Andrew Hewitt is a Professional Drummer, Workshop Facilitator and Drum set Clinican with over 18 years experience. He is proudly endorsed by: DW Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Vic Firth Drumsticks
READ SOME DVD REVIEWS: Introducing a remarkable drummer
Cerebral palsy hasn't stopped Hewitt from drumming, and this DVD introduces his inspirational techniques. 14 minutes, though, doesn't do him justice (DW).
3/5 stars.
For more information http://www.drummerstix.com.au RHYTHM MAGAZINE (UK) - DECEMBER 2007
Australian drummer Andrew Hewitt was born with cerebral palsy which affects movment in his arms and legs and restricts him to crutches, but that doesnt stop him playing drums with passion and courage.
Alternatives In Music Presents Andrew Hewitt is a short, 14 minute feature filmed at Billy Hyde's Drumcraft in January 2005 that demonstrates the techniques that make music possible for Andrew even as his cerebral palsy progresses.
With a heart to see differently-abled people, find their unique alternatives to musical expression, Andrew has worked successfully as a clinician, educator and motivational speaker and will no doubt continue to inspire many people to overcome personal difficulty and disability.
Check out Andrew's website for more information http://www.drummerstix.com.au DRUMSCENE MAGAZINE - JUNE 2007
"I watched this video and right away I was extremely moved by Andrew...his love for the drums is obvious and there is nothing that is going to stop him! This guy has a backbeat that is solid and infectious!
Andrew does more with his talent than most drummers I know...period. Andrew is always busy helping in any way he can; at camps for disabled kids, playing shows, giving motivational speeches, writing or just jammin out on his kit...
I have so much care and respect for Andrew...Rock on, bro! ...and besides...I love his accent! G'Day Mate!"
A beautiful and powerful message! I recommend this DVD highly.
***** Five AmbA stars
Michael Barton
www.ambadextro.com
Andrew Hewitt is starting to become one of the most talked about drum educators in the Australian and International Drumming Communities.
Based in Sydney, Andrew was born with Cerebral Palsy, which affects movement in his arms and legs, and restricts him to walking on crutches.
Despite this, Andrew has managed to clock up over 15 successful years as a Performing Artist, Clinician, Motivational Speaker and Drum Educator.
It all started when Andrews parents bought him a drum kit at the age of 10 thinking it would be a great form of physical exercise for him.
After 26 years, Andrew is still hard at it.
He has performed in various bands in North West Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney since 1989.
His big break came in April 2004 when he was introduced to the world in Modern Drummer magazines On The Move section. This was indeed a huge honour for Andrew, as only a handful of Australian drummers have had the privilege of gracing the pages of Modern Drummer. He has since had an update in June 2005s issue of Modern Drummer.
He has also been regularly featured in such magazines as DRUM! Link Disability, and Australias drum magazine, Drum scene. He has also had various articles in newspapers across Australia.
Raven Drum Foundation named Andrew Spirit of the Month in April 2004, which is an organisation in the USA run by one-armed drummer Rick Allen from rock band Def Leppard. This was also a huge honour for Andrew, as Rick had been his biggest inspiration for so many years.
In March 2004, Andrew held a drum workshop for kids at the Spastic Centre of NSW at Allambie Heights on Sydneys Northern Beaches.
Andrew also performed at the Sydney Opera House in August 2004, with Melbourne band BiPolar Bears with very special guest guitarist, Ross Hannaford of Daddy Cool fame, and held a clinic in-between competition categories at the 14th annual Billy Hyde Drummer Playoff finals at the Australian Institute of Music. He also held a drum clinic at Erina on the NSW Central Coast for International Day for People With a Disability in December.
During 2005, Andrew has performed and lectured at various conferences around Australia, including the Novita Tech Fest 05 and the Australian Cerebral Palsy Association National Conference in Adelaide in March, Leaders of Special Education NSW conference at Parramatta in June, and Social Worker in Disabilities conference in Sydney in September.
In October 2005, Monique Wright from Channel 7s Sunrise program, interviewed Andrew for her Everyday People segment. He also performed on Channel 10 News Sydney weather report with Tim Bailey on the steps of the Sydney Opera House promoting up-coming Club Wild shows and International Day for People with a Disability.
Andrew is also being included on an upcoming DVD release by website organisation www.alternativesinmusic.com. The DVD will be a documentary about Andrew and his drumming achievements. It was filmed in January 2005 in store at Billy Hydes Drumcraft in Sydney, and also features clips from various live performances Andrew has done.
He is featured on www.handidrummed.com, which is a US based site, which features drummers with various disabilities from around the world.
Andrew has had various teachers over the years such as Scott Bird, Ashley Davies, Tubby Wadsworth and Bruce Stephens, who have all gone that extra mile to help him achieve his goals.
Apart from doing band gigs, Andrew runs a workshop program, which he has named Drums in Motion. These workshops are aimed at people with physical challenges. Andrew tailors each workshop to the needs of the people attending, some may not be able to use conventional drumsticks or some may only be able to use one hand, either way he makes sure everyone can be involved.
He recently held workshops in Adelaide at a camp for kids with severe physical and communication disabilities for Novita Childrens Services.
Andrew has recently submitted an application to NSW Education Department to become an Authorised Performer, so he can travel around schools, play drums and talk to students about his experiences.
He will be also taking on private students in the not too distant future.
Andrew is currently planning a drum tutorial DVD that he has entitled Overcoming Challenges. As the title suggests, it will be a drum tutorial/motivational DVD aimed at drummers who have challenges they face in their lives.
He uses a DW Pacific acoustic drum kit with DDT and Roland drum triggers, which run through a Roland TD-8 V Drum Module to help with physical obstacles, related to playing drums.
Andrew Hewitt has clearly made his mark on the music scene, and will continue to deliver the same level of professionalism and dedication for many years to come.
"Highway Star" - High Beam Global part of Adelaide Fringe 2008 Adelaide - March 2008
"Toilet Brush Drum Solo" - Australian Music Therapy Association Conference Melbourne - October 2007
"Basket Case" - CP Australia Conference Gold Coast - May 2007
"Papa Don't Preach" - with band Party Central Bankstown - September 2005
"You're the voice" - with band Bipolar Bears Sydney Opera House - August 2004
"No One Knows" - Billy Hyde Drummer Playoff Sydney - August 2004
Andy in action at Sydney Opera House, December 2005
Who I'd like to meet: Im currently looking for a working band around Sydney. Covers or Originals. I am experienced in playing Rock, Hard Rock, Soul, Blues and 70s retro.
Hi Andrew, just wanted to say thanks for all your support. I have posted a new song so if you get a chance give it a listen and let me know what you think..Thank you,
Hey there. How are you? How's ya week been? got any plans for the long weekend? I'm going camping... YES... I know it will rain hahah BUT I'm still going ! Take care JJ xXXx
have been real real busy lately, have about 8 workshops in the next month, and my live show happening in early april... and then a tour to europe again in may/june... so not a whole heap of spare time in the line up, but loving every second of it :)
howd things go in adelaide? you went there at the right time... this time of year adelaide is crazy... there is like 6 different festivals on at the same time... hope it well mate, look forward to hearing from you...
