CLINICIANS 2025

David Garibaldi
Born in Oakland, California, David grew up just East of San Francisco. Through his fascination for drums, he began playing music at age 10. His parents bought him his first drumset in high school and the rest, as they say, is history.

By age (17) David began his professional career by 1966, the Vietnam War brought uncertainty. Upon waiting for his draft into the Army, his future changed when it was suggested he enlist in the United States Air Force and become a member of the 724th United States Air Force Band. After his discharge from military service, he returned to his home in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the summer of 1970 David joined Tower of Power.

It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. He has since appeared in a variety of studio and live settings including work for television and film. His credits include work with artists including: Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Larry Carlton, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Jermaine Jackson, Ray Obiedo, the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Boz Scaggs, Talking Drum,s, Gino Vanelli, Deniece Williams, the Yellowjackets and Wishful Thinking.

David's books and videos are available through Alfred Publishing and Warner Brothers Publications. Over the last couple of years David has been working with 'Doc' Kupka as the drummer in 'Doc's' special project, The Strokeland Superband. Recently, he had been touring with the singer, RAD. RAD has featured the Tower horn section on one of her CD's.

In January 1998, David Garibaldi rejoined Tower of Power and continues touring with them.

On January 12, 2017, David Garibaldi, along with a bass player, Marc Van Wageningen, were hit by a train as they walked across tracks before a performance in Oakland. They both survived the accident. They have both since returned to the active lineup.

In 2024 David announced, that he stops touring 

 Originally from the Washington D.C. area, Brooklyn-based session drummer Rob Mitzner is renowned for his combination of raw energy, musicianship and sensitivity. Equally at ease laying it down in rock, pop and R&B settings, trading ideas in jazz, or propelling the groove in support of some of New York’s finest artists, one thing Rob brings to every musical setting is an infectious groove.  ROB was recently featured on NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers as the guest drummer with the vaunted 8G Band. He has been featured in Downbeat Magazine, Modern Drummer Magazine, recorded for Billboard Top-10 charting albums, films and Broadway shows, and performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center, The Smithsonian, Caesar's Palace, The Blue Note and Boston Symphony Hall.  He also had the honor of arranging and performing a piece for President Obama and an audience of thousands at the National Harbor Waterfront in Washington D.C., and is a regularly featured artist on the world's preeminent drumming website, Drum Talk TV.  He has also written articles for popular educational site Drumeo, and is a proud endorser of Paiste Cymbals, Remo drumheads, Vic Firth sticks and brushes, Low Boy Custom Beaters and Drumdots dampeners. His Amazon best-selling book DRUMMING IN A BAND: STUFF YOU CAN USE was published by Hudson Music in 2022 and distributed by Hal Leonard. A sequel, "DRUMMING FROM A-Z: MORE STUFF YOU CAN USE will be released worldwide in late 2024.

Rob holds a B.A. in Music and Political Science from Brown University, and was awarded the school’s prestigious William H. Westin Award for Musical Performance. He has had the privilege of studying with several acclaimed teachers, including Boston free-jazz legend Bob Gullotti (The Fringe) and Washington D.C. groovemaster Steve “Freelance” Larrance, formerly of Tina Turner’s band. When he's not performing live, Rob runs C-Room Studio in Brooklyn where he records drum tracks for clients across the globe, teaches private lessons and drinks way too much coffee.

Click the link below to be well informed about the famous and most important drummers of ANY musical style of yesterday and today. 

Also check out this video of what it takes to be a legit drummer with in any musical styles. . . 

Just what both of our clinicians  will be talking about. . . .

https://youtu.be/SBlUNQ31ujU