Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast Clayton Craddock

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In today's episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with the highly accomplished drummer and percussionist Charles Descarfino. With a portfolio of over twenty Broadway shows, Charles shares his extensive experience and unique insights into the world of Broadway music. Here are the key highlights from the episode:
- Charles' experiences performing in over twenty Broadway shows, including "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "On the Town," "Elf," "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," "Follies," "Ragtime," "Young Frankenstein," "Les Misérables," "The Threepenny Opera," "Sweet Charity," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Seussical," "Titanic," "The Who's Tommy," and "City of Angels." and many more.
- Charles discusses his early influences, including his father, a saxophonist who played in nightclubs and introduced him to music. He shares how his father's passion for jazz and his late-night jam sessions at home sparked his interest in music and laid the foundation for his career in percussion.
- Charles bravely shares his first Broadway experience with "Sweet Charity," a journey that was not without its challenges. He credits Joe Passaro and John Miller for their pivotal role in launching his career, and shares stories about the opportunities and obstacles he encountered as he transitioned into the Broadway scene.
- He discusses his time at William Paterson University and how it was a transformative period. There, he studied under notable instructors and expanded his musical knowledge. He underscores the importance of formal training and continuous learning, which has been instrumental in maintaining and honing his musical skills.
- Charles shares his experiences conducting shows like "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and working with various conductors and musicians.
- Charles emphasizes the importance of perseverance, respect, and readiness for those looking to break into the Broadway scene. He provides practical advice, such as the need to constantly practice and improve, the importance of networking and building relationships in the industry, and the necessity of being prepared for auditions and performances.
- Charles talks about his international travels, including memorable trips to Italy, France, and Hawaii. He reflects on the cultural enrichment of traveling and experiencing diverse musical traditions, sharing how his visit to Italy inspired him to incorporate classical elements into his Broadway performances, and his time in Hawaii introduced him to the beauty of Polynesian rhythms.
- Charles discusses the evolving Broadway scene, the impact of technology and social media, and contemporary musicians' challenges. He also shares his thoughts on the future of Broadway and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry, highlighting how social media has revolutionized the way musicians promote their work and how technology has enhanced the audience's theater experience.
- He reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, building solid relationships, and continuously striving for excellence.
Tune in for Charles Descarfino's remarkable journey, insights, and valuable advice for aspiring musicians. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in working on Broadway.
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Mu

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Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Derek Stoltenberg to our show. He is a highly experienced drummer who has performed on cruise ships, Broadway stages, and many other prestigious platforms. In this episode, Derek shares his valuable experiences, insights, and words of wisdom for young musicians who aspire to succeed in the music industry. Here are the highlights of our conversation:
* The Art of Adaptation: Learning the ropes of performing in diverse environments, from cruise ships to Broadway, and the importance of adaptability.
* Musical Influences: A deep dive into the drummers and bands that shaped Derek's approach to drumming, including Josh Freese and Travis Barker.
* Tour Life Realities: The challenges and rewards of touring include navigating different venues and equipment and building relationships with crew members.
* Navigating New York's Music Scene: Insights into making it as a musician in New York City, from finding the best gigs to the significance of networking and adaptability.
* Words of Wisdom: Derek offers advice for aspiring musicians on perseverance, networking, and staying true to one's musical identity.
Join us as Derek Stoltenberg provides a detailed account of his vibrant career. Whether a budding musician or an experienced professional, you will find something interesting in Derek's story.
Derek Stoltenberg is a drummer and percussionist originally hailing from Pittsburgh, PA. Growing up, he developed a love and vocabulary for music of all genres, from punk and hip-hop to be-bop and salsa. After finishing studies in both classical and jazz performance, he spent several years teaching and freelancing in the PA, OH, and WV tri-state area before traveling the world performing for Princess Cruises in both the house and party bands. 
From there, he would travel nationwide for national tours of Broadway shows such as Mean Girls, The Prom, Mamma Mia, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. These experiences have allowed him to perform in concert with artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, Jessica Vosk, and Richard Kind and on stage at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and Carnegie Hall. 
In 2012, Derek had the honor of world premiering "Concerto for Drum Set and Percussion Ensemble" with the Slippery Rock University Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Glover. The piece, composed for him by Jamie Whitmarsh, went on to win first place in the 2012 Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest and is available through C. Alan Publications. His Broadway subbing credits include How To Dance In Ohio and Hell's Kitchen.
Derek holds a BM in Percussion Performance from Slippery Rock University and an MM in Jazz Studies from Florida State University. He currently resides in New York City, where he maintains an active freelance schedule and sensible sneaker collection. 
Derek proudly endorses Innovative Percussion Drumsticks and Mallets.
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour) and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paist

Today, we're joined by Kevin McNaughton, an incredible musician who is currently on the road with the Mamma Mia tour. Kevin shares a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a touring musician.
* Getting Started in Touring: Kevin's journey began in Florida, where networking and a timely opportunity launched his career with the national tour of South Pacific.
* Musical Influences: From early experiences seeing the Chick Corea Electric Band to absorbing the works of Beethoven, Kevin's diverse musical influences shaped his approach to drumming.
* Family Support: Despite the uncertainties of a music career, Kevin was fortunate to have unwavering support from his family, who encouraged him to pursue his passion.
* Learning the Craft: His decision to take private lessons and the impact of his father's drumming was pivotal in Kevin's development as a musician.
* Education and Career Choices: Kevin reflects on his education, opting for a jazz studies degree over classical percussion. He contemplates how different decisions might have directed his career path.
* The Business of Broadway: Kevin emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of Broadway, from contracts to Broadway grosses, offering advice for those aspiring to join the industry.
* Touring Life: He contrasts the experiences of bus and truck tours with first national tours, discussing accommodations, the grueling schedules, and the unique challenges of performing in different venues.
* Drumming Techniques and Influences: Kevin shares his top drumming influences and discusses how he incorporates various styles into his playing.
* Aspirations and Advice for Newcomers: Looking towards the future, Kevin expresses his dream of playing on Broadway and offers advice for musicians aiming to make their mark in New York City or in touring productions.
* Creative Ventures: The podcast concludes with a light-hearted discussion about potential creative projects, showcasing Kevin's passion for music and storytelling.
This episode provides a comprehensive look at Kevin's experiences and insights into the world of touring Broadway shows. You don't want to miss it!
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Kevin honed his classical percussion and drum set skills under the guidance of Grammy™ nominated artist Brian Slawson, refined his vocal abilities with MET Opera singer Mark Baker, mastered the art of conducting with John C. Carmichael, and explored composition with Grammy™ nominated composer Chuck Owen.
Throughout his career, Kevin has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Bobby Floyd, Laura Osnes, Jeremy Jordan, Carolee Carmello, Mary Testa, Bonnie Milligan, and Andrea Burns, among many others.
Kevin has also subbed on the Broadway shows Be More Chill, The Easter Bonnet in 2019, the All-Female 1776, and Elephant and Piggie. He has toured with several hit musicals, including Pretty Woman, Elf, Dirty Dancing, Beauty And The Beast, Memphis, Shrek, and South Pacific.
Kevin is currently the drummer for the Mamma Mia tour.
For more: https://kpmdrummer.wixsite.com/kpmdrummer
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour) and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. Ki

Hailing from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Pat Petrillo is a world-renowned drummer who has significantly impacted the drumming industry over many years. His impressive career includes collaborations with an eclectic range of artists spanning various genres. Some notable musicians he's worked with include Patti LaBelle, Gloria Gaynor, Oz Noy, Chieli Minucci, Ed Hamilton, and Glen Burtnik, and his contributions to numerous Broadway shows such as "A Chorus Line," "Grease," "Footloose," "Newsies," and "Dreamgirls."
Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Pat Petrillo is the frontman of the Big Rhythm Band, a group of exceptional musicians based in New York City. Their latest album, "The Power Station Sessions," showcases nine tracks brimming with infectious grooves in the Contemporary Instrumental category. The record features guest appearances by acclaimed artists like Nile Rodgers, John Popper, Oz Noy, and more. Notably, their debut album, "The Abbey Road Sessions," won the Top 20 on Relix/Jambands.com charts.
In addition to his music career, Pat Petrillo is a respected educator in the drumming community. He has created popular instructional videos available on Drumeo.com, and his published books and DVDs through Hudson Music have inspired and educated countless drummers worldwide. Pat's teaching experience extends to his time as an instructor at Drummers Collective in New York City for many years.
Currently, he serves as a visiting adjunct instructor at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he continues to share his wealth of drumming knowledge through clinic performances and master classes across the globe.
Click here for more: https://patpdrummer.com
Broadway Drumming 101 is your digital mentor with an unwavering commitment to empowering musicians with the essential tools and guidance needed to excel as professional musicians. BD101 stands as your comprehensive resource center, delivering specialized mentorship and meticulously curated resources exclusively designed for aspiring musicians on their journey to a thriving career in musical theater.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com


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Hailing from Perth Amboy, NJ, Juan "Carlito" Mendoza is a seasoned musician with over 25 years of experience. A classically trained percussionist, he excels in playing the marimba, timpani, orchestral snare drum, vibraphone, drum set, and hand percussion. Juan obtained his BA in Music Education from New Jersey City University in 2004 and earned his MA, summa cum laude, in Music Education in 2013. His musical journey has been enriched by studying under renowned instructors like Nicholas Cerrato (Timpanist for the Tony Award-winning Broadway show "Cats"), marimba expert Greg Giannascoli of the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra, and Brazilian percussion maestro Guillerme Franco.
Juan's musical prowess was evident from an early age. At 13, he won Best Soloist at the national Maid of the Mist competition in Niagara Falls, Canada. His competitive spirit continued through various drum corps engagements. He performed with the esteemed Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps from Hawthorne, NJ, in 1997 and 1999-2001. In 2002, he joined the Syracuse Brigadiers, contributing to their victory at the Drum Corps Association World Championship and securing the best percussion title. That same year, Juan outperformed 35 other contestants to become the Drum Corps Association Snare Drum Champion.
Juan's talents have also led him to feature in Pat Petrillo's educational DVD "Learning to Read Rhythms" by Alfred Music, where he recorded all the musical examples and appeared as a featured soloist. His crowning achievement came in 2012 when he outshone over 5,000 competitors to win the Guitar Center Drum Off Grand Champion title. Juan has recently contributed to Drumeo, offering valuable content for their platform and the broader drumming community.
Currently, Juan serves as an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University, operates a drum educational website offering pre-recorded video lessons covering various techniques and musical styles, and holds a position as a middle school band director.
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For more: https://www.carlitomendoza.com
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.


Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

As we bring our special three-part series to a close, we want to express gratitude for your interest in the podcast.
We started a few weeks ago by introducing you to Michael Aarons, an industry veteran, whose invaluable insights have broadened our understanding of the many facets of musical production—from Broadway stages to recording studios, live events, and beyond.
With a career that's been both broad and deep, Michael has shown us what it takes to assemble world-class pit orchestras, navigate complex labor agreements, and manage the intricacies that come with large-scale productions. His wealth of knowledge has proved invaluable for drummers and anyone aspiring to make their mark on Broadway.
As Broadway Drumming 101 continues to grow and evolve, we are more committed than ever to bring you diverse voices and perspectives from industry titans like Michael. We believe that this series has been a treasure trove of information and strategies designed to elevate your musical career to new heights.
To contact Michael:
https://www.m2music.nyc
If you've missed any part of this trilogy, don’t worry! All three episodes are available for you to check out by subscribing at Broadway Drumming 101. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just taking your first steps in the drumming world, this series stands as an invaluable resource you won't want to overlook.
For future updates and more invaluable content, subscribe here:
Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud. He has been a sub drummer on Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Spongebob Squarepants-The Musical, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, and The Big Apple Circus. The next project he’s working on is The Hippest Trip – The Soul Train Musical.
Clayton has performed on various TV shows, including Good Morning America, The Colbert Report, The View, The Jimmy Fallon Show, The CBS Early Show, the Today Show, and the 2010 and 2019 TONY Awards at Radio City. He’s shared the stage with legends such as The Stylistics, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King and was in the Netflix DWYCK episode of Luke Cage with the Delfonics and the HBO version of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.


Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe