SABIAN has proudly announced the launch of the second annual SABIAN – Dom Famularo – SEN Mentorship Award. The award was constituted in honor of Dom Famularo, one of SABIAN’s longest-standing endorsers and supporters.
The award is aimed at supporting and encouraging drummers with their careers by providing a cash award along with mentorship sessions with some of the industry’s most respected practitioners.
Known as Drumming’s Global Ambassador, Dom Famularo traveled the world for over 40 years, becoming one of the most influential and revered drummers, teachers, and motivators in the world. A SABIAN artist since 1985, Dom was closely associated with SABIAN, sharing their passion for artistry, dedication to craft, and family. During Dom’s long career, he taught and mentored thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to have flourishing careers in the music business.
He has shared the stage with Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Simon Phillips, Billy Cobham, Bernard Purdie, Rod Morgenstein, Chester Thompson, Terry Bozzio, Will Calhoun, Deen Castronovo, Russ McKinnon, Chad Smith, Mark Schulman, Denny Carmassi, Liberty DeVitto and Jim Chapin to name a few in worldwide drumming events. In addition to large drumming expos and clinic tours, Dom was an active educator at colleges, drum schools, and camps.
He has performed at the Percussive Arts Society Convention (PASIC), the Percussion Institute of Technology (PIT) in Hollywood, California, KOSA Camp in Vermont USA, North Texas State University, the Graham Cole Percussion Camp in England, and Drummers Camp in the Black Forest of Germany. He passed away on September 27, 2023, leaving a huge void in the drumming world.
In addition, he was an in-demand Education Consultant for Sabian cymbals, Mapex drums, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, Hudson Publications, and Wizdom Media publications.
In Dom’s own words, he said, “I have studied with the Masters, and what they passed on to me was an enthusiasm for self-expression. The fun in my life has been in challenging myself to be the best I can be. But rather than limit myself to just playing in a band, I wanted to share my talent to pass on the musical and philosophical values I’ve developed, so others can find and enjoy themselves the way I have.”
Sabian is a Canadian cymbal manufacturing company based in New Brunswick. It was established in 1981 in the village of Meductic, which is now part of Lakeland Ridges, where the company is still headquartered. Sabian is considered one of the big four manufacturers of cymbals, along with Zildjian, Meinl, and Paiste.
One winner selected by the judges of SABIAN receives a cash grant and a package of one-hour, private mentorship sessions with the judges which in 2024 includes Andy Zildjian (SABIAN President), Chris Stankee (SABIAN Artist Relations Director), Joe Bergamini (SABIAN Education Network Director), David Garibaldi, Claus Hessler, Jim Toscano, Stephane Chamberland, Paul Quin, and Rick Drumm. These mentorship sessions can be used for career advice, drum study, or other fascinating topics of the winner’s choice.
The process for applying and the rules to be followed by drummers for the Mentorship Award are provided on the SABIAN website.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship award will open on October 1st, and close on November 30th, 2024.