What is Drum Fantasy Camp?

Brief History

Drum Fantasy Camp was founded in 2007 by camp director Steven Orkin. Orkin manages marketing for drummers Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, and Tommy Igoe.

Though the years, Orkin had read countless e-mails from fans asking for lessons and pointers from his clients. He posed this situation to his clients and proposed the camp idea. This is how Drum Fantasy Camp was born.

Who Attends Drum Fantasy Camp?

Drum Fantasy Camp is a fun, friendly, and non-competitive experience. Drummers of all ages, musical backgrounds, and playing levels attend.

In 2009, male and female drummers from more 10 countries and all over the United States attended. The age range was from 10 to 67. The average age was 32.

Our instructors are world-class performers/teachers. They are also friendly and professional human beings who share their knowledge and experience with the attendees.

There is a great sense of camaraderie at Drum Fantasy Camp. Attendees tend to become good friends - sharing information, cheering each other on at the "jam nights," and staying in touch after the experience.

How Does the Camp Work?

Day 1

The camp opens on Wednesday, August 11, with a general clinic featuring all the instructors. This is an interactive "roundtable" discussion where attendees can ask questions.

The clinic is followed by a 7:00 p.m. concert featuring The Mike Stern Band. Legendary guitarist Mike Stern will be joined by the incredible Tom Kennedy on bass (from the Dave Weckl Band). The drumming instructors will all perform at the concert, which is being held at Cleveland's House of Blues - directly across the street from the camp.

The clinic and concert are included for full-time campers, and are available for purchase to the general public. More information and tickets to the clinic and concert are available on the clinic/concert page.

Days 2-5

The next four days feature small classes (15 attendees each) at the Hyatt during the day. Three of those nights will include our famous "jam nights," where campers get to sit in with Vinny Valentino (George Benson, Vital Information), Baron Browne (Vital Information, Jean-Luc Ponty), and Chrissi Poland (Moby, Sam Moore, solo). This is also a great hang, and the drumming instructors also hang out and perform.

You can purchase the whole camp, or various packages that include classes with these world-class instructors. Packages and pricing are described below.

Pricing/Packages

Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, August 11
House of Blues - Cleveland

Thursday, August 12
Hyatt Regency Hotel - Cleveland
 

9:00 a.m.	Master class
12:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 p.m.	Master class
4:30 p.m.	Bonus class with world-class sound engineer Dennis Moody
6:00 p.m.	Sam Ash Jam Night

Friday, August 13
Hyatt Regency Hotel - Cleveland
 

9:00 a.m.	Master class
12:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 p.m.	Master class
4:30 p.m.	Bonus groove class with Vinny Valentino, Baron Browne, and Chrissi Poland
6:00 p.m.	Sam Ash Jam Night

Saturday, August 14
Hyatt Regency Hotel - Cleveland
 

9:00 a.m.	Master class
12:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 p.m.	Master class
4:30 p.m.	Bonus Drumming Career Course with Joe Goretti
6:00 p.m.	Sam Ash Jam Night

Sunday, August 15
Hyatt Regency Hotel - Cleveland
 

9:00 a.m.	Master class
12:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:30 p.m.	Master class
4:30 p.m.	Camp Ends
7:00 p.m.	Closing concert at Nighttown restaurant featuring Vinny Valentino, Baron Browne, and Peter Erskine.

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