Registration
The Event
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| Registration
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Q: Where and when is the Texas BigBeat and how long will it last?
A: The Texas BigBeat is being held at George Ranch Historical Park on Sunday afternoon November 2, 2008. It will be a festival type atmosphere with the actual program being from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Drummers can unload and set up their drumsets between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
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Q: Who can participate?
A: Anyone can participate, even beginners. All that's involved is being able to play a basic rock beat. And there will be free group drum lessons for Texas BigBeat drummers on in October. To participate in the Texas BigBeat, you must bring your own drumset. (You can purchase a Texas BigBeat drumset for only $295 which includes providing you with a space in the front section of the arena).
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Q: What if I want to participate but I don't know how to play the drums?
A: We are offering a FREE Texas BigBeat group lesson for people who register and need to learn how to play a basic rock beat. You'll learn everything that you need to know to participate in the Guinness World Record Event. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY AND ALL AGES WELCOME! Althought the class is FREE, YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE! Please email jim@percussiononline.com or call Jim at 713-468-9100. |
Q: Do I need to pre-register or can I pay at the door?
A: We highly recommend that you preregister as their is limited space and by registering in advance you can get checked in and set up much quicker on the day of the event. |
Q: Do I have to raise donations to participate?
A: No, however, we highly encourage EVERYONE to generate at least $200 in donations. Everyone who raises at least $200 in donations will have their name placed in the "Drummer Up Dreams Drawing". And ALSO, there are 3 huge prizes that will be given away to the drummer's who raise the most money!
Also, this is all for a good cause - educational programs for underpriviledged, special needs and at-risk youth. Cherish Our Children International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation which provides instruments for underserved music programs.
You can create your own personal fundraising page with your own photos and message regarding what drumming means to you. You can alsoprint out the Texas BigBeat Donor Form to record any contributions that people give you in the form of cash and/or checks. |
Q: Should I label my gear/equipment?
A: YES. There will be hundreds of drums, stands, pedals, cymbals, etc. and we don't anyone to loose anything or get their gear mixed in with someone else's gear. We recommend that you label each piece of your grear with your name and phone number. |
Q: What equipment should I bring?
A: To be recognized by Guinness as a complete drumset you must, at least, bring the following:
Bass drum with pedal
Snare drum with stand
Tom-tom
Hihat, ride or crash cymbal
You will also MUST BRING A RUG OR PIECE OF CARPET to set up on and, of course, your drumsticks! |
Q: How can I be assured that my drums will be safe?
A: You are responsible for keeping an eye on all of your equipment. None of the sponsors or the venue are responsible for anyone's drums. We expect everyone to be respectful of everyone else's equipment and we suggest that you make sure someone watches your drums at all times. |
Q: Will it be loud in the venue?
A: YES, it will be very loud and thus very important that everyone wear earplugs. You may bring your own earplugs and/or headphones or purchase them at the event. Earplugs are $2.00 and headphones range from $29.95 to $49.95. |
Q: Is it okay for participants and general admission attendees to take pictures, videos and audio recordings of the event?
A: Yes, for your own personal viewing, but not as a product for resale. |
The Event
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Q: What happens at the Texas BigBeat?
A: Drummers of all ages and levels of experience bring their drums and set up along side one another. The celebrity drummers will be introduced as they play a round of drum solos. The Texas BigBeat conductor will teach the group how to work with a conductor and have the group practice following his lead until everyone can play in unison following the conductor's lead. The entire group (including the celebrity drummers) will then play several songs together. Prizes will be given out throughout the program and the group will have additional opportunties to play along with the celebrity drummers. |
Q: What is the Texas BigBeat?
A: Texas BigBeat is a drumming charity event raising funds to support underprivileged, special needs and at-risk children to develop self-esteem and strong learning skills through music and educational programs. This is a drumming event where drummers of all ages and experiences come together to support children in having an education that allows them to fulfill their dreams for a positive, productive life.
The Texas BigBeat, Drumming Up Dreams event benefits Cherish Our Children International and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.
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Q: Who is sponsoring the Texas BigBeat?
A: Texas BigBeat is being organized by the Percussion Center, the only speciaty drumshop in the greater Houston area. When Donna Fisher, owner of the Percussion Center, first heard about Woodstick several years ago, she immediately knew she wanted to organize a similar event in Houston.
The first Texas BigBeat event was held in October of 2007 with 438 drummers gathered to celebrate drummer and make a difference for our youth, our families and our communities.
Numerous vendor companies, Houston corporations, media companies and music associations are being approached to be sponsors for this event that will raise money for schools and organizations that help to give kids a chance to have instruments, lessons and opportunties for an education that will give them the opportunity to create a great future for themselves. |
Q: Has this type of event ever been done before?
A: This is the second annual Texas BigBeat event. This event was inspired by an event called Woodstick held in Seattle for the last 5 years. We are taking on the challenge of breaking their Guinness World Record of gathering 534 drummers to play together in one venue.
The World Record was set by the Seattle event in 2006 with 533 drummers. This year, for the first time, there are a total of 9 cities holding "Big Beat" events in cities across the United States and Canada. All of the events are being held on the same day and will be connected via technology to drum together and create a new multi-city record! |
Q: Are there age restrictions?
A: TexasBigBeat is open to drummers of all ages. Children 12 and under must have an adult with them at their drumset. Participants are responsible for being able to bring in their equipment and set up their drums and take down and remove their drums after the event. |
Q: What about people who don't play the drums? Can they attend?
A: Yes, anyone who does not plan to participate and play the drums can attend for a $10 general admission fee - friends, family, music lovers, educators, supporters of live music, supporters of music in the schools, musicians other than drummers, etc. |
Q: Are there ways to get involved if I want to support the event but do not plan to participate?
A: Absolutely. We need lots of volunteers to help make this event come together and run smoothly. You can choose to help with distributing posters, checking in the drummers, floor direction, organizing the prizes and drawings, getting sponsors, hospitality, set up and tear down and many other miscellaneous tasks! Please let us know how you would like to get involved in making a difference in Houston, by contacting us at 713-468-9100 or email Volunteer Coordinator, Rosie Johnston at rosie@808inc.com
You can also support the event as a sponsor. Check out the Sponsorship Opportunties and download a Sponsorship Sign-Up Sheet. |
Q: Who are the celebrity drummers that will be performing?
A: We are currently in conversation with several drummers regarding their schedules/availability to be at the Texas BigBeat. We will make announcements on our webpage and via our emails as we receive confirmations. If you don't already receive our email notices, please sign up at http://percussiononline.com/emaillist.html |
Q: Will I be able to meet the celebrity drummers?
A: There will be a "Celebrity Meet & Greet" Reception prior to the start of the event. You can purchase tickets to the "Celebrity Meet & Greet". There will only be a limited number of tickets available for the "Celebrity Meet & Greet" Reception. |
