Drum Clinic Featuring Session Great
Paul Leim

American Band Instrument Service together with Yamaha Drums and Paiste Cymbals presented the session great drummer Paul Leim in a drum clinic for drummers of all ages on Friday night November 17, 2006. The clinic was suspose to be held at the American Band Instrument Service Education Center. However, the advanced ticket sales indicated that a much larger area was needed for the event so the clinic was held at the Grace Community School Auditorium. All the musicians tht attended the clinic could not help but be inspired. One of the most exciting things for our local crowd was that Paul is from the East Texas area, and a graduate of Troup High School.

After seeing and hearing the Paul Leim clinic it is difficult to express one’s feelings. Words come to mind like discipline, dedication, passion, excellence, commitment, excitement, and many others. The experience of seeing and hearing him perform in person is encouraging to musicians of all types.

STYLES, TECHNIQUES, and CHOICES.Paul spoke on the subjects of styles, techniques, and choices.

STYLES: Rock, Metal, Jazz, BeBop, Country, Traditional, and Country Rock are all styles that were discussed. Mr. Leim had hit record in all of three categories.

TECHNIQUES: Students and players were advised of the need for diversity. The importance of site reading, and quick interpretation were talked about.

CHOICES: The choices a drummer make come from styles and technique available from study, practice, and experience. Also, discussed were stickes, blasters, brushes, electronics, and preparing to perform

Forty Year Home Coming

This was a sort of a forty-year coming home party for Paul. He started his studio work here in Tyler forty years ago this past summer. He was very gracious and took the time to stay and answer questions as long as the audience wanted. His answers were straightforward and honest.

For most musicians, there is a distinct separation between various segments of the entertainment industry. Few other musicians have so successfully bridged the gap between records, motion pictures, live performance and television as Paul Leim. In the last twenty five years, Paul has compiled an enviable “track record” in all four areas and has earned his distinction as one of the foremost drummers in the entertainment industry world wide.

In concert venues and recording studios all over the world, Paul has performed for a seemingly endless list of top artists, composers and producers. Paul has performed on tours or special engagements with Doc Severinsen, The Berlin Orchestra, The London Symphony, The Boston Pops, Tanya Tucker, Randy Travis, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond.

Number 1 Platinum albums credits with Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton, Peter Cetera, Tanya Tucker, Randy Travis, Michael W. Smith, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, Lorrie Morgan, Mark Chestnut, Lyle Lovett, Sandi Patti, Amy Grant, Colin Raye, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney and many others, including Pe Werner and “Pur” (German “Pop” artists), make up a remarkable variety of rewarding record projects in Pop, Jazz, Big Band, Country and Contemporary Christian markets.

Paul has performed on motion pictures with John Williams such as “Star Wars Return of the Jedi”, “The River” and Dirty Dancing. Done television shows including three Elvis Presley television miniseries specials, episodic television series “Fall Guy”, “Spencer for Hire”, “The Tonight Show”, “Growing Pains”, and “Dolly”, “The Grammy Awards”, eight years as staff drummer on Dick Clarks “American Music Awards” and now a current staff member of the The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Paul has had a variety of musical experiences only dreamed of by aspiring players.

Of the thousands of records, soundtracks and albums Paul has played on, over 200 have been certified multiple Gold and Platinum. That translates to more than 300 million in unit sales and $4 Billion in sales including multi platinum recordings. Over 100 of those are Dove, Grammy, CMA or Academy Award Recipients.

Being well established and known for his own style and sound, contributing to the success of the tremendous artists he works with, and, having raised 3 happy healthy kids with his wife Jeanie, “Has been a life dream come true for a farm boy from Troup, Texas.

Left to right: Ed Cliff from Paiste cymbals; Dennis Webster from Yamaha Drums; Paul Leim Drummer; Nardo Murry and Mac Miller for American Band Instrument Service.