The year 1948 was an interesting time for the world: Israel is declared a state, the Baby Boom hits, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, Warner Brothers showed its first color newsreel, and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Vol. I entered its first year of publication. Not nearly available in stores then as it is now, the book still managed to gain widespread popularity and throughout the years has become a staple in music education-having been hailed as “ the definitive study on coordinated independence.”  For some time, Jim had to constantly carry his sticks and practice pad, proving to all challengers the patterns and exercises in the book can actually be played! Still sought after by beginners and industry professionals alike, Chapin’s materials have been keeping musicians challenged and on their toes for over half a century!

“He beat a lot of drummers up with that book.” – Max Roach 

Since then James Forbes "Jim" Chapin has remained a constant pillar in the industry by helping to provide a strong foundation for the drumming world as we know it. His books have circled the globe inspiring musicians from every cultural background and walk of life. As the last remaining student of Sanford A. Moeller, Chapin has preserved the memory of his mentor by passing on his knowledge of the Moeller method from generation to generation. In cooperation with Dom Famularo, friends, and loved ones we've had the privilege to honor Mr. Chapin with the first ever Drummer Connection Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented by longtime friend and pupil Dom Famularo, the award represents a small token of our appreciation of Jim’s contributions to the world drumming community.

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Drummer Connection Life Time Achievement Award Presented to James Ford “Jim” Chapin for his unending enthusiasm and desire to share drumming education worldwide. Your books have reached millions of drummers to empower them to enjoy the art of modern drum set. You have taught the greatest drummers globally for seven generations to share their expression and talent and inspired each of us to develop our art form to the highest standard. For this we thank you and want you to understand your legendary contribution to each of us!

Jim Chapin Lifetime Achievement Award

Born on July 23, 1919, Chapin is the son of James Ormsbee Chapin and Abigail Forbes. He is the father of ten children, including musicians Harry, Tom, and Steve Chapin and a direct descendant of Deacon Samuel Chapin-one of the original founders of Springfield, Mass. Through Deacon Chapin’s seven children descended such historical figures as Presidents Grover Cleveland and William Taft, actor Spencer Tracy, abolitionist John Brown, and financier J.P. Morgan. Having been known early in his career as a well regarded American jazz drummer, Jim is also a skilled artist and painter, having drawn all illustrations and music in his book’s Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Vol. I, and Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Vol. II. He is also the author of several albums (later converted to CD’s) on jazz drumming, as well as 2 CD’s entitled  Jim Chapin: Songs, Solos, Stories (Vols. 1 and 2).

One of Chapin’s most noted achievements is the legacy he has passed on from his former instructor Sanford A. Moeller author of The Art of Snare Drumming, also called the Moeller Book.

        This method is arguably one of the top drumming techniques sought after by percussionists all over the world today. It is believed that he described the method after observing Civil War drummers in the 1800’s; he later taught the system to Jim in 1938-1939. Since then Jim’s ambition has been to share this knowledge with the world, passing his technique along to educators such as Dom Famularo, Thomas Lang, Jojo Mayer, and millions of others who’ve come to learn by proxy through the various resources available today. 

With so many of our drumming forefathers now gone, it was a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to one of the industies las living legends. "Because of his staying power, Jim is taken for granted. Through times of “ here today-gone tomorrow” artists, he has always been there. During the past 60 years , he has observed, studied , analyzed every great (and not so great) drummer. He was there almost from the beginning of modern drum set playing, and that will never happen again" - Rob Birenbaum.

Drummer Conneciton would like to thank all of its members for their continued donations and support towards the  Jim Chapin Lifetime Achievement Award. We will have more items available for future auctions, to make a direct donation please click HERE!

To view all pictures click HERE!

You can purchase Jim's books and other great material at http://www.domfamularo.com/ordering.html

Special thanks to:

Dom Famularo - Sabian, John Spinelli – Seminole Music and Sound, Billy Canty - Pearl, Matt Buckner-Kaman, Terry Platt - ddrum, Greg Zeller -Sabian, Casey Grillo - Kamelot, Brian Bernard - Cyclone Drums, Don Capone, and all other artists/DC members who donated to the cause.