Nationally-recognized percussionists will discuss orchestral, drum set and marching performance techniques and history at the New Jersey Percussive Arts Society's "Day of Percussion" on April 13 at Seton Hall University.

Headlining the event is Joe Morello, legendary drum set player for the Dave Brubeck Quartet, William F. Ludwig, Jr. of the Ludwig Percussion heritage and Danny Raymond, Jr., a former New York Skyliner and current "Jammitor" for Disney.

"I've been in and around the drum corps activity my entire life," said Raymond, the two-time Drum Corps Associates Snare Solo Champion who will speak about marching percussion at the event. "My Dad, Danny Sr., is a World Drum Corps Hall of Famer." Raymond is also a teacher, clinician and arranger.

"I credit drum corps and the people involved with the activity," he said. Raymond is currently teaching privately in the middle schools and high schools in the Central Florida area and performing Sunday through Wednesday at EPCOT with "Da Jammitors." He has been a consultant for the Boston Crusaders and Syracuse Brigadiers.

Through "Da Jammitors," Raymond has found a way to continue getting paid to use his drum corps skills, much like cast members of "Blast!," "Hip Pickles" and "Future Corps." Raymond said there's hope for current drum corps percussionists to do the same.

"I would definitely say be as well rounded a percussionist as possible," Raymond advised. "This way, you are not limited to one particular playing situation. The great thing about drum corps percussion is that between the front ensemble and battery, you have many percussion instruments you can learn to play. And, you never know where these opportunities will lead next...SUBSCRIBE for more advice from Raymond!

Morello is considered to be one of the finest and most celebrated drummers in the history of Jazz. He recorded more than 120 albums with Brubeck, setting new standards in musicality, brush work and timing for drum set players around the world. A member of the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame, Morello has won nearly every award in his field and continues to inspire young drummers.

Ludwig, Jr. will discuss the development of the drum from Colonial times through three wars and into the silent movie era of the "roaring '20s," showing more than 200 slides, most in full color.

Two high school percussion ensembles will also perform. Admission is free...