Student Roster


April 9th, 2008 10:23 PM
34
Posted By: Scott Warshaw
Scott Warshaw's e-mail: sawcpm@optonline.net
Scott Warshaw's website: http://
Thank You Gary - Our thoughts are with You
I recently "Googled" Gary Chester and learned that he had this incredible website.  I was a student of Gary's from 1979 to 1983, while I attended Ramapo Senior High School in Rockland County along with his pretty and talented daughter Mandy.  I remember Gary encouraging me to arrive early and stay late so that I could watch, listen, learn and be inspired from his other pupils.  Besides learning how to diligently play all of his drum systems, I learned how to read and write drum charts, which enabled me to listen to a song a few times and then write out exactly what the drummer was playing.  To this day that skill has stayed with me and has made me a better musician and listener.  Though I don't play professionally, I continue to play in my basement's drum room in Plainview, NY (on Long Island) for personal enjoyment and with other musicians from time to time. Gary provided me with inspiration and courage to achieve greatness in everthing that I wanted to do in life. I will always remember Gary as my best drum teacher, mentor and close friend. He was one of a kind! Thanks for the memories Gary Chester Family and thank you Gary for being You. Best Regards, Scott Warshaw.
February 15th, 2008 5:12 PM
33
Posted By: Paul Garisto
Paul Garisto's e-mail: pgaristo@hotmail.com
Paul Garisto's website: http://myspace/paulgaristo
Thank You Gary
Hello to all! I studied with Gary back in 1972-74 if my memory serves me right . What I remember about Gary was the fact that he seem to genuinely believe in me and my potential to become a working drummer. He ensured me that I was good enough enjoy a career in music if I put in the time to practice and learn. I was just a kid playing to records in my basement daydreaming about the stage / studio. Gary inspired me and the dream came true. Thank you Gary. I will do my best to pass on what you so freely gave to me. Paul Garisto
October 22nd, 2007 12:03 PM
32
Posted By: Doug Turet
Doug Turet's e-mail: anotherbrightidea@hotmail.com
Doug Turet's website: http://
"Gary Chester: Drum Guru"
Twenty years after his passing, I still remember those words from his business card (along with the byline, "Teaching the philosophy of the drums, with a modern approach")! Gary was one of the four teachers who really "made me who I am", so to speak. As I've often said, Jeff Fountain taught me technique, Benny Gramm taught me how to refine that technique and apply it to jazz and Latin grooves, and Lenny White taught me some more great grooves and the basics of _how_ to groove, but it was Gary's insights, soul and methods that brought me from being just another guy with lightning-fast, flashy chops to one everyone wanted to play with. I studied with Gary from the tail end of 1985 until his untimely passing, a couple of years later; not weekly, but every second or third week. Our first lesson still sticks in my mind as one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life: feeling like I was being visually dissected from twenty-odd feet away, by the guy whose set I was playing (or trying to). I later came to realize that that was just one of Gary's mindfulness lessons in full operation, with his focusing in on the task (and student) at hand with all of his energies. Boy, was he ever focused! But, man oh man, the results he was able to help me generate!! To give an idea of how valuable his teachings were, I went from playing endless auditions, never understanding why I'd only get one or two follow-up calls, to one who's been offered the drum chair for better than half the situations I've auditioned for, since then. I know how upset you were about the plumbing and other construction issues in the new house, Gary, but I hope that in the midst of all of that, you still had some idea of the difference you'd made in this world, before you left to join the next one. You were a rare mentor, Gary; one who cared enough to make a difference, through thick and thin, and whose lessons I've shared with each and every one of the many, many students I've taught, since then. Thank you for everything.
August 15th, 2007 5:34 PM
31
Posted By: Robert Colavito
Robert Colavito's e-mail: rcolavito5@gmail.com
Robert Colavito's website: http://
Rock and Roll and Funk Lives on!!
I did not know that Gary had a website. I was a student of Gary's from 1972 -1982. he was an unbelievable teacher. I was one of the first students to begin the systems with Gary that led to the "New Breed " book. I am still playing and using all of what I have learned from him. I met a drummer on the plane from Florence that heard of Gary's teaching technique and stated," You were the first guys to use a second HiHat and a Floor Tom on the left" I said, "That's Right!" I am still playing that way and boy does it rock. Hello Gena, Katrina, Mandy, Boffa, Gail and Mrs. Chester. This is Rob Colavito from Southampton. Originally from Rockland. Thanks for the memories Robert
January 8th, 2007 10:57 PM
30
Posted By: Tony Cuscina
Tony Cuscina's e-mail: ACuscina@aol.com
Tony Cuscina's website: http://
I had one of the greatest opportunity's to not only study with Gary for two years, but too hang out with him during our vacation in Cape May NJ. Gary was an exceptional human being. He would always take the time to explain the question's you might have in mind. He is truly missed by all those that knew him. Gary's direction gave me the inspiration to become the drummer I want to hear. Thanks Gary! 1984-1986
November 14th, 2006 1:59 PM
29
Posted By: Paul A. Rinis
Paul A. Rinis's e-mail: paulandrewr@gmail.com
Paul A. Rinis's website: http://www.radiusband.com
Gary
I was fortunate enough to study with Gary in my mid teens, from 15-17. He died a week before my 17th birthday. Gary totally changed my life and inspired my outlook on everything. Once, after playing at a lesson for five minutes he stopped me and asked what was wrong. I said nothing. He then pushed, "well you can't play for shit so you might as well tell me what's goin' on cause your paying me for this hour...so?" Right to the point, knew something was up. He could see inside my head through my playing. He was amazing. I will always think of him when I play.
November 9th, 2006 8:01 PM
28
Posted By: Robert Bond
Robert Bond's e-mail: robert@robertbond.net
Gary really was a guru to drummers. He changed my life for the better in many ways - as a drummer, turning me on to Zen Buddhism, getting me to laugh at my mistakes, and most importantly showing me a path to self-respect. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to have Gary tell me I had actually completed my studies with him. These days I realize that, in addition to drumming, I am using the systems concepts in my arranging and mixing ideas all the time (especially mixing!). Thanks, Gary!! You're one of a kind.
December 30th, 2005 1:59 PM
27
Posted By: Wil Saint
Wil Saint's e-mail: wilfred.saint@rbos.com or gadd@aol.com
Wil Saint's website: http://
in the 80s. he best lesson I ever had from Gary was just listening to him play time. Ya gotta love the quarter note.
October 30th, 2005 12:35 PM
26
Posted By: Nick Saya
Nick Saya's e-mail: nicksaya@optonline.net
Nick Saya's website: http://www.nicksaya.com
I did not study with Gary but I i completed his book with a student of his Van Romaine when I was 17 years old. It was a great experience going through gary's systems Nick
September 10th, 2005 5:46 PM
25
Posted By: Jack Ciano
Jack Ciano's e-mail: cianomusic@yahoo.com
Jack Ciano's website: http://
From July of 1985 to Aug. of 1987 though the mail.I loved getting that cassette tape & hearing his voice pushing me on & at the end saying ok baby God Bless. I still miss that.
June 26th, 2005 9:13 PM
24
Posted By: George Basley
George Basley's e-mail: gwbasley@hotmail.com
George Basley's website: http://
80's
April 29th, 2005 8:03 PM
23
Posted By: Dave Rodway
Dave Rodway's e-mail: Indirasdad@juno.com
Dave Rodway's website: http://
I studied with Gary from 1977 till 1982..mostly on Mondays at 6PM.. Not a day goes by without me remembering what Gary instilled in me..not just drumming..about Life.
July 16th, 2004 11:36 PM
22
Posted By: stu miller
stu miller's e-mail: njdrumtech@yahoo.com
november 1986 until his passing in 1987. never learned so much about the instrument in such a short time!
January 4th, 2004 4:19 PM
21
Posted By: Karl Latham
Karl Latham's e-mail: karllatham@karllatham.com
Karl Latham's website: http://www.karllatham.com
I think it was 1985 or 86 -1987
November 15th, 2003 2:28 AM
20
Posted By: andy korn
andy korn's e-mail: akdrum@myway.com
andy korn's website: http://www.akdrum.com
83-85 great teacher! learned alot about being a musician.
October 15th, 2003 1:02 AM
19
Posted By: Tom Geisler Jr.
Tom Geisler Jr.'s e-mail: ttomsdw@netzero.net
Tom Geisler Jr.'s website: http://
Hello everyone! Although I didn't study with Gary direcly I feel like I did in a big way because I studied with a former student of Gary's - Mr. Mike Marble. Mike is a fine drummer and turned me on to Gary's systems back in 1996. Right off the bat I knew this stuff was HOT! Three years and over 2000 hours of practice later I finally finished New Breed I and II in their entirety - all the systems left and right handed and the singing of course!! I was so into it I didn't just play the suggested melodies with a particular system...I had to play them all. Call me crazy! Currently I am hard at work going through Marco Minnemann's Extreme Interdependence book in the same methodical fashion as the New Breed books. Marco was a big Gary Chester fan and his book is pretty much the New Breed with speed! I like to call it New Breed III. I really got a lot out of learning his method - it changed the way I play the drums dramatically. I teach drums privately here in Connecticut and as you may have already guessed The New Breed is the core of my program. It's amazing how the younger students pick it up quickly due to their lack of bad habits and a fairly blank slate in their head. It's the older students who seem to struggle more. "Play it at 60 bpm please - not 59 and not 61!" LOL! Anyway I thought I would chime in with my two cents worth as I feel I am part of the extended family of students. I feel Gary was watching me those many long hours of perfecting his systems. I wish we could have met in real life. I know we would have had fun. I am addicted to this stuff!! A warm Hello to Chris Adams!
October 1st, 2003 9:03 PM
18
Posted By: Mike Beckley
Mike Beckley's e-mail: gmibeck@comcast.net
Mike Beckley's website: http://www.mikebeckley.net
I studied with Gary starting in 1974 up to sometime in 1984. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great teacher, mentor, friend, and was always willing to talk about anything that was bothering you. I did not realize at the time just how lucky I was to have Gary as a teacher. His system of teaching and approach truly allows a drummer to grow and expand creatively more than you realize. I currently teach Gary's method to a few young kids and attempt to explain to them the infinite possibilities of patterns they can be developed with what Gary has done. It is the most challenging and most rewarding method I've ever come across. I miss Gary and feel the least I can do is pass what I've learned onto the next generation.... I'm sure Gary has them all Dancing to Dixieland upstairs!
September 28th, 2003 12:00 AM
17
Posted By: David Nelson
David Nelson's e-mail: dne10@hotmail.com
David Nelson's website: http://
I studied with Gary the last 5 months of his life; I came up for the funeral from Wilmington, Delaware. I studied with Gary by correspondence through the mail and by telephone. I'm so glad I had the chance to study with Gary...I was in a Barnes and Noble bookstore tonight and a song by a French vocalist was playing over the store speakers, the song had a very intense groove and I started to sing quarter notes to myself trying to capture the intensity of the music and it reminded me of Gary. I came home and ended up putting Gary's name into a search and found this site. The website truly captures Gary's sprite as a great Teacher, Musician and Person. Dave
September 27th, 2003 1:50 AM
16
Posted By: Jonathan Lichtig
Jonathan Lichtig's e-mail: jlichtig@snet.net
Jonathan Lichtig's website: http://
1985 or 86 thru 1987 and then on tape with Chris as I was attending The Hartt School Of Music for a year or two.
September 8th, 2003 10:30 AM
15
Posted By: Jim Simmons
Jim Simmons's e-mail: james.simmons@wfinet.com
Jim Simmons's website: http://
I started with Gary when I was 10. My elementary school teacher recommended him when Gary's daughter Amanda started at School. I studied with him until I was 14, stopped, and then started again when I was 16 and stayed until I was 19 or 20. Although I'm not playing prefessionaly, the systems I learned from him have stayed with me to this day. The coordination and concentration it took to achive the things he challenged me with carried over to my school work. I was concentrating in my classes more and my grades improved. I also remember not only the drum lessons, but the life lessons you walked away with every time you spent time with Gary. Arriving early and staying late was always a treat. I stopped by and said hello to Gary about a month before he passed. I'm so happy that I got to see him then. I didn't relaize how much I missed him and then I read in the paper that he died. I just walked into my room and cried. I lost a friend, mentor, motivator, financial adviser, psychologist, and as many of his students felt, a father figure. I'm glad this site is here so we can all share our memories. I knew I wasn't alone.
August 28th, 2003 11:24 AM
14
Posted By: Lou Contino
Lou Contino's e-mail: sfalloy@optonline.net
Lou Contino's website: http://
I studied with Gary from 1983 through 1986. I remember I cried like a baby when he passed from this earth. Back then, I felt cheated that I no longer had my friend around - to talk to, get advice from, get scolded by and learn from. Now, years later, I cannot begin to express the privilege it was to have spent the time I did with him. I carry his thoughts, teachings, views and humor with me today. And, I'm a much more grounded human being for it! Lou Contino
August 4th, 2003 2:22 PM
13
Posted By: Chris Harfenist
Chris Harfenist's e-mail: tomato11@soundofurchin.com
Chris Harfenist's website: http://www.soundofurchin.com
1978-1987 - i have so many great memories from my years with gary. i was his youngest student for most of that time, i started with him when i was 8. i remember he told my parents that he would give me a month trial period to see if i would stick with it, and then almost ten years later i was still going to his house week after week. i used to cut his lawn on weekends for a bit, and just listen to the lessons go on from outside. the sound of that electronic metronome he had was pretty soothing. gary passed away on my 18th birthday, so since then that day has become a mixture of emotions for me. i was just ready to set out on the world and he was leaving it. it has been so long, but his influence on me is that of a father who passed away at an early age in my life - i know he is a huge part of who i am, even though i have a little trouble remembering what he was really like. i am still drumming for a living, and i actually sing and drum for my band, which i owe to spending those years with gary's systems.
February 18th, 2003 11:59 PM
12
Posted By: Peter Wilson
Peter Wilson's e-mail: pwilson707@aol.com
Peter Wilson's website: http://
1984-1987. Gary helped me bring my playing to places I could have never reached with other teachers. Gary was much more than a teacher to me. He helped me grow as a person. He was a true mentor. I miss him dearly.
June 12th, 2003 11:35 PM
11
Posted By: Michael A. Kaplan
Michael A. Kaplan's e-mail: jodrum@iwon.com
sept. 1983 through 1986
May 22nd, 2003 8:50 PM
10
Posted By: Dave Lazorcik
Dave Lazorcik's e-mail: ladrumcik@hotmail.com
Dave Lazorcik's website: http://pajazz.org
I studied with Gary for almost a year, up until his death. He systems were rather challenging, to say the least. My favorite story is when I broke my right ankle, I went to my lesson the day after, my drive was four hours long, I had a cast on my right foot. To help with my walking I wore a sandle. When I walked into the studio, I showed Gary my foot and asked him what he thought. He very quickly complimented my sandle, he said he once had a pair like that in Florida. I asked him to look again at my foot and he noticed the cast, he asked what happen and I told him. Then he said, as only Gary would say..."we'll just slow the click down a bit, get over to the drums and let's get started." I had the cast on for four weeks and did not miss a lesson with him during that time. He is sadly missed but not ever forgotten.
May 20th, 2003 10:09 AM
9
Posted By: John Cushon
John Cushon's e-mail: jcushon@earthlink.net
John Cushon's website: http://
I studied with Gary via tape for over two years leading up to his death. I remember having a lesson due the week following August 17. (I remember and honor the date annually by playing through his books, enjoying a warm glow inside, listening to his voice on tape and recalling the many great hurdles I overcame from working with him.) Gary taught me and explained how I was to teach his systems to serious students. "No Bums." When I inquired about certain famous students, he gave only a brief explanation. Later, he replied a most salient response, "Don't worry about him. Focus on YOU. " Gary played for me one time. He played between the table top and an ash tray. Ofcourse, it grooved hard. I was on the road playing a hotel club gig one time. I practiced after the gig from 2a.m. - 6.a.m. Gary received the tape with night crew people talking and cleaning. I was exhausted. He simply explained: "When you have a desire to play, it's like a nothing else in the world. nothing can stop you." Okay this is the last one... My MLB team was in the world series. Gary called me and we talked for hours as we both watched the championship game. I'm a fair weather baseball fan. But, I'll never forget talking to Gary during the game. Thank You Gary, for your wisdom and guidance about life.
February 19th, 2003 5:54 PM
8
Posted By: Brad Giaimo
Brad Giaimo's e-mail: bradgiaimo924@hotmail.com
Brad Giaimo's website: http://
I had the honor of learning about drums and life from Gary for two years from 1984-86. the first year was at the farm, the second by tape. I was a bit intimidated by him at first but when I realized just how kind and sensitive he was the "hard exterior" was all about getting me to be the best that I could be. If I thought I could slack off by doing a lesson by tape I was only kidding myself!, Gary was always on time sending it back to me and his comments made it obvious that he took the time to listen to what I sent him. I didnt become part of the extended family per say, as did many of his students, because I lived far away but Gary always made me feel that way and I will never forget him for that. Im glad I found this site. Its only fitting for a man who gave so much to so many.
February 6th, 2003 6:27 PM
7
Posted By: Mark Frankel
Mark Frankel's e-mail: mark@villagesound.com
Mark Frankel's website: http://www.villagesound.com
1983 to 1987. I was just nine years old when I started with Gary, and had no idea at the time how lucky I was. He was my first teacher and no one has ever come close to filling those shoes. Although I make a living as an audio engineer now, I play out often in various situations. Thanks to the tools Gary gave me all those years ago, I can still hang. Along with all of us, I miss him dearly and think of him often. Lastly, here's a good chance to say what I never really said to him: thanks, Gary!
January 30th, 2003 1:28 PM
6
Posted By: William Neil Hirsch
William Neil Hirsch's e-mail: williamhirsch@hotmail.com
William Neil Hirsch's website: http://www.henotic.net
1982 to 1985 throughout most of my high school years. I loved Gary and considerd him a surrogate father to me. He had a heart of gold and taught me me to have confidence in my tallents. I played drums for 15 years and then stopped abruptly due to some major changes in my life. I have picked them up again after a 17 year hiatus and I must say that Gary's intense way of teaching helped me to keep my chops! I am so happy to see his daughter Katrina contributing this website to his memory. May Gary be given the credit he deserves for being the best teacher and studio drummer ever. God bless you Gary and I'll see you on the other side!
January 15th, 2003 12:09 AM
5
Posted By: Bobby Sabella
Bobby Sabella's e-mail: rsabe@cyburban.com
Bobby Sabella's website: http://
Early 80's. I took a lesson every week right after Dave Weckl.
November 22nd, 2002 6:38 PM
4
Posted By: Daniel Todd Carter
Daniel Todd Carter's e-mail: Kosmik_Dan@hotmail.com
Daniel Todd Carter's website: http://www.soundanimator.com
I studied with Gary in the year 1983, when I was a junior in high school. Simply put, Gary was the greatest teacher I ever had, period, end of disscussion. I was only a high school kid at the time, and I had some growing up to do, but he saw the true potential in me to become great, so he put up with me, and I will always love him for that. I have and always will consider Gary a true genius teacher of life and the drums, and I look forward to truly honoring him one day, by showing the world just how great of a drummer I have become, largely due to him. I miss the dear man terribly. I hope he's jammin right now in heaven. You were the best man.
October 30th, 2002 2:45 PM
3
Posted By: Pat Nestor
Pat Nestor's e-mail: pnestor@pcolordi.com
Pat Nestor's website: http://
Dec. 1972 - 1984
October 27th, 2002 4:10 PM
2
Posted By: David Bell
David Bell's e-mail: crusader01@prodigy.net
David Bell's website: http://
Yes, 19083-1987
October 27th, 2002 2:56 PM
1
Posted By: Chris Adams
Chris Adams's e-mail: chris@gary-chester.com
Chris Adams's website: http://
Two wonderful years! 1983-1985