In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we sit down with Andrew Beall, an accomplished percussionist, composer, and Broadway musician whose career spans international performances, musical theater orchestration, and a deep love for percussion. From his early days in Ohio to working on some of Broadway’s biggest productions, Andrew shares insights into his journey, his influences, and his passion for composition.

We dive into the art of orchestration, the challenges of subbing on Broadway, and how he balances multiple musical roles—including running Bachovich Music Publications and managing orchestras. Andrew also talks about adapting to technological advancements in music, the impact of Finale’s discontinuation, and how biking in NYC keeps him in rhythm with the city's fast pace.

Whether you're an aspiring Broadway musician or just love behind-the-scenes stories from the theater world, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.

Episode Highlights:

🕛 00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome🎵 00:44 – Early Life and Musical Journey🎭 02:58 – Broadway Inspirations and First Shows🥁 08:21 – Influences and Favorite Drummers🎼 13:39 – Composing and Orchestration🎻 19:51 – Musical Projects and Instrumentation🚢 32:45 – The Origin of Let's Go to the Boat💡 34:20 – Advice for Aspiring Musicians🎭 37:42 – The Challenges of Subbing on Broadway🖥️ 41:31 – Adapting to Technological Changes🎶 47:02 – Balancing Multiple Roles in the Music Industry🚴 51:22 – Navigating Life in New York City🎤 59:43 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Andrew Beall:

Hailed by NY Classical Review as “Spectacularly Virtuosic,” Andrew Beall is an internationally recognized composer and performer whose work has been showcased across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. His musicals Song of Solomon and Platinum Girls have received widespread acclaim, and his commissioned work Goodbye New York is set to premiere in London during the 2024-2025 season.

Andrew’s Broadway credits include Les Misérables, West Side Story, The Notebook, Maybe Happy Ending, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, The Lion King, In The Heights, Beetlejuice, Aladdin, Six, Spiderman, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Days of Wine and Roses, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. He has also performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Albany Symphony, American Symphony, Columbus Symphony, and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas.

Beyond Broadway, Andrew is a guest soloist with the Siberian Symphony Orchestra, the American Dance Machine, and Cordis drummer, and has appeared in film and television, including Breathe In and Mozart in the Jungle. As the owner of Bachovich Music Publications and a former president of the Percussive Arts Society New York Chapter, he is a leader in the percussion community.

Andrew endorses Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, Latin Percussion, and Evans Drumheads and is a Manhattan School of Music and New York University graduate.

🎧 Tune in for a great conversation about perseverance, passion, and the evolving landscape of Broadway music!

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

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