DRUM-OFF 2008

It’s almost time for the stick-flipping madness of Guitar Center’s Drum Off 2008! In its 20th year the contest is stronger than ever, boasting a grand prize valued at over $45,000.

It’s almost time for the stick-flipping madness of Guitar Center’s Drum Off 2008! In its 20th year the contest is stronger than ever, boasting a grand prize valued at over $45,000.

For the past two decades, Drum Off and Guitar Center have “been committed to providing drummers across the country the opportunity to pursue their musical aspirations and achieve their dreams.” The contest reaches drummers from towns and cities across the country by hosting preliminary rounds at the 214 Guitar Center locations. Last year’s winner, Donnie Marple, was from Keyser, WV, and had never had a drum lesson in his life. Check out his mind-blowing performance and read his story at the link below.

Sign-ups for the preliminary rounds begin August 1 on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. The first 30 people to register in person at each store will be eligible. Local competitions begin on September 23rd, and one winner from each of the 214 locations will move on to the district competitions. Entrants benefit not only from the opportunity to progress toward the grand prize and potentially a career, but also through the networking opportunity that the contest provides for local musicians. The 24 district champions will move on to regionally hosted semi-finals (6 locations), and then the final competitors will meet up for the championship Drum-Off in Los Angeles in January in front of a panel of celebrity judges. -Past judges include Steward Copeland (The Police), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Steve Smith (Journey)…and many other equally impressive names.

Competition Dates
Store Prelims: Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 7
Store Finals: Oct 14
District Finals: Nov 4
Regional Finals: Dec 2
Grand Finals: January 2009

The stakes are high in the Grand Finals. Don’t hold your breath while you read this list of prizes:

$25,000 cash, a Roland TD-20 kit, a custom designed drum kit by DW, Pearl, Gretsch, Tama, or Orange Country Drums, drum, stick, cymbal, and drum head endorsement deals, a feature in Modern Drummer magazine, a feature in a Guitar Center ad campaign, a VIP appearance at NAMM 2009, shopping sprees with Levi’s, Converse and Guitar Center, and a Monster Energy Drink endorsement deal.

What’s more, Sabian, Zildjian, Remo, Pro-mark, Vic Firth, Evans, and Rhythm Tech are all proud sponsors of Drum-Off ’08.