Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast

• Podcast #93 - Paul Hannah

  This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with touring legend Paul Hannah, whose career spans over four decades and countless genres—from orchestras to biker bars and Broadway pits to jazz trios.Paul began playing professionally at just 16, growing up in Las Vegas during a time when the mob ran the city and every hotel had a full orchestra. He learned firsthand from giants like Jerry Gilgor, Tommy Check, Leo Camera, Roger Rampton, and Walfredo de los Reyes. Later, he studied with titans like Vic Firth, Alan Dawson, and Alexander Lepak, preparing him for a career that’s taken him across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and China.🎭 Paul has performed on Broadway tours of:* Into the Woods* Cats* West Side Story (Tokyo)* Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley and Corey Glover)* Spamalot* Wicked* An American in Paris* Funny Girl and moreHe’s also the author of the essential guidebook for any drummer hoping to hit the road:👉 “Show Drumming - An Expert’s Guide to Theatre and Touring” — available hereIn this episode, Paul dives into:* What the old Vegas scene taught him about musical discipline* Why the apprentice system matters* Studying with Alan Dawson and Vic Firth* The real reason he never moved to NYC* What touring life is really like* How over-preparation saved his career (and sanity)* Honest reflections on burnout, growth, and finding purpose in music🎧 Whether you’re a young player dreaming of your first tour, a seasoned pro, or just love hearing rich stories from the road—this episode delivers.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

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• BD101 Classic - The Warren Odze Interview

  Back when we were all stuck inside and Broadway had gone quiet, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the great Warren Odze—a true Broadway and NYC studio veteran. Re-listening to this interview in 2025, I’m reminded just how rich and inspiring Warren’s stories are. Things have changed for the better since we first recorded, but this conversation holds up stronger than ever.Warren has played in an incredible list of Broadway shows, including:🎭 The Life🎭 Civil War🎭 Kat and the Kings🎭 Seussical🎭 Thoroughly Modern Millie🎭 Lennon🎭 Come Fly Away🎭 The Wedding Singer🎭 Priscilla, Queen of the Desert🎭 Rocky🎭 An American In Paris🎭 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory🎭 King KongIn this episode, Warren talks about:* Growing up in Long Island and discovering the magic of drumming* Why seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show blew his mind—and how that moment helped launch his music career* Studying at the Manhattan School of Music during a golden age for jazz and classical training* Playing NYC clubs in the '70s and '80s, hauling drums through dangerous subways, and working 6 nights a week* Studio stories: recording jingles, subbing on Broadway, and why "every piece of music was handmade"* Navigating the caste system of NYC musicians—from the A-list cats to the club date scene* His first big Broadway break (The Life), and how a free jazz gig led to a steady theater chair* How he kept things fresh after hundreds of shows: “Do no harm. Save the patient.”🎙️ This interview is packed with wisdom, hustle, and hilarious throwbacks—from terrifying subway hauls to playing on the Dick Cavett Show (and yes, Miles Davis was in the building).Warren is living proof that being versatile, professional, and prepared can take you far, even if it means carrying your gear across town in a blizzard.🟡 Listen to the full episode now and hear about a NYC drumming life well-lived—and still going strong.📲 Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share with your fellow drummers, theater musicians, and music lovers.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

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  1:17:25
• PODCAST #92 - Q. Robinson

  This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Broadway Drumming 101 – Episode: Quinton “Q.” Robinson (2025 Update)🎧 Hosted by Clayton CraddockDrummer, music director, and Ableton Live wizard Quinton “Q.” Robinson returns to the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast for a long-overdue update! First interviewed in July 2021, Q has since leveled up in remarkable ways—and in this candid, wide-ranging conversation, he breaks it all down with Clayton.From his early connection with Clayton through Ain’t Too Proud, to his time on the Hamilton national tour, Q shares the behind-the-scenes journey of earning trust, honoring commitments, and mastering his craft. He discusses his drum setup evolution, hilarious tour mishaps (air conditioning fan fail, anyone?), and the invaluable lessons he's learned performing in various cities with rotating local musicians.Topics Covered:* How Q first met Clayton and began subbing for Ain’t Too Proud* Getting the call for the Hamilton tour—and turning it down to honor a prior commitment* Transitioning from one major tour to another* Learning how to communicate respectfully with older local musicians in new cities* The physical and mental demands of touring life* Touring gear breakdowns, loadouts, and drum booth logistics* How Q approaches musical authenticity in drum books* The importance of having real-world experience outside of music school* Why developing a personal voice on the drums matters* Owning the responsibility of gear maintenance and musical excellence* What "Got Pocket" means—and why it’s more than a catchphrase* His custom ProMark drumstick and Q's hybrid drum keyMemorable Quotes:🗣️ "Technical skill is just the price of admission. What else are you bringing to the chair?" – Q. Robinson🗣️ "Sometimes learning what not to do is more important than learning what to do." – Q. Robinson🗣️ "Broadway music is not a genre. It’s a subgenre of genres. And if you don’t know who Bernard Purdie is, you’re going to misread the chart." – Q. Robinson🎵 Plus, Q talks gear: from his 20-ply custom snare drum to cymbal setups and his preference for heavier sticks with finesse. And yes—he even dishes on his custom ProMark drumsticks and signature drum key (with a magnet and a drill bit!).Guest Info:Quinton “Q.” RobinsonDrummer for the North American tour of HamiltonWebsite: www.iamqrobinson.comCustom Drum Key & ProMark Sticks: Available via Atlanta Drum ShopMerch Alert:Check out Q’s favorite drumming apparel at GotPocket.comClayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

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  1:23:37
• BD101 Classic Interview: Ray Marchica

  This one originally dropped in September 2021 in two parts—but if you missed it back then, don’t worry. I’m bringing it back as part of the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Interview Series.Ray Marchica is one of those drummers whose name has been floating around the NYC scene for decades—and for good reason. He’s done it all: gold records, TV house band gigs, iconic Broadway runs, off-Broadway, jazz big bands, the works. From James Brown's "Living in America" to The Rosie O’Donnell Show to Mamma Mia!—Ray’s been laying it down with feel, power, and style.In this episode, Ray shares stories about:* Growing up in Brooklyn and learning drums from his uncle in the basement* Studying classical percussion at Brooklyn College with the legendary Morris Lang* Landing his first major gig on the A Chorus Line tour in the ‘70s* Navigating the world of jingle sessions, Radio Registry (yes, that was a thing for you young folk), and Broadway subs* Getting the gig with Dan Hartman and playing on hit records* What it was like playing for La Cage aux Folles, Starlight Express, Will Rogers Follies, and other major shows* His time in the pit for Miss Saigon, the long run with Mamma Mia!, and his approach to training subs* Real talk about the rise of drum machines, the shift in Broadway orchestra pits, and how he’s stayed versatile through it allWhether you're a drummer, a fan of Broadway, or just someone who loves hearing stories from the road, the pit, and the studio, you’ll dig this.Hit play. Subscribe if you haven’t. And check out more at BroadwayDrumming101.com.If you loved this episode, check out some of the other powerful resources we’ve created for musicians looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the Broadway pit:* 🎭 Beyond the Gigs: Why Musicians Must Face Real-Life ResponsibilitiesUnderstanding health plans is just as important as perfecting your art.* 🥁 Why You're Not Getting Sub Gigs (And How to Fix It Now)The top reasons subs lose gigs—and how to avoid them for good.These articles are part of our Beyond Music School series, which gives you the real-world advice no one else teaches—gear tips, networking strategies, audition etiquette, and more.🔗 Subscribe & Support📥 Join the Broadway Drumming 101 Substack for free or become a paid subscriber:📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@BroadwayDrumming101🌐 Visit the official website for merch, podcast archives, and resources:https://www.BroadwayDrumming101.com👕 Grab official Broadway Drumming 101 gear here:https://broadwaydrumming101.myshopify.comThanks for watching—and for being part of the Broadway Drumming 101 community.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and . As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, Aquarian Drumheads, and Empire Ears in ear monitors.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

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  1:23:17
• POCAST #91 - Andrew Atkinson

  This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.🎧 A quick note to our listeners:We want to apologize for the slightly odd sound quality in this episode. It was our very first time recording the podcast remotely, so the audio might sound a little different than usual. Thanks for bearing with us through this little glitch!And trust us—you need to check out the video version of this episode when it drops on YouTube. The way we kicked things off is absolutely hilarious. You don’t want to miss it!In this episode, we sit down with the talented Andrew Atkinson—Broadway drummer for MJ the Musical, former sub on Hamilton, and an incredibly versatile musician whose journey is anything but typical.Andrew shares his unique path from a childhood split between Miami and Jamaica, to discovering his love for drums in a middle school percussion class he tried to transfer out of. We dive deep into his early musical influences (yes, country music and Shabba Ranks), his DIY passion for building computers, and the unexpected road that led him from playing jazz clubs to landing a seat in one of Broadway’s hottest shows.He discusses:* How he went from Miami art school to NYC drum pits* Playing with Gregory Porter and getting the call for Hamilton* The challenges and innovations of using fully electronic drums for MJ the Musical* Why discipline, preparation, and teamwork are essential for Broadway musicians* His experience working on America’s Got Talent and why that production team is the most organized he's ever seen* His deep respect for rudiments, practicing to perfection, and emulating legends like Art Blakey and Max RoachThis episode is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and stories from the grind. If you're serious about carving out your path in musical theater—or just want to hear what it takes to go from video games and ska in Jamaica to Broadway's biggest stages—this is the conversation for you.👉 Subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and check out exclusive content at BroadwayDrumming101.com🎥 Also available on YouTube – don’t forget to hit that bell for updates!Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

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  1:23:55

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