KIDS SHY AWAY FROM DETROIT PRELIMINARY BUT ADULTS SHINE.

Smaller than expected numbers showed up for the Detroit WFD state preliminary at the magnificent Huber-Breese music store in beautiful downtown Fraser. Perhaps it was the obvious distraction of Keith Carlock in the next room. Perhaps it was the high scores of those who did participate. Bottom line...the Detroit percussionists seemed afraid of the Drumometer. The stared at it, laughed nervously, tapped their sticks against the black Remo pad, and quickly changed their conversations to other matters.

But mostly, they watched and applauded a wonderful show staged by a handful of enthusiastic motor city mad men. Not surprisingly, it was adults with blue collar backgrounds who challenged the Drumometer to its limits. And yes finally...Michigan adult scores matched up with the kids.

Easily the most colorful of this group was 40 year old Michael Eckert, who hummed, conducted and wrenched his neck as he engaged in a long series of erratic but superior hand scores: 888, 746, 846, 1007, 900, 836. Yes, 1007, the highest competitive hand scores of the preliminary rounds. In typical fashion Eckert ended his first round of 888 six seconds early as he engaged the crowd in a story that in no way related to the contest. "I plan 1100 by the finals on Saturday," he boasted. "I am so glad he is in the finals," said Tom Smith. "Michael will account for a great show. I just hope he remembers the contest is THIS Saturday." Still, the favorite among drummers was 45 year old auto mechanic Randy Gacki, easily the most consistent adult hands competitor of the Michigan WFD. His technique was polished and solid, as he logged scores of 883, 913 and 926. "I think he has the best chance of winning so far," said Matt Smith, who accompanied his father for exhibition purposes. Other confirmed finalists were 35 year old hands contestant David Hart (859) and 17 year old feet contestant Alexander Morgan (720).

Again Matt Smith's exhibition demonstration scores were the subject of much conversation: 1007, 1020, 1007 and for the second time in 17 days 1051. "I know that people are saying that Matt can't be that fast or that he is doing his singles wrong. But he isn't. He's just figured out a style. I have been around several of these WFDs and I never saw that many 1000s at one time. None of us are in his league. The kid is so fast," said Randy Gacki.

FINALS ARE THIS SATURDAY AT MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE, IN FLINT. LAST DAY WALK ON PRELIMINARIES START AT 10:00 AM.