The techniques that Jim imparted and the Moeller method enabled me to quickly develop deftness, flexibility, independence and lightening speed with minimal effort. He showed me how to work with the laws of gravity to achieve optimal performance. I recall people looking astounded when I performed a one hand drum roll and when the volume had to be turned down on my drum mikes during the Aerosmith tour, because of the incredible strength that emanated from my hands: All because of Jim’s influence in teaching me how to maintain control and power over the drumstick.
More than techniques, however, Jim influenced me by his love of drumming. I discovered from observing him that the love an individual has for their craft manifests itself in the end product. Today, Jim’s “end product” in drumming is still miraculously astounding. The mutual love of drums we held and his continued paternal encouragement inspired me to practice assiduously to perfect the art of drumming as much as possible. Being a woman drummer trying to break into the music business 30 years ago was no small task and unheard of at that time. I experienced an inordinate amount of discrimination leading often to a sense of defeat. Jim would cringe when I would mention quitting and he and my dad continually encouraged me to battle the numerous gender barriers I encountered. The day came when I did quit drumming for about 15 years. Jim actually did cringe then and attempted to persuade me to not give up playing. I tried to sell my drums for quite some time to no avail and took that as some strange sign. The ministerial vocation as a Roman Catholic sister that I left the music business for turned out to lead to a sad and disappointing end. I went back to drumming occasionally and subsequently maintained increased, albeit intermittent contact with Jim. He was extremely happy that I chose to pick up the sticks again. You would think he fathered me. Metaphorically, as a drummer, he did.
The past several years I invited him to stay at our home many times in Tennessee when he traveled to Nashville to provide drum clinics. He never had the opportunity. About a year ago, I began contacting Jim on a more frequent basis as I was concerned about him. The first words out of his mouth after a 2 year lapse since we had spoken to each other were: “Are you playing?” He kept asking me this as if he needed some type of reassurance that one of his children of drumming was still carrying the torch he set aflame. Yes, Jim, I am still carrying that torch.
Jim is a consummate example of how loving the work one does in life is a blessing in body, mind and spirit. Jim’s life manifests this truth. Most importantly, Jim as a human being has influenced me personally for nearly 30 years. The teacher/student bond we have has maintained its strength as if it were newly born. I know that the world of drumming is extremely fortunate to have Jim Chapin as one of its greatest influences and I am as well. I know that the world at large is all the more blessed because of Jim who is a shining light that radiates grace particularly when he has a pair of drumsticks in his hands. In my opinion, drumming is the seat of Jim’s soul.
Jim will always be my teacher, mentor, friend and the father of my life in drumming. Thank you, Jim.
-Julie Grocki
Practicing techniques on drum pad when I was 16 under Mr. Jim Chapin's tutelage.
3 comments:
The Encouragement of Jim Chapin
By Dr. Julie H. Grocki
This July 4th is the third anniversary of Jim Chapin’s death. A better way to frame that departure euphemistically is “Jim’s arrival in the heavenly spheres.” I was amazed at how quickly time had passed since I last spoke with my “Father” of Life in Drumming.
Towards the end of Jim’s life when his body was not keeping up, I never saw him throw in the towel. Rather, he always had a buoyant presence and air about him. Never in the 30 years I had known him did I observe Jim being downcast. Even during our last conversation, he voiced accolades about other memorable drummers (yes, humbly I admit, I was included on the list).
Always modest, Jim never had his eyes on himself. Rather, they seemed always to be on “the other.” For the three decades I knew him, he appeared to be focused always as a superb teacher is, on “the other.” His attention was on what each individual student uniquely contributed and needed.
Jim did not however, relegate his interest only on the musical skills and requirements of the student. No, he kept his vision broad. He realized that drumming, as any art, required more that just technical skill. Just as natural as it is to have a limb on the body, the instrument must also become a part of the person.
In order for that transformation to take place, the heart, mind, and soul have to be connected to the instrument. In the case of percussion, all functioning limbs have to be integrated internally in order for them to produce optimally externally. This cannot be achieved if there is not some type of inner balance and center.
Jim knew this. He was well aware that each student had more than percussive skills and needs. Every percussionist also had psychosocial needs
Encouragement was a key to Jim’s success and legacy as a consummate drummer, person, and instructor. If there was anything that was easy to predict as a pattern of his behavior, it was his habitual encouragement. My goodness, near the end of his life, he was still cheering me on to play! He was also persuading others.
Jim knew balance. He realized the need for equilibrium in every person’s life. Simply, he understood what it meant to be human. He also comprehended what defined a drummer. The definition was not a ‘mechanical percussive technician.’
For this third anniversary of Jim’s departure from us, (or entrance into higher realms), I leave these thoughts with the reader to ponder. You, as an artist, have unique gifts. You will be remembered for how you used or didn’t use them. I guarantee you, you will be remembered for your gifts, your love or lack of love for them, and how you cultivated and utilized them.
I can imagine Jim would like you to know that drumming is more than a physiological activity. It requires thought, integration, and skill. It demands physical and mental coordination. To master the instrument calls for practice, focus, repetition, and yes, some sacrifice of time.
Yet, most importantly, in order for drumming to be transformed into more than just rhythmic sounds, it has to include the heart. Without this inner balance of a sense of being that can and will manifest in the end result of percussive endeavors, drumming will remain just a technical feat. For the TRUE artist that will not suffice.
My hope is one that I truly believe Jim Chapin would want you to have. This is that you will be able to realize this integration and equilibrium in all aspects of your life (if you have not done so already). It can be a constant juggle. However, in my clinical estimation, it is well worth the effort. By maintaining balance, you may achieve your fullest potential as a unique individual who happens to be a phenomenal drummer! Happy Anniversary Jim!
I miss you,
Dr. J
For any questions or comments you may contact Dr. Julie Grocki at: DrJRhythm@gmail.com
The Encouragement of Jim Chapin
By Dr. Julie H. Grocki
This July 4th is the third anniversary of Jim Chapin’s death. A better way to frame that departure euphemistically is “Jim’s arrival in the heavenly spheres.” I was amazed at how quickly time had passed since I last spoke with my “Father” of Life in Drumming.
Towards the end of Jim’s life when his body was not keeping up, I never saw him throw in the towel. Rather, he always had a buoyant presence and air about him. Never in the 30 years I had known him did I observe Jim being downcast. Even during our last conversation, he voiced accolades about other memorable drummers (yes, humbly I admit, I was included on the list).
Always modest, Jim never had his eyes on himself. Rather, they seemed always to be on “the other.” For the three decades I knew him, he appeared to be focused always as a superb teacher is, on “the other.” His attention was on what each individual student uniquely contributed and needed.
Jim did not however, relegate his interest only on the musical skills and requirements of the student. No, he kept his vision broad. He realized that drumming, as any art, required more that just technical skill. Just as natural as it is to have a limb on the body, the instrument must also become a part of the person.
In order for that transformation to take place, the heart, mind, and soul have to be connected to the instrument. In the case of percussion, all functioning limbs have to be integrated internally in order for them to produce optimally externally. This cannot be achieved if there is not some type of inner balance and center.
Jim knew this. He was well aware that each student had more than percussive skills and needs. Every percussionist also had psychosocial needs
Encouragement was a key to Jim’s success and legacy as a consummate drummer, person, and instructor. If there was anything that was easy to predict as a pattern of his behavior, it was his habitual encouragement. My goodness, near the end of his life, he was still cheering me on to play! He was also persuading others.
Jim knew balance. He realized the need for equilibrium in every person’s life. Simply, he understood what it meant to be human. He also comprehended what defined a drummer. The definition was not a ‘mechanical percussive technician.’
For this third anniversary of Jim’s departure from us, (or entrance into higher realms), I leave these thoughts with the reader to ponder. You, as an artist, have unique gifts. You will be remembered for how you used or didn’t use them. I guarantee you, you will be remembered for your gifts, your love or lack of love for them, and how you cultivated and utilized them.
I can imagine Jim would like you to know that drumming is more than a physiological activity. It requires thought, integration, and skill. It demands physical and mental coordination. To master the instrument calls for practice, focus, repetition, and yes, some sacrifice of time.
Yet, most importantly, in order for drumming to be transformed into more than just rhythmic sounds, it has to include the heart. Without this inner balance of a sense of being that can and will manifest in the end result of percussive endeavors, drumming will remain just a technical feat. For the TRUE artist that will not suffice.
My hope is one that I truly believe Jim Chapin would want you to have. This is that you will be able to realize this integration and equilibrium in all aspects of your life (if you have not done so already). It can be a constant juggle. However, in my clinical estimation, it is well worth the effort. By maintaining balance, you may achieve your fullest potential as a unique individual who happens to be a phenomenal drummer! Happy Anniversary Jim!
I miss you,
Dr. J
For any questions or comments you may contact Dr. Julie Grocki at: DrJRhythm@gmail.com
Hello to all:
It is with deep regret to inform you that my sister Dr. Julie Helen Grocki had passed away on 12/07/2016. Julie had been sick for awhile and earlier last year her health took a turn. I will always miss her dearly.
I do want to say that Julie had the upmost of respect & admiration for Jim Chapin & I can remember when she took her drum lessons from Mr. Chapin when we lived in Lindenhurst NY.
Thank You & Sincerely,
Karen Grocki
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