Chops Percussion

Previously Rented Practice Marimbas Available

If you’re in need of a practice marimba for home practice over the summer, now is the time! We currently have a good inventory of lightly used, previously rented Adams practice marimbas in stock and available for you to take home today. These are also available on our rental plan at a rate of around 15% below the rental rate of a new instrument. Give us a call and let us help you keep your chops up this summer! The AMPD30 (top of page) marimba features the same Padouk bars as used on the Best –Selling Soloist Series instruments, giving the player a true graduated bar instrument to learn and grow with. Every tone bar of the Academy 3 octave marimba is hand-adjusted through the sixth overtone using the same bar tuning methods as the top of the line Adams Artist Series instruments. Only Adams is able to consistently produce in-tune instruments with a full and even tone for players at every level. The AMPD33R 3.3 octave Academy Marimba with Resonators (below) is designed to be an affordable option that allows the intermediate student to work on many of the pieces written for a low A marimba, all while still having

Jun 5, 2018 No Comments

Percussion Equipment Evaluations and On-Site Repairs

Summer break is right around the corner and there’s no better time to get your instruments evaluated than now! Chops Percussion and Paige’s Music’s repair department are willing to send a trained specialist to your school to assess your percussion inventory. Dustin Smith, our percussion repair specialist and sales associate for Chops, will work with you in deciding the best course of action to get your inventory back in its best shape! Paige’s Music offers on-site repair for large percussion instruments such as timpani, mallet instruments, concert bass drums, etc. This service is intended to alleviate the need to send in large instruments with your District Manager and be without them for several weeks. If an instrument is not repairable, Dustin will recommend the best replacement options to best suit your ensemble’s needs. No more waiting for your large instruments or going without because the instrument is waiting in the shop! Small percussion instruments can be paired with a large percussion instrument request for added value. If interested in an equipment evaluation or on-site repairs, please email Dustin at [email protected] for more information.

May 22, 2018 No Comments

Director And Instructor Job List

This time of year we like to remind everyone that Paige’s Music keeps a list of the current job opportunities for both directors and instructors. This is a repost of an article we wrote last May. It’s that time of year, when director and instructor positions begin to open up around the state. If you’re looking for a certified teaching position, a percussion director position, or part-time tech work, make sure to check the Paige’s Music job openings page. If you’re a director looking for extra help, please make sure to post the opening here so we can help send candidates your way! It’s easy to do. Head over to the Paige’s Music home page. Hover over “JOB LIST” in the top menu and click on “Job Post Request”. Fill in the form and click submit. We typically have your opening posted no later than the next business day. You can also access that form directly by clicking here. Please let us know if you have any questions about the job list.

May 15, 2018 No Comments

Keep Improving This Summer With A Rental From Chops Percussion

Keep improving this summer with a rental from Chops Percussion! Chops has several drum sets and keyboards available for rental that are perfect for home practice. Pearl Export EXX725S Drum Set This Pearl Drumset package includes absolutely everything you will need to get started on your path to drumming satisfaction, including a set of high-quality cymbals and a sturdy drum throne. [Learn more] Adams MSPV43 Soloist Series Marimba Adams Soloist Series Marimbas offer the precision construction methods and many of the great features found on the Artist and Concert series instruments, and combine them with a number of keyboards and size options ideal for beginners and schools looking for a high quality, wood bar instrument, at an extremely affordable price. [Learn more] Adams AMPD33R Academy Marimba The AMPD33R 3.3 octave Academy Marimba with Resonators is designed to be an affordable option that allows the intermediate student to work on many of the pieces written for a low A marimba, all while still having the full tone and projection of a full size marimba. [Learn more] Adams AMPD30 Academy Marimba The AMPD30 marimba features the same Padouk bars as used on the best-selling Soloist Series instruments, giving the player a true

May 8, 2018 No Comments

Marching arts and electronics. Chops can help!

The marching arts activity is constantly evolving, following a pattern of trends and innovation. One trend that has remained constant and continues to develop is the use of electronics. Programs of all sizes have been ditching their old analog boards and outdated synthesizers for professional digital boards, workstation synthesizers, and running programs like Mainstage and Ableton during their performances.

May 1, 2018 No Comments

WGI 2018 Percussion Championships Wrap Up

Chops Percussion made the trip to Dayton, OH this past weekend for the WGI World Championships. We are very lucky to have the support of many groups that competed at the three-day event. Without these groups, our success would not be possible. Congratulations to the following groups for making it to the Finals round in their respective classes: Scholastic A (PSA) Finals Plainfield HS – 1st Place, Gold Medalist Minooka HS – 15th Place Scholastic Concert A (PSCA) Finals Decatur Central HS – 1st Place, Gold Medalist Scholastic Concert Open (PSCO) Finals Plainfield HS – 6th Place Scholastic Concert World (PSCW) Finals Fishers HS – 1st Place, Gold Medalist Scholastic Open (PSO) Finals Victor J Andrew HS – 3rd Place, Bronze Medalist Lawrence Township HS – 6th Place Greenfield-Central HS – 13th Place Independent Open (PIO) Finals Legacy Open – 11th Place Scholastic World (PSW) Finals Franklin Central HS – 5th Place Avon HS – 7th Place Center Grove HS – 8th Place Fishers HS – 15th Place Congratulations also to the following groups for their participation at the WGI World Championships: PSA: Milford HS, Southport HS, Hamilton Southeastern HS PSO: Zionsville HS, Forsyth Central HS, Clinton HS PSW: Lambert HS PIW: Legacy World

Apr 24, 2018 No Comments

Follow us to WGI 2018 on Instagram, Snapchat and more!

It’s finally here, the final week of winter percussion! WGI Finals, hosted primarily in Dayton, OH, will start early Thursday morning and conclude late Saturday night. Once again, Chops Percussion will be heading out to finals to support the groups that make our success possible. We are truly fortunate to have groups from Indiana, Illinois, and Georgia represented this year. Although we hope you’re able to attend finals in person; there are new and exciting ways to follow us as we head to Dayton. Chops Percussion, in an effort to further connect with our customers and to better showcase our amazing programs, has created an Instagram and Snapchat account (handles listed below)! Please follow us on all our various social media platforms and we can’t wait to see you at WGI Finals this weekend! Like us on Facebook: Chops Percussion Twitter: @Chopsperc Instagram: @Chops_Percussion Snapchat: chopspercussion

Apr 17, 2018 No Comments

2018 Indiana Percussion Association State Finals

Chops Percussion was proud to once again be the presenting sponsor of the Indiana Percussion Association. It was an exciting day of performances at the Hulman Center of Indiana State University, and Terre Haute South High School. We’d like to congratulate the IPA board, ISU volunteers, and everyone at Terre Haute South who did such a great job of making it a fantastic day and great experience for everyone. We would also like to congratulate all the students, staff and parents on another exciting year of great performances. It’s amazing what these young musicians are able to achieve, and the talent level seems to increase every year. Congratulations to everyone involved with performing and constructing these shows, along with all the support staff who made it possible for the students and staff to do what they do!

Apr 10, 2018 No Comments

Tips for Indoor Drumline – Warming Up Outside

This weekend is the only IPA show of the season that requires an outside warmup. Those groups who have performed in Dayton for WGI Championships or participate in circuits in warmer regions of the country know this is a normal process. The outside extended warmup can be very beneficial to preparing for the large arena environment. But for those who have not gone through that process before, here are some tips to make sure the experience is smooth and beneficial for everyone.

Apr 3, 2018 No Comments

That’s why they call it “Winter Drumline”

Although it is “officially” Spring, the Indiana Percussion Association was thrown a snowball this past weekend for State Prelims day. A band of blizzard-like conditions came roaring through central Indiana, in a narrow stretch that beat up on some areas, but left much of the state untouched without a single snowflake. The IPA executive board did an excellent job staying on top of the weather conditions, communicating to school directors, and making decisions for the safety of all involved. Ultimately, both show sites (Avon and Decatur Central) had to cancel midway through the day, as it became obvious the weather band was going to continue to sit right over the contest sites and not let up. Everyone packed up quickly and headed home while there was still daylight. The IPA board announced on Sunday that all units would be performing state finals day, and they are currently working on the schedule, which will be available HERE as soon as it’s announced. If you plan to attend, please remember to stop by the Chops Percussion booth and say hi! Thank you again to the IPA board for their tireless efforts, volunteering their time to make decisions in the best interest of

Mar 27, 2018 No Comments

Indiana Percussion Association – Marching To State Finals

Indoor Percussion season is in full swing and we’re proud to once again be the Presenting Sponsor for the Indiana Percussion Association. This weekend starts the march to state finals, with State Prelims and Divisional Finals at Avon High School and Decatur Central High School. Check out the schedules at the links above. Once this weekend’s preliminary events are complete, the State Finals schedule will be available here. State Finals will once again be at the Hulman Center, on the campus of Indiana State University. We’ll be running a booth at state prelims (Avon site) and state finals, so if you’re attending either of these, make sure to stop by and say hi! We’ll have lots of sticks, practice pads, mallets, stick bags, t-shirts, and many other items to choose from. It would be a great time to try out all the different sticks and pads and take something home! If you go to any shows, let us know what you think on our Facebook page! If you wear a Chops Percussion shirt, make sure to post a pic to our Facebook or Twitter page! For more information on events, schedules, venues, ticket sales and more, visit the Indiana Percussion Association (IPA) website.

Mar 20, 2018 No Comments

March 2018 News at Chops

Demo Gear Updates The demo list has some fresh updates for the month of March. Follow the link below to see what’s been added since February. Visit this page to view the list! 2018 Music For All National Festival There’s a fantastic opportunity to hear some great concert bands and percussion ensembles from all over the country this week, but we find many people don’t even know its happening right here in our backyard! It’s the Music for All National Festival, featuring high school percussion ensembles, concert bands and orchestras from across the US. Read more on the blog! Indoor Percussion Tips: Getting On and Off the Floor Now that most of you are getting into the contest portion of your indoor season, you find yourselves rehearsing your group on the basics of getting on and off the competition floor in a swift and stress-free manner. Some groups struggle with this aspect of the show day, and that can have a negative impact on the most important part of the day – your performance. I have a unique perspective on this topic. Being a Timing & Penalties judge for the Indiana Percussion Association (IPA), I get to see many groups

Mar 13, 2018 No Comments

2018 Music For All National Festival

Music for All National Festival March 15-17, 2018 Indianapolis, IN There’s a fantastic opportunity to hear some great concert bands and percussion ensembles from all over the country next week, but we find many people don’t even know its happening right here in our backyard! It’s the Music for All National Festival, featuring high school percussion ensembles, concert bands and orchestras from across the US. The festival also includes a middle school concert band festival, along with Honor Ensembles for concert band, jazz band, and orchestra. This is a non-competitive festival, meaning its all about just creating and listening to great music, created by some of the best high school and middle school music programs in the nation. Here’s a general schedule for the event:

Mar 6, 2018 No Comments

Indoor Percussion Tips: Getting On and Off the Floor

Now that most of you are getting into the contest portion of your indoor season, you find yourselves rehearsing your group on the basics of getting on and off the competition floor in a swift and stress-free manner. Some groups struggle with this aspect of the show day, and that can have a negative impact on the most important part of the day – your performance. I have a unique perspective on this topic. Being a Timing & Penalties judge for the Indiana Percussion Association (IPA), I get to see many groups enter and exit. Here are a few tips that you can use to make sure you’re ready for a quick and efficient entrance and exit:

Feb 27, 2018 No Comments

2018 Indoor Percussion Season Preview

Welcome back to the Chops blog. Indoor Percussion season is already underway, and we’re proud to once again be the presenting sponsor for the Indiana Percussion Association! Indoor Percussion continues to grow in popularity within the state and across around the world. We’re lucky to have one of the best and largest indoor percussion circuits in the country, and we’re proud to support the efforts of IPA and all of the participating groups. Along with local IPA contests, there’s also a national WGI regional, hosted by Franklin Central, where you can see performances by ensembles from all over the Midwest. Here’s a schedule of remaining contests to help you find a show near you! February 24 IPA Invitational at Knox HS February 24 IPA Invitational at Owen Valley HS March 3 IPA Invitational at New Palestine HS March 3 IPA Invitational at Carroll HS March 10 IPA Invitational at Ben Davis HS March 10 IPA Invitational at Zionsville HS March 10-11 WGI Indianapolis Regional at Franklin Central HS March 17 IPA Invitational at Plainfield HS March 17 IPA Invitational & PSB Divisional Prelims at Greenfield-Central HS March 24 IPA State Prelims & PSB Divisional Finals at Avon HS March 24

Feb 20, 2018 No Comments

February 2018 News at Chops

Demo Gear Updates The demo list has some fresh updates for the month of February. Follow the link below to see what’s been added since last month. Visit this page to view the list! Advice For New IPA Directors Regarding Schedules Here is some great advice that came from an Indiana Percussion Association email last week that we thought was worth passing along to everyone. If you’re taking a group to an IPA event this season, this is a must read. Read more on the blog! Remembering Ndugu In light of Ndugu Chancler’s passing last week, we offer you this great interview with him by Dom Famularo for The Sessions. It’s a great history lesson. Thank goodness he didn’t play the trombone. Watch now on YouTube!

Feb 13, 2018 No Comments

Advice For New IPA Directors Regarding Schedules

Below is some great advice that came from an Indiana Percussion Association email earlier this week that we thought was worth passing along to everyone: IPA Contest Schedules The first 4 weeks of IPA contest schedules are now available on the IPA website for your viewing. Please remember that schedules are subject to change through the MONDAY prior to the event for minor adjustments. Advice for new directors regarding schedules: When building your itinerary for the day, start with your warm up time and work backward Allow at least 1 hour between arrival at contest site and transit to warm up. This will allow your kids plenty of time to unload/assemble, dress, and feel relaxed going into warm up. Identify travel time to the site and add at least 20 minutes for the slower bus travel times. Look at traffic maps for any delays you might encounter. Give plenty of time post rehearsal for Pack/load at home. Have a plan for your students/chaperones if you are staying for critique. Many directors have communication with their chaperones that allow them to send kids home while directors stay for critique. If not, be prepared that your kids could be waiting at least

Feb 6, 2018 No Comments

Pearl MalletStation Demo at NAMM 2018

Derek and I had a great trip out to NAMM last week. We were able to capture a demo of the new Pearl MalletStation due out this spring. The EM1 is a USB powered midi mallet keyboard controller and once you hook this up to a laptop, tablet or even a phone, the possibilities are endless. Take a few minutes to watch the demo and let us know what you think!

Jan 30, 2018 No Comments

Just got your first drumset? Time for some private lessons!

Did you just get your first drumset this holiday season? What next? If not already taking them, private lessons are the next step in getting a good start. This will help ensure a return on your investment with a lifetime of music making enjoyment. We don’t currently offer lessons here at Chops, but here’s our list of suggestions in finding a lesson instructor that’s right for you or your child. – Ask your band director and/or school percussion instructor. Most will have a list of instructors in the area that they know will get you started on the right path to success. – Ask other students in your school. Sometimes great private lesson instructors fly under the radar and might not yet be well known to your band director. – Call us! We’d be happy to refer you to qualified private instructors we know and trust! These would be on the northeast side, so if that works for you, just give us a call and we’ll refer you to some of the best in the area. – Online lessons. There are new online lesson opportunities popping up all the time. If you choose this route, be sure to do some

Jan 23, 2018 No Comments

January 2018 News at Chops

Sabian/GonBops Specials from Midwest B&O Clinic We partnered with Sabian at the 2017 Midwest Clinic to bring you some great prices on demo gear. These cymbals and instruments were used in performances at the Midwest B&O Clinic. Visit this page to view the list! Paige’s Music Repair Shop Now Offering On-Site Percussion Repairs The Paige’s Music repair department announced a new service that was introduced earlier this school year. On-site percussion repairs at your school! Now offered by appointment only for large percussion instruments such as timpani, mallet instruments, concert bass drums, etc . This service is intended to alleviate the need to send in large instruments with your District Manager and be without them for several weeks. Read more on their blog! My First Drum Set – A Great Resource For First Time Drummers and Parents Are you taking up drumming for the first time? Are you buying a drum set for the drummer in your life this holiday season? If so, you may want to start at myfirstdrumset.com. This website was created by the people at Pearl Drums with the idea of educating not only the drummer, but the parent or loved one who is buying the set. Read

Jan 16, 2018 No Comments