulapaugh (United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps). Not pictured:
Jeff Ausdemore (Blue Knights), Brent Montgomery (Blue Stars), Brian Stevens (Troopers), Mark Thurston (WGI percussion coordinator).