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

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.

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

"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

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

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