Im sure its a problem everywhere

You say basses try to play the "upper-battery" instruments as if one section is more important or better than another.

Lock up all sticks and mallets and store drums and carriers in an out of the way place if possible. The curious will, of course, find a way but this will limit their ability to mess up your gear.

I am picky about people carrying "my" drum (or anyone else's) when they are either careless or clueless. If you don't carry a drum the right way or don't set it down the right way, you will damage the drum.

I am fine with people playing on different people's drums as long as they are practicing as opposed to goofing around. Practicing helps individuals to be better equipped to play that instrument should they choose to march it in the future, which helps our line as a whole. Also, there is a difference between goofing around and playing something for fun. If you are learning say an incredible tenor break for no reason but to have fun, fine; fun is the only reason any of us drum. However, if you just want to beat on a drum you can go blow the cash to get your own and destroy it, but when you didn't pay for the drum (an organization or other individual did) you have no right to damage their property by being careless or outright dumb.

Non-percussionists have no place touching a drum under any circumstances, I wouldn't play anyone's trumpet (much less damage it) so why should they play our drums.

Education and fun are OK, but when you cross into "stupid" territory, I draw the line. Examples of "stupid territory" include beating on drums in a non-rhythmic fashion, plucking snare strainers, running by and smacking a drum (as hard as possible) with your hand, stealing/ throwing other's sticks, and dropping drums (and I've seen all of these as I'm sure many of you have by percussionists as well as wind players).

My only advice: keep your sticks safe (locker, bag, backpack, etc.), talk to people who violate your personal rules regarding drums, don't set a bad example, getting your line on the same page is the only way to get the pit (where many of our issues come from) to stop violating boundaries, which is the only way to get non-percussionists to respect boundaries.

Non-percussionists have no place touching a drum under any circumstances, I wouldn't play anyone's trumpet (much less damage it) so why should they play our drums.[/b]

I actually encourage non-percussionists to try playing a drum or a mallet keyboard so long as they do it responsibly. While they try it, I'll offer some pointers if I have a moment.

The reason? I've recruited a bunch of players this way. In our winter line last year, we had:

* A saxophone player on vibes
* A trombone player on xylophone
* A trumpet player on bells
* A clarinet player on marimba
* A viola player on marimba
* A horn player on synth

...not to mention our top bass drummer, who had never even played an instrument before.

This is definitely a good idea as far as I'm concerned. If they are learning or are practicing, good for them and if they can play and are responsible, why not use them in your line or pit. My complaint is people doing stupid stuff for no reason. But learning usually ends up benefiting everyone.

do you know matt keown he is alan son who is best friends with matt savage, anyways i saw the seattle casades on your signature, and dude it sucks that they folded he matt keown made it and then they folded,

oh well