WHAT WE DO
The BDC is consistently involved with community focused projects. Our most notable activities include hosting educational drum clinics, offering drum set repair services and marching in political and civil rights protests. We accept drum donations, fix them, and then re-distribute the instruments to people who need them. We also partner with music venues to repair equipment and plan live music events.
WHO WE ARE
The Brooklyn Drum Collective is a Brooklyn-based network of musicians, working together to perform, educate and build a stronger music community.
The BDC was organized in the summer of 2018 by three local drummers Carlo Minchillo, Rick Martinez and Zac Pless. From a modest gathering of seven drummers, our network has grown to almost three hundred participants.
It's more than just a network of drummers. The BDC is comprised of individuals who are passionate about music and community. We’re musicians, photographers and record label owners. We're artists, guitar technicians and audio engineers. Regardless of skill level or musical background, we come together as mentors and friends to share our creativity and encourage each other's artistic development.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
DRUM CLINICS
Education & Instruction
Professional, working musicians offer their insight and knowledge at our drum clinics. Sanah Kadoura, David Cornejo and Alex Major are just a few of the instructors that have graced the stage for these special presentations. Musicians of all skill levels are encouraged to attend and participate.
PROTEST MARCHING BAND
Civil Rights Advocacy
In the wake of George Floyd's death in 2020, the BDC assembled a group of musicians with the purpose of amplifying the voices of the Black Lives Matter movement. Partnering with UniteNY and Musicians United, they marched in over a dozen NYC protests to bring awareness to police brutality, social injustice and racial inequality in America.
MEETINGS
Building Community
We organize casual meet-ups with BDC members to share and discuss the recent developments with our musical pursuits. Whether it's at someone's apartment, at a venue or at a neighborhood park, we make the effort to meet in-person and foster professional and personal connections.
LIVE MUSIC
Showcasing Local Talent
Live music performances are an intricate part of our community. We curate events to showcase local talent and create a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Listen to our live album, Live at Our Wicked Lady to experience the energy and excitement of a BDC show.
EXPERT REPAIR SERVICES
Drum, Studio & Backline Restoration
Our knowledgeable group of musicians has taken on the challenge of repairing and restoring venue backlines. With generous donations from CenterStaging and The Muzic Store, we've transformed drum sets from poor conditions to optimum playability. We also make individual studio and rehearsal house calls for general and special setups and repairs.
TESTIMONIALS
BDC creates an inclusive environment, hosting monthly meet ups for drummers of all experience levels to get together and share technique, inspiration, and experiences. BDC also fixes up drum kits at local venues that are sometimes neglected and falling apart. Carlo is a dedicated organizer. He goes above and beyond to promote his shows. He’s always working on ways to elevate the standard of what a typical local show can be.
Hannah Nichols
True Dreams
The Brooklyn Drum Collective is the New York DIY scene at its finest; shows can so often feel intimidating for new artists and musicians trying to find a way in and the BDC does a fantastic job making space for newcomers to make friends with and learn from more experienced folks. It’s impressive how Carlo and the others are able to hold events without any of the pretension or fear of not being the best and create genuine community in one of the most creative cities in the world.