Round Up
Well, what can a say about these two past months apart from it's been absolutely manic here at the British Drum Company! Packed with in-store dealer days, two trips to the USA, a product launch, the Royal Marines Mountbatten Festival of Music Concert and not forgetting the build up to the King's Coronation. It's safe to say we've been flat out here at BDC HQ.
Royal Marines Mountbatten Festival of Music 2023
In February, we attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music. This annual concert is held at the Royal Albert Hall, London and is put on by the Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines. Once again, we were joined by artists, dealers and friends of BDC who enjoyed a night of fantastic musicianship, great conversion and the odd alcoholic drink ;-)
The RS1P - Our new PARADE Snare Drum!
To continue the legacy of the innovative Regimental Series, we've launched a NEW 14” x 12” Snare. Hand-built with 8ply 5mm Grade A Scandinavian Birch Shell, the RS1P features a 45º bearing edge and Palladium Mk2 snare strainer on the lower head only. The drum also features a pre-dampened batter head, allowing you to get that crisp parade sound you've always only been able to get with twin snare drums.
Take a step in the right direction with the RS1Parade, all at an outstanding price!
Learn more about the RS1P Here
Meet The Dealer - Henderson Imports
This month, we start the introduction of marching dealers from around the world. First up is Henderson Imports which is based in Traverse City, Michigan. Henderson's was set up in 1997 by James Henderson Moore who after 20 years then retired and the business is now run by his daughter Melissa. Melissa prides herself on a very well-organised warehouse and a friendly atmosphere for a great customer experience. Recently, CEO Keith Keough and I had the chance to visit Melissa at Henderson Imports HQ to meet the rest of her team. Melissa has a great set-up and holds a very good supply of British Drum Co Axial Series drums. If you would like more information about the Axial drums that Melissa currently has in-stock then please contact her here.
I will find myself back at Henderson HQ in November but more about that later on in the year ;-)
The Washington Tattoo
In April, I travelled to the USA for a number of reasons, but while I was out there I managed to attend the The Washington Tattoo event held at the British Embassy. The British Drum Company sponsored the VIP bags for the event which was attended by many, including the British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce and Major General Borys Kremenetskyi, Defense Attache of Ukraine to the United States.
This also gave me the chance to meet up with BDC marching artist Mark Reilly and hand over his Axial snare drum which features a Swiss Pear finish, and chosen not only for Mark’s love of Swiss drumming, but also a little nod to the past of when he performed within Top Secret Drum Corps. The Drum is then finished with antique copper hardware.
Coronation Build Up
As you can imagine it's been pretty manic here at BDC HQ in the run up to the King's Coronation. We made a lot of drums for the Royal Marines Band Service in a very short time. More about the new cypher and photos of the coronation in the next issue.
In-Store Dealer Days
April saw me head to Essey Musical in Belfast and Scott Currie Music in Glasgow for a spot of in-store dealer days. This was a chance for bands to come and demo the drums from both the Axial & Regimental Series. Not only was the a great opportunity to talk to new customers, but it was also nice to catch up with bands who currently use our marching drums in Glasgow. I even managed time to grab a coffee with some of the guys from The Rollin Drones
Well that's it for this issue. In the next one, we'll be talking about the Kings Coronation, World Pipe Band Championships and there might even be a merch code for some free swag!!
So until next time..Stay Safe
Stu