How to Succeed - Alec Wilmart

Alec Wilmart’s drum set setup for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington.

Alec's write-up and gear list below photos.

"This Production was re-orchestrated by Bruce Monroe, but closely resembles the 2011 Broadway revival orchestrations. Originally, I was going to use my jazz kit which is smaller and drier and tuned with less sustain but once I got into rehearsals I realized a richer, fuller sound was required in order to achieve a classic 'Hollywood Soundtrack', Big Band sound. I did my best to tune the toms deep with a medium decay in order to replicate that movie sound I was hearing, with the snare tuned with lots of snare sound, and a crisp attack. Not having played on any soundtracks myself, I relied heavily on my own ear, and the ears of our sound department.

This is essentially a Big Band book, with a lot of 'kicking' Swing figures, mixed with classic Broadway 2-beat patterns. There were several indications to 'fill', and I tried very hard to keep it simple and set up the brass the best I could. If you are new to this sort of playing, I suggest listening to recordings by Les Brown, or Count Basie from the Late 50’s, early 60’s for sound inspiration. This a very straight-forward show, and a fun opportunity to use those Big Band chops you developed back in the day!

This show includes classic songs like 'Brotherhood of Man' and 'I Believe in You.'"

Drums: Yamaha Oak Custom

• Bass Drum 22”
• Small Tom 12"
• Floor Tom 16”

Snare:

• Yamaha 14”x6” Vintage Snare

Cymbals:

• Zildjian 20” K Ride
• Sabian 16” Hand Hammered Crash
• Sabian 14” AA Hi-Hats
• Sabian 8” AAX Splash

Percussion:

• LP Jam Block - Red
• Small Cowbell
• Temple Blocks
• Miller Machine with Triangle
• Miller Machine with Finger Cymbal
• Mark Tree
• Bongos
• Ratchet
• Piatti

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Regional - Alec Wilmart
June 2016