Navene Koperweis quits Animals as leaders

Whoa! This is a shocker. When Sick Drummer Magazine first reported that Animals As Leaders might have a new drummer, I didn't want to believe it. How could drumming mastermind Navene Koperweis quit a band that he is very much an important member of? Then, late Friday night, we received a press released that confirmed Sick Drummer's suspicion. Navene is indeed out of the band.

It looks like Navene is departing on very amicable terms, as he released this statement about his departure:

"Tosin and Javier (Reyes, guitar) are the two most generous, caring and understanding individuals I've ever met and I look forward to a lifetime of friendship with the both of them. Over the past decade I have done nothing but music. Recording, writing, playing, practicing, touring and producing. It's taken me beyond what I could have dreamt of as a kid when I started. My new goals extend beyond the drum kit and I'm the type of person who will constantly chase new dreams. You'll be seeing a lot more of me soon."

Animals As Leaders main man Tosin Abasi shared the positive vibes, with nothing but great things to say about Koperweis:

"I've shared some of my most memorable musical experiences to date with Navene and truly consider him a brother. I commend him for following his own path in life, even if that means i'll no longer be sharing the stage with him. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working together and creating a lifelong friendship."

From:  http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2012/08/mapex-mydentity-matt-halpern-clinic-tour/#.UFE6UbJmS2A

Matt Halpern drumming clinic tour

Mapex is sponsoring a nine-city clinic tour with Modern Drummer Readers Poll winner Matt Halpern. Matt Halpern will be discussing his approach to playing complex rhythms while maintaining a solid groove, the importance of drum instruction, and how to coexist with band mates on the road.

A Baltimore native, Matt Halpern started playing the drums at the age of three. With private lessons, Halpern acquired a deep knowledge of drumming and a love for playing all genres of music. After college, Matt toured extensively with many bands and eventually joined up with instrumental group Animals as Leaders. From there, Halpern had the opportunity to join progressive metal band Periphery, and he’s been with them ever since, performing and touring all over the world.

Matt Halpern is highly regarded as a drum instructor and is working to expand music education. In 2008, Matt Halpern founded Bandhappy, an online marketplace for live music lessons from musicians from all over the world. With Bandhappy, fans and musicians can take lessons with their favorite artists and teachers via custom video chats. Halpern is currently gearing up for summer festivals with Periphery in Europe.

Matt Halpern will be performing and teaching at the following Elite Mapex Mydentity locations:

9/9/2012 – Sunday – Bentley’s – Fresno, CA
9/10/2012 – Monday – Drum World – San Mateo, CA
9/12/2012 – Wednesday – Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue, WA
9/13/2012 – Thursday – Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue, WA
9/17/2012 – Monday – Hix Brothers, Aurora IL
9/18/2012 – Tuesday – Vic’s Drum Shop, Chicago, IL
9/19/ 2012 – Wednesday – The Music Store Inc., Tulsa, OK
9/20/2012 – Thursday – Funky Munky Music, Shawnee, KS
9/21/2012 – Friday – Willis Music, Florence, KY
9/22/2012 – Saturday – Dales Drum Shop, Harrisburg, PA

 From: http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2012/08/mapex-mydentity-matt-halpern-clinic-tour/#.UFE6UbJmS2A