What does it take to go from high school marching band to playing drums for major Broadway tours? Meet Jaren Angud, a versatile percussionist whose journey has taken him from ska cover bands in garages to international stages with Disney and beyond.

In this episode, Jaren and I dive deep into his story:

* How a high school French horn mishap led him to drums

* Playing in ska and punk bands before discovering theater music

* Why he originally planned to be an engineer, not a musician

* The moment he decided to pursue music seriously and how grad school shaped his path

* Landing national and international tours like Flashdance The Musical and Beauty and the Beast

* Touring across the U.S. and overseas—from Cairo to Qatar—and what it taught him about culture, travel, and resilience

* What life is like as the drummer for the First National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical

* How he and his wife turned RV living into a full-time touring lifestyle

* Managing fitness, routine, and mental focus while on the road

* Advice for drummers who want to break into the Broadway world: versatility, preparation, and mindset

Jaren’s story is full of practical advice, real-life insights, and inspiring lessons about saying “yes” to opportunities and staying ready for the big call.

Mentioned in this episode:

* His early influences: Travis Barker, ska bands, and marching percussion

* Transitioning from music education to performance

* Why being a “total drummer” is the key to success

* Tips for navigating long-haul touring, from budgeting to health

* The reality of subbing on Broadway and how Jaren prepared for Back to the Future

Whether you’re a drummer dreaming of Broadway, a musician navigating freelance life, or someone curious about the touring lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.

Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.

Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.

Thanks for listening!

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We’re closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we’re just getting started. We’ve got a great lineup ahead.

Upcoming episodes include conversations with:

* Pili Fronda

* Michael Manesseh

* Matthew Friedman

* Joe Bergamini

* Tom Jorgensen

* Trevor Holder

We're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring:

* Jesse-Ray Leich

* Jake Goldbas

* Paul Pizzuti

* Dena Tauriello

* Larry Lelli

* Rich Rosenzweig

* Elena Bonomo…and many more.

Be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. And subscribe to the Broadway Drumming 101 YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes video content.

In this episode, I talk with Augusto Oropeza, the drummer on the national tour of Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations. He shares what it’s really like playing this music night after night, life on the road, his transition from an IT career into full-time performance, and the story of how he landed the gig in the first place.

We discuss:

* How he went from auditing the show to joining the cast on tour

* The challenges of split-week travel and three-city weeks

* Why he left behind a steady job in cybersecurity to chase his dream

* His influences—from Jonathan Moffett and Vinnie Colaiuta to Karen Carpenter and Sheila E

* What it takes to stay healthy and injury-free on tour

* The importance of networking, versatility, and being a good hang

* The reality of drum booths, tight pits, late-night DoorDash, and finding community on the road

* How Cirque du Soleil and musical theater sparked his passion for live performance

This is an honest and inspiring look at what it means to live the touring musician’s life.

Support the show by visiting our merch store: merchandise.broadwaydrumming101.com

And if you’ve ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.

Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.

Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.

Thanks for listening!

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Originally released: October 2021

In this classic episode, I talk with Dennis Arcano—an all-around force in the musical theater world: Educator / Audio Engineer / Synth & Drum Programmer / Composer. He's subbed on shows like Death Becomes Her, tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jagged Little Pill, and more.

Dennis and I go way back, and in this episode, we talk about how he broke into the scene, from his first professional gig at Candlewood Playhouse to subbing on Broadway. He shares how a single connection led to his first Broadway subbing gig on Follies, and how that eventually led to touring tick, tick...BOOM! with his wife alongside him.

He gets into:

* How to properly prepare for a subbing gig (and what not to do)

* His path as a multi-instrumentalist and why that matters

* Why it’s important to play like the drummer you're subbing for

* His philosophy on groove, gear, teaching, and building trust in the pit

* What it was like to come back to Broadway years later for Jagged Little Pill

This episode is a masterclass in professionalism, humility, and the power of staying ready. Whether you’re a drummer looking to break into the Broadway scene or someone who wants to understand what it really takes to make it, this is one worth going back to.

Listen now and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring and honest conversations with the drummers behind the shows.

And grab your copy of my book: BroadwayBoundBook.com

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV, the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit.

We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, studying classical percussion at UW–Eau Claire, and how his early decision to leave veterinary studies for a life behind the drum kit changed everything. Patrick talks about balancing eight shows a week, playing pickleball and golf to stay sane on the road, and bleeding all over his snare in Dallas — literally.

Patrick also opens up about:

* His deep love for Yacht Rock and why he dreams of touring with Michael McDonald or Christopher Cross

* Learning to play entire shows from Vimeo videos (with no charts!) — like his recent tour with Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard

* Why subbing on Shucked led to a national tour

* Playing music for music’s sake—not just for the show

Whether you’re a drummer, a theater musician, or someone trying to figure out how to break into the Broadway world, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and some good laughs.

Featured Topics:

* Getting into musical theater through friendship and trust, not just auditions

* Classical chops meeting country-pop grooves on Shucked

* Why networking isn’t just schmoozing—it’s about real human connection

* Staying musically inspired while playing the same show night after night

* The role of joy, artistic outlets, and “pretending you’re at your own rock concert” when playing in isolation

About Patrick Phelan:Outside of Broadway, Patrick has toured internationally with Americana band Them Coulee Boys, recording the album Die Happy, which charted on the American Radio Album charts. He played for the Grammy-nominated Jazz Ensemble 1 at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and performed at PASIC with the UWEC percussion quartet. Patrick also teaches private lessons in drum set, concert percussion, and piano.

Connect with Patrick:Instagram: @patrickphelan4Email: [email protected]

Check out the Broadway Bound and Beyond book and merch!

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this classic episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I chat with the multi-talented percussionist Joshua Mark Samuels, whose Broadway journey spans from singing and dancing as a child in California to holding down chairs in some of the biggest shows on Broadway and Radio City.

We initially chatted in October of 2021, but I wanted to share this episode again. It’s funny, thought-provoking, and incredibly informative.

Episode Highlights:

* Early Musical Roots: Josh shares stories of growing up in L.A., starting drum lessons at the age of two and a half, and learning music theory from his legendary uncle, Dave Samuels.

* Dual Passions: How Josh navigated his love for both performing on stage and playing in orchestras, eventually fusing both into a career in musical theater.

* Cruise Ship Hustle: Becoming a music director at age 21 and realizing pit drumming was his true calling.

* Move to NYC: Josh recounts his unexpected relocation to New York and how one subway ride introduced him to Broadway drummer Gary Seligson, kick-starting his networking journey.

* Landing Marvelous Wonderettes & Godspell: Hear how obsessive preparation, transcriptions, and laser-focused practice helped Josh build a strong reputation as a sub.

* Radio City Christmas Spectacular: What it’s really like to play 200+ shows in two months with the Rockettes—and why this gig is one of the most demanding in the business.

* Subbing Philosophy: Learn why being effective matters more than being right, how to take notes without ego, and why watching the conductor is non-negotiable.

* Building a Career: Josh offers insight into the importance of relationships, people skills, and being someone others want to be around, on and off the bandstand.

Key Takeaways:

* “Subbing is a people game. It’s not just about chops—it’s about trust.”

* “Obsessive preparation isn’t about showing off—it’s about honoring the gig.”

* “You don’t succeed on Broadway because you’re the best player. You succeed because you’re the best fit.”

About Joshua Mark Samuels:Josh currently holds the drums/percussion chair at Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. His resume includes work on notable productions such as Beetlejuice, Aladdin, Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys, Chaplin, Godspell, A Bronx Tale, and Sunset Boulevard, among others. He’s performed all three percussion books (drums, timpani, mallets) at Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, and he's a respected clinician and educator with presentations at NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Rutgers, and Temple University.

He proudly endorses Vic Firth, Sabian Cymbals, MalletKat, and TreeHouse Drums.

Website: joshuamarksamuels.com

Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 on your favorite podcast platform, and visit BroadwayDrumming101.com for more content, resources, and merch.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with fellow musicians and theater fans!

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions such as Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and Hadestown (tour), among many others. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

Frank Zambrano didn’t take the traditional path to a Broadway tour, but that’s exactly what makes his journey so inspiring.

In this episode, Frank shares:

* Why his biggest advice is to get out of the musical theater bubble

* The pivotal role the Broadway Percussion Seminar played in his development

* A quote from Clint de Ganon that changed his mindset forever

* How his second chance to play Kimberly Akimbo became a story of preparation, grit, and follow-through

* What it took to turn theme park gigs and months of shadowing into a Broadway pit opportunity

Whether you’re an aspiring pit musician or just someone chasing a dream, Frank’s story is packed with the kind of real-world advice that doesn’t get taught in school.

Listen now and hear how Frank made his second shot count.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel – help us reach 1,000 subscribers by the end of June:👉 youtube.com/BroadwayDrumming101

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To all the new free and paid subscribers. Thank you! Your support, whether financial or simply by reading, sharing, and spreading the word, means everything to the team at Broadway Drumming 101.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Originally recorded in October of 2021, this conversation with Sammy Merendino is a standout. Sammy is a Broadway veteran with decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for being one of the most reliable and musical drummers in the business.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Growing up in Akron, Ohio, and playing in several bands during his formative years.

* What it was like auditioning for Chubby Checker and getting an 18-month tour.

* The importance of playing live and playing with older and better players.

* Going to a cattle call for a Billy Idol tour and his many second-place finishes.

* How a $2.75 beer at the Prince Street Bar catapulted him to another level where he became the go-to guy for drum programming in New York City.

* Meeting Larry Blackman and recoding ‘ Single Life’ and eventually programming the drums for their breakout album “Word Up.”

* Working on commercials in the morning, then off to do sessions with Hall and Oates in the afternoon, and Cameo later at night.

* How he met Cyndi Lauper and got the drum chair at Kinky Boots.

This is the kind of episode that every drummer trying to break into theater should hear. Sammy is full of practical wisdom, and his calm, grounded approach is something a lot of players can learn from.

Sammy has recorded and/or performed with many top artists, including Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Foreigner, Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Ziggy Marley, Hall & Oates, The Beach Boys, Pat Metheny, Joan Osborne, Anita Baker, Sophie B. Hawkins, Carly Simon, Paul Rodgers, and many others. He has played on numerous Grammy-winning recordings and over 1,000 commercials and television themes, including Monday Night Football with Hank Williams Jr., Nightline, World News Tonight, and ABC Golf.Currently residing in Harlem, Sammy's turn-of-the-century brownstone is home to a state-of-the-art recording studio. Complete with Pro-tools HDX, Neve/API/BAE/ mic pre's and EQ's, vintage microphones, and compressors, his drums are always set up, and mic'd - ready to go!

If you’re serious about making a career in Broadway drumming, don’t miss this one.

Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit broadwaydrumming101.com for more interviews, resources, and stories from the pit.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

🎧 Episode #94: Frank Pagano – From Glen Rock to Broadway, and Everywhere in Between

In this in-depth, wide-ranging conversation, drummer, percussionist, and vocalist Frank Pagano discusses a career spanning four decades, which includes recording sessions with legends, world tours, and Broadway pit work for over a dozen shows.

Key Highlights:

* "You can’t practice experience—you’ve got to get it." Frank opens the episode with advice every young musician needs to hear: play with as many people as possible, in every style you can.

* Glen Rock beginnings: How a school assembly changed Frank’s life, and how his early band with Jimmy and Jerry Vivino (of Conan O’Brien and The Fab Faux) set him on his musical path.

* Broadway before subbing: Frank shares how his first Broadway show was Leader of the Pack, and how the success of that show at The Bottom Line led to a surprising jump to Broadway—with no prior subbing experience.

* Why personality matters: The moment he was told at a Broadway audition, “If John Miller says you can play, I believe it—I just wanted to make sure you weren’t an a*****e.”

* Life in the pit vs. on the road: Frank reflects on what it means to have one foot in the Broadway world and one in the touring world, and why that balance has worked for him.

* Learning from the greats: From Joe Morello to Justin DiCioccio, Frank discusses the lessons that stuck—and the ones he wasn't ready for at the time.

* Working with icons: Frank shares what it was like to record with Bruce Springsteen, Laura Nyro, and over 20 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

* The subbing philosophy: Why subbing someone else's show isn't about playing “your best”—it's about replicating their show, exactly as the cast and band know it.

* Advice for today’s aspiring Broadway musicians: “There’s no shortcut. Make yourself available. Go where the music is. Make real connections. Be reliable. Be likable. Do your homework.”

Frank’s perspective is a masterclass in career longevity, versatility, and professionalism. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to stay in the game, this is a must-listen.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you stream.

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Subscribe and share with anyone chasing the Broadway dream.Visit BroadwayDrumming101.com for more interviews, videos, and resources.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

We're bringing back a Broadway Drumming 101 Classic episode with Joe Choroszewski—a musician whose Broadway and live performance resume is as deep as it is diverse.

Joe has been on drums for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes for the past three seasons, performing hundreds of shows at one of the most iconic venues in the world. Before that, he spent an entire decade (2009–2019) anchoring the Off-Broadway hit Avenue Q at New World Stages, helping extend the legacy of the Tony Award-winning production long after its Broadway run.

As a Broadway sub, Joe is in rare company—having performed on more than twenty Broadway productions, including The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Beetlejuice, Frozen, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Legally Blonde, Jagged Little Pill, Ain’t Too Proud, Newsies, and more.

Joe also stepped in to take over the drum chairs for Finding Neverland in 2016 and Promises, Promises in 2010, finishing the final runs of both Broadway productions. He was the drummer for the Off-Broadway run of Avenue Q and on tour, he performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Patrick Cassidy. Joe was also on the first national tours of Avenue Q and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

In this episode, Joe shares insights from:

* His time working with major artists like Heather Headley, Ariana DeBose, Cheyenne Jackson, Sutton Foster, and Chita Rivera

* Backing cabaret icons like Natalie Douglas, Christina Bianco, and “Kenn Boisinger” (Michael West)

* Playing for household names like Mario Cantone and Real Housewives star Luann de Lesseps

* And his long-standing involvement in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS benefit events

Beyond Broadway, Joe’s played everywhere—from symphony halls (Princeton Symphony, Allentown Symphony) to cruise ship showbands (Carnival and Norwegian), weddings to worship bands, jazz trios to hard rock cover groups. He’s also helped shape new musicals in development and has been a go-to regional drummer for ACT of Connecticut and Ridgefield Playhouse concerts.

Education Spotlight:Joe holds a degree in Jazz Studies from the prestigious University of North Texas College of Music, where he studied for six semesters with drum legend Ed Soph. He continued his private study with another legend—Tommy Igoe—in New Jersey and is featured on Igoe’s best-selling instructional DVD Great Hands For A Lifetime. Joe has been teaching privately for over 25 years and continues to share his knowledge as a guest clinician at schools and studios.

Offstage, Joe lives in Somerset County, NJ, with his wife Giana, their three boys, and three dogs. He’s an avid runner, a vintage drum collector, and a passionate Major League Baseball fan.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with touring legend Paul Hannah, whose career spans over four decades and countless genres—from orchestras to biker bars and Broadway pits to jazz trios.

Paul began playing professionally at just 16, growing up in Las Vegas during a time when the mob ran the city and every hotel had a full orchestra. He learned firsthand from giants like Jerry Gilgor, Tommy Check, Leo Camera, Roger Rampton, and Walfredo de los Reyes. Later, he studied with titans like Vic Firth, Alan Dawson, and Alexander Lepak, preparing him for a career that’s taken him across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and China.

🎭 Paul has performed on Broadway tours of:

* Into the Woods

* Cats

* West Side Story (Tokyo)

* Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley and Corey Glover)

* Spamalot

* Wicked

* An American in Paris

* Funny Girl and more

He’s also the author of the essential guidebook for any drummer hoping to hit the road:👉 “Show Drumming - An Expert’s Guide to Theatre and Touring” — available here

In this episode, Paul dives into:

* What the old Vegas scene taught him about musical discipline

* Why the apprentice system matters

* Studying with Alan Dawson and Vic Firth

* The real reason he never moved to NYC

* What touring life is really like

* How over-preparation saved his career (and sanity)

* Honest reflections on burnout, growth, and finding purpose in music

🎧 Whether you’re a young player dreaming of your first tour, a seasoned pro, or just love hearing rich stories from the road—this episode delivers.

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com