The Search for the Top Undiscovered Drummer in the Nation is Back!

First Round of Competitions Begin September 24

In Over 100 Cities Around the Country!

Each year, thousands of drummers across the nation compete in the world’s largest drumming contest, Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, with dreams of stardom and the hope of being crowned the “Top Undiscovered Drummer in the Nation”. In addition to winning over $40,000 in cash and prizes, the title of Guitar Center Drum-Off Champion offers potentially career-altering opportunities for aspiring drummers, including national media attention and recognition from the professional drumming community, including some of the nation’s greatest rock legends who form Drum-Off’s panel of judges. Last year’s Drum Off Champion, 22-year-old Jerome Flood II, made his television debut when he was invited to perform on Last Call with Carson Daly following his dramatic win in front of a live audience and a panel of judges that included Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Alan White (Yes), Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta), Kenny Aronoff,  Atom Willard (Social Distortion/Angels & Airwaves) The Rev (Avenged Sevenfold) and Danny Carey (Tool) (see Flood’s winning performance here).

Now in its 21^st year, Guitar Center’s Drum-Off has been a launching pad for numerous professional drummers, including Cora Coleman-Dunham and Tony Royster Jr, two Drum-Off winners who have gone on to become highly acclaimed professional drummers (with Prince and Jay Z respectively). At the age of eleven, Royster was the youngest drummer to clinch the title, beating out drummers decades his senior with his unparalleled handiwork. In 2002, Dunham was the first female to be honored with the same prize, shattering the “boy’s club” drumming mold. Both have since racked up impressive credentials, playing behind a bevy of popular artists, including Jay-Z, Prince, Pink and more.

Check out this interview with Cora “CC” Dunham and Tony Royster Jr. as they discuss their careers and the role GC’s Drum-Off played in their careers!

Like all Guitar Center music programs, Drum-Off is part of Guitar Center’s ongoing mission to provide emerging artists and musicians with career-altering opportunities that encourage and support their journey in becoming professional musicians. Drum-Off inspires up-and-coming drummers to further their musical aspirations, while at the same time encouraging the local music community and providing a platform for local musicians to network and be discovered. Guitar Center’s Drum-Off ’09 will feature competitions in over 200 Guitar Center locations across the country, culminating with the Grand Finals in Los Angeles in January 2010.

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off ‘09 champion will win an impressive package of prizes, including $25,000 cash, a Roland TD-25 electronic kit, a custom designed drum kit by DW, Pearl, Gretsch, Tama, or Orange Country Drums, a drum, stick, cymbal, and drum head endorsement deals as well as a feature in Modern Drummer magazine, along with a VIP appearance @ NAMM 2010 and a Monster Energy Drink endorsement deal, making the total prize package worth over $40,000. Additionally, Monster Energy, Pro-Mark, Latin Percussion, DW, Remo, Vic Firth, Orange County Drum and Percussion, Zildjian, Sabian, Gretsch, Roland, Tama, Pearl, Evans and Modern Drummer are all proud sponsors of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off 09.

How Drum-Off Works:

Local competitions begin September 24 in all 214 Guitar Center locations from nationwide. One winner from each store will be chosen to move up to district competitions (24 locations), followed by regionally hosted semi-finals (6 locations) and culminating in the final championship Drum-Off in Los Angeles in January of 2010 (exact date and venue TBD).

COMPETITION DATES:

STORE PRELIMS: September 24, October 1, and October 8.

STORE FINALS: October 15

DISTRICT FINALS: November 5

REGIONAL FINALS: December 3

GRAND FINALS: January 2010

Following the regional finals on December 3, five finalists will head for Los Angeles in January, where they will perform in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges. The will also share the stage with some of today’s most legendary drummers. Drum-Off ’08 featured performances by Papa Roach, Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), and a special collaborative performance by former Drum-Off winner Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta) and Thomas Lang.

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