Wes is shown accepting the first place prize from Nardo, a complete set of Pearl Vision Drums including hardware.  He also received a trophy, a gift certificate for $150.00 from American Band Instrument Service.

On Saturday November 17, 2007, East Texas drummers met at American Band Instrument's Education Center in Tyler, Texas for the Sixth Annual Duel of the Drummers competition. The competitors ranged from 10 years old through 23 years old.
The competitors were grouped into three age divisions. These divisions were 13 and under (Youth), 14 through 15 (Juniors), and 16 and over (Seniors). Each participant was given not more than 15 minutes to set up (rearrange) the drum set and perform a solo of his choosing. The drum set used for the competition was a profession six piece set. Competitors were allowed to use their own foot pedal, cymbals, and snare drums, if they wished.

Jamel is shown accepting the third place trophy from Nardo.  He also received a Black Panther snare drum from Mapex Drum Company, and a gift certificate for $100.00 from American Band Instrument Service.

D. J. Friend

 

is the Third Place Winner For 2007

D. J. is shown accepting the third place prizes from Nardo, a Paiste Rude Cymbal, a Piccolo snare drum, a Zildjian cymbal, and a set of Aquarian drumheads..  He also received a gift certificate for $50.00 from American Band Instrument Service.

In addition to the prizes awarded the contestants, there were dozens of give-a-ways won by drawing that went to family and friends of the contestants who had come to watch. Give-A-Way prizes were donated by Aquarian Drum Heads, Paiste Cymbals, ProMark drumsticks, Pearl drums, Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums, and Zildjian cymbals. Prizes included drum heads sets, sticks, dozens of “T” shirts, and special drum videos.

Everyone who attended got their choice of many percussion company catalogs.

Our judges this year from left to right in back of the contest winners are Mr Doug Morris, Mr. Phil Rumbley, and Mr. Steve Roach.

The winners of the contest form left to right in the front are Jamel Bell second place, Wes Holt, first place, and D.J. Friend third place winner.

1. D. J. Friend
2. Michael Graham
3. Chris Colston
4. Taylor West
5. Harrison Jones

Junior Division

1. Jamel Bell
2. Andrew Hill
3. Jeffery Wright
4. Austin Comito

Adult Division

1. Wes Holt
2. Michael Mims
3. Joe Snyder
4. Jeard Eastering
5. Montreal Sanders
6. Matt Waldrop