Through the years one of the driving forces behind the Company Books was my dear from and mentor, the late-great Al "Duke" Terreri. He helped bring the music of many great rudimental drummers alive, including the repertoire of Brooklyn's Sons of Liberty. With drumming by Les Parks and fifing by Bill Krug, it is incredible to read, perform and (if you're a rudimental nerd like me!) analyze their music!!!!!!!!
This brings me to the title of this essay…music of the Kirks.
The Chas T. Kirk Field Music Group (aka/the Kirks) were another of the great corps from New York who were popular with fans & judges alike. Their drum line boasted the likes of Eric Perriloux, Ken Lemley and too many others to name. Somewhere along the way Duke was able to put together a book of Kirks fife & bugle music.
Recently I receive a message from a fellow student of the art of rudimental drumming, Scott Mitchell. He discussed how he loved the music of The Kirks that was available and would love to see drumming from their repertoire. He even discussed The Company of Fifers & Drummers putting out a book of Kirks drum music if we could acquire it. I think this is a great idea that has long been over looked (although there was mention of it in the fife & bugle book).
Soooooooo, I'm reaching out to all of you for help. If you know anybody who had ties to The Chas. T. Kirk Field Music Group and can give Scott & I a lead on drum music from these legendary musicians we'd love to hear from you. You can email me at dominick@dreadeddrummer.com, visit me on Facebook, or send a response to this blog. You can also visit Scott Mitchell on Facebook. Either one of us would LOVE to hear from you and help make sure this historic music isn't lost in time.
Thanks for your help everybody…I know you can make this become a reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thats all for now my friends…NOW STOP READING, PICK UP YOUR STICKS AND START MAKING MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!
DC