WORLD’S FASTEST DRUMMER MICHIGAN CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE OF THE HANDS AND FEET

Round 1 and 2 of Preliminaries/ Up to and including October 30, 2005. Combined Scores of Bill Shaffer Drum Shop (Flushing), Mott Community College, Flint Battle of the Bands (10/08/05), Playford Music, Jackson MI (10/30/05) WFD MICHIGAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE SPONSORED BY MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

Soule Astonishes with Jackson Preliminary Fastest Feet Score Toledo, Ohio 16 Year Old Takes Fastest Hands Lead 15 Year Smith Posts Blistering 1051 Exhibition Score

Although WFD preliminary scores do not possess the gravitas of final tallies, it is certainly fun to imagine.

By the time WFD Regional Preliminaries concluded in Jackson, Michigan, 67 very fast drummers had logged impressive runs in their quest to become Michigan State WFD Champion, during the month of October. But strangely only four contestants had logged scores in the Fastest Feet category. Still, one very special feet contestant may have been this month's biggest surprise. "Everything just started moving so smoothly," said Jackson resident Greg Soule, after he left competitors slack jawed after a remarkable 983 run in the Jackson Regional Preliminary, held at Playford Music. "It was one of the coolest things I saw all month," said WFD state coordinator, and Mott College Director of Instrumental Music Tom Smith. "He was in such a groove. But honestly I wondered if he could do it again and I told him so. With that said, you know everyone in South Central Michigan will be pulling for him. He certainly deserves it." Soule posted two more scores of 801 and 808, both of championship calibre in most WFD competitions, but nothing on the level of his mesmerizing first score. "Watching a guy get into the zone like that is so rare. But, I feel good that the score was legitimate. We had a good sensor and testing on the bass drum had been good," said Smith. "I sincerely hope he will do it again the finals. What a coup that would be for our contest." At present both Aaron Reinhardt of Flint and Eric Sabin of Jackson County remain strong competitors to Soule and all future competitors.

"I think the recent wave of local Matt Smith publicity has more people interested in the hands side of it," said Smith. "But I have always contended that our largest percentage of feet competitors will be from the Detroit area, and much of that issue should be decided at the Keith Carlock clinic, being staged at Huber-Breese Music, Tuesday, November 8 (the last free of charge preliminary). We also have some people coming in on November 12, who I think will be most impressive. Still, at this stage, the foot competition is wide open. But boy, you have to give it to Soule for what he did."

Photos coming soon...