I agree with everyone to no grip the stick too tight. It's great to have a firm grip, but with technology in todays society and the fact us humans use computers pretty much on a daily bases, fingers should not be hurting that bad. Typing a lot has build the bulk of my finger strength, along with the fact I'm a music major, and I have to practice a lot.
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'03-'04: Freshman snare (2nd rank) Pearl Band
'04-'07:So/Jr/Sr. Snare (1st rank drum captain) Pearl Band
'05: 9th Rank Mississippi Lion's All-State Band (2nd Bass): (3 years in a row, 23 years overall)
'06: 8th Rank (Bass Section Leader) Mississippi Lion's All-State Band
'07: 4th Rank (Snare) Mississippi Lions All-State Band. International Champions 5-in-a-row.