Drumming for the Boston Marathon - 2020 - 20th Year!

Monday, Sept 14, 2020 - 
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

This is the 20th year we've been drumming at the start of Heartbreak Hill. Organized by your Meetup leader, John Tracy and Alan Tauber and drummers from DrumConnection and friends. There are usually about sixty or more drummers.
 Runners say it's the highlight of their trip. Some even like us so much they stop a moment to try the drums.
 Onlookers smile, police and military wave, TV cameras pass by, children dance.
 Really special! Don't miss it!


 

Please RSVP so we know how to set up the space. 
No drums? We will have a few extra, and people will share. RSVP at: Boston Marathon Drumming

 

DETAILS

At 9AM we will be getting set up. Follow the Directions to 1384 Comm Ave Newton, MA. Please park on side streets either on the RT 9 side or the North side of Comm Ave so you can get home faster, or back to work.

Schedule

Event:

Drumming for the Boston Marathon

Date:

Sept 14, 2020

Time:

Between 9am - 3pm - Come at 8:30AM to help set up. Most drumming will happen from 10AM to 2:30PM


Location

Drumming Location

1384 Commonwealth Ave.

NewtonMA 02465

Email: info@drumconnection.com

Website: http://meetu.ps/e/F6Nfm/9r7s/f

Cell: 617-686-6080


DETAILS - MUST READ

PLEASE CHECK THESE DETAILS CAREFULLY.
 THEY ARE CRITICAL!

Tells you what you need so you can get there without stress or parking problems, and be there right at the drumming spot, with an easy route out for when you leave.

 

IMPORTANT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

It is always important for us to be there to show community support and support the runners. If you have been here before you KNOW how much it matters to have us with them! 
We have spent much time with security officials, the BAA and local police about how to manage things. Due to the attacks in Paris and Belgium, and other places, security remains very high and we need to minimize stress to security people and remain welcome to drum for future years.

• DRUM BAGS - while we ARE relaxing the 'drum bag and backpack restriction' this year,  BE AWARE that if you look suspicious, you may be asked to open your bags.

 

  At the site, flatten any bags on the ground to minimize any threats that may stress authorities and public. If it looks like it might rain bring a plastic trash bag in your pocket for rain cover if needed. Always a good idea.

 


• CAREFULLY review maps of the area. This year Chestnut St. will be blocked at 7:30 AM. At the rte 9 side, at Beacon, about 1/4 mile from the intersection. On the other side of Commonwealth Ave. Chestnut St. will be blocked about one block from Commonwealth. Police say you can park up to 60 ft. of Commonwealth Ave (rt 30). Our advice is to get on the local streets off Beacon and navigate to a side road close to our spot. On the other side, there are local roads off Chestnut at point it is closed, or shortly before. You may have to talk yourself through a road-block. Simply but emphatically say, "I am with the official Drummers for the Boston Marathon". That should do it. If you want a parking pass, let me know. alan@drumconnection.com

 


• We RESPECT the community. This means we play for awhile, then take breaks, where everyone is quiet. Nonstop loud drumming (drums are loud) can be annoying and stressful. Taking breaks makes it better, and we remain welcome for future years, and make it easier for officials. 


 

Where We Are! 
We set aside a private area near the corner of Chestnut St. and Commonwelth Ave. (rte 30) in Newton.
 One good approach is to enter local roads near Chestnut St. at Beacon St.


 

When: 
Get there early and avoid traffic and get through to park. Worth the effort! The first group to arrive are the wheelchair folks, arrive at our spot at about 10:15am. 
Plan to be there around 9:00!! (8:00 or 8:30 if you can, as it avoids you trying to drive down a street that is closed to traffic. Streets close by police at about 8:15 or 8:30am). You can still get thru but just tell them your reason for getting to Comm Ave. To DRUM! 

Arrival: Actually, anytime is fine but if you beat the traffic, life is better and you get a closer parking spot. I get there really early, find a nice close parking spot, relax, read, then set up our area.


 

MBTA: You can avoid parking, and take the GREEN LINE to the WABAN stop. This is the last one before end at Riverside terminal. It is a walk of about 15 minutes to the drumming spot.


 

What to Bring:
 A drum. No drum? This is a long event, and people are confortable stopping awhile and letting others borrow their drums.. Yeah - bring non-drumming friends... it's always a FUN celebration.


A folding chair. The cheap metal ones are best, and maybe bring a cushion. The canvas chairs are too low and at wrong angle for comfortable drumming.
 Your work place or Target is perfect. Even the black round folding metal stools with a padded top are now made well. (We even use them in DrumConnection.) $9.99 Target

Water. Snacks, Suntan lotion (I hope!) .. This day often surprises. Can be cold and gray, can be very hot and sunny)

 


Facilities: 
Yes, there are porta potties.

 

RAIN?? ... Drums don't like rain. If it rains steadily we will NOT BE THERE.
 But remember if there is ANY chance of rain, have a plastic trash bag in pocket to protect your drum.


 

SUN?? ... Some years there is a LOT of sun. Good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen.

 

And water!! Bring some cash too as there is good food to buy and drinks too.

WHAT WE DO - SIMPLE RULES:

1) For the best experience, so we sound good and are welcomed by the onlookers, we should mostly play simple rhythms so everyone can connect. We need to be CLEAR and simple.  Fine to add an occasional solo if it is clear and fits with the rhythm.


 

2) Leading: Those who can lead know who they are - and are welcome to take responsibility.


 

3) Essential to STOP for periods of quiet. No drumming.  We have found it is important for the crowds.  Non-stop drumming is an irritant, people complain, we risk losing the privilege. SO - when we stop - everyone stops.  Yes - if a key runner or group comes by and waves, when we are quiet, we could do a quick roll, but then return to being quiet.

 


ANY questions? - call me: 617-686-6080. Alan

Comments:  

 

I'm so excited to do this!!!! I've always wanted to and am grateful to be part of this community!


Laura S. 

 

Yea Laura! Thanks!