Are you interested in a career as a drummer in musical theatre? Are you already working in the field and have questions? Are you heading out on a Broadway Show Tour and in need of advice? This is the book for you! Paul Hannah has spent 30 years in the arenas of musical theatre and show drumming and has compiled a wonderful guidebook filled with relevant topics, honest experiences and expert guidance.

Topics include:

• A Primer on Drumset Orchestration
• Interpreting Drum Charts
• Considerations for designing setups
• Suggestions for skill development in essential areas
• Numerous PROTIPS from an experienced player
• Pages and pages of setup photos including: Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly, Cats, Evita, Spamalot
• A special section devoted to interpreting and performing West Side Story

To learn more, visit showdrummingbook.com.

For percussionists interested in musical theater or those already working in the field looking to develop new skills, veteran Broadway drummer Paul Hannah of Local 500 (Raleigh, NC) has more than a few tips. Hannah has spent 30 years in musical theater and show drumming. In this book, he covers topics ranging from drum set orchestration to interpreting drum charts to designing setups—including several examples of setup photos from Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly, Cats, Evita, and Spamalot. In between, he offers expert advice based on personal experience working on shows throughout North America and on stages around the world.

—Review in American Federation of Musicians

There is no escaping that Paul Hannah has delved deeply into the exquisite art of musical theater drumming and percussing. As a music coordinator for both Broadway and subsequent tours, I have had the good fortune of hiring Paul for several tours. His work is beyond reproach and his artistry and commitment to the music is exemplary. Paul has brought that full commitment to excellence to his book on the subject of theatre drumming. Any drummer/percussionist who wants the unvarnished truth with a healthy dose of advice would be well served to read and study Show Drumming. The book is an outstanding look at the detail and knowledge necessary for success. Hats off to you, Mr. Paul Hannah!

—Michael Keller
    NYC Music Coordinator

Paul has been in the business a long time, and I’ve always enjoyed his attention to detail and care for the music. I think it’s very helpful to young players starting out in the business to see how it works. This book gives a great view of Paul’s experience in theatre and can only be a helpful addition to anyone starting out in this career.

—Mark Pardy
    Drummer for Moulin Rouge, Mean Girls, Lion King, Legally Blonde, and others

If you were looking to break into a niche area of the music business, wouldn’t you want to sit down and pick the brain of someone who’s truly been there and done that? Well, here’s your chance. Hannah answers pertinent questions that you might not have thought to ask. This is not a method or technique book, but a handbook for how it’s done. It’s not written in a dry, academic manner, but his conversational approach will, at times, make you feel what it’s like to be in a Broadway pit!

—Ron Tierno
    NYC Drummer for Dr. Zhivago, La Cage Aux Folles, Cats (1989–2000)

Great advice for musicians, not only percussionists! This book perfectly captures the experience of a touring musician in today’s climate of musical theatre. As a woodwind player who has toured, I found myself remembering similar experiences I had on tour, and I think it’s an accurate depiction of the ups and downs with great advice on how to navigate them. I would recommend this book to musicians (not limited to percussionists) with an interest in trying the “road life” and who want a direct, pragmatic, and realistic angle.

—Brian T. Lang
    Woodwinds for Elf, Cats, In The Mood, Glenn Miller Orchestra