ARTIST APPROVED The professional flutist and three time Global Music Award recipi- ent shares how her new 9-karat headjoint adds depth and sparkle to her playing. LORI BELL Music Inc.: What was your first instrument? Lori Bell: My first flute was a used Emerson DeFord student model. MI: Do you have an all-time favorite flute that stands out from the rest? LB: The flute I have now is a concert flute, handmade Pearl flute Maesta model. It’s a great instrument, light and fast with a lot of color. I have an endorsement with Pearl but was playing on their flutes long before that. I pair it with a head joint made by Drelinger headjoints. It’s a 9-karat gold head and pairs beautifully with the silver body. It has a big resonant sound good for both jazz and classical, but I use this headjoint for jazz in both recordings and performance. It has a bite and an edge to it that really works for that style. Adding a gold headjoint to my flute really helped develop a darker, richer sound.
Grover/Trophy Acquires Wuhan Cymbals, Attack Drumheads G rover/Trophy Music Group, a musical instrument and accessory company, has acquired two percussion brands: Wuhan Cymbals and Gongs, and Attack Drumheads, from Cardinal Percussion. This strategic acquisition further strengthens Grover/Trophy’s portfolio, including its established Clevelander Drum Company and enhances its commitment to delivering innovative products for drummers and percussionists worldwide. Wuhan Cymbals and Gongs was founded in 1983 and is known for its hand-crafted cymbals and gongs, offering a sound that appeals to drummers of all styles and genres. Attack Drumheads was founded in 1994 and has gained a following for its quality drumheads designed for durability, consistent tone and serious response. These acquisitions further solidify Grover/Trophy’s position in the percussion market, offering a complete range of percussion products that cater to the needs of professional musicians, educators and hobbyists alike. “We are thrilled to welcome Wuhan Cymbals and Gongs and Attack Drumheads to the Grover/Trophy Music Group family,” said Cory Berger, president of Grover/Trophy Music Group. “Both brands have earned a reputation for exceptional quality and innovation, and we are excited to help these iconic names continue to grow, while expanding our offerings to serve an even broader segment of the drumming community.” “We are certain that the Grover/Trophy team will cultivate the Wuhan and Attack brands to new heights,” said James Bickley, treasurer of Cardinal Percussion. “This calculated move permits us time to concentrate efforts on growing our Cannon, Holz, Cardinal and Lug Lock brands, as well as promoting the many domestic brands we continue to provide U.S. distribution for,” said Mark Tirabassi, president of Cardinal Percussion. {grotro.com} From left: Cardinal Percussion’s Mark Tirabassi, Grover/Trophy’s Richard Berger and Cory Berger, and Cardinal Percussion’s James Bickley.
LB: In addition to my concert flute, I also have an alto flute made by Emerson. It has a rich and darker tone and is a fourth lower than the concert flute. The alto is in G. I usually add the alto on a couple of pieces in each set and also on recordings. I also own a Yamaha Clavinova Model CLP- 745. Piano is my second instru- ment, and I love this piano especially with the headphone feature. MI: Are there any new or emerging pieces of gear you’ve recently tried that have caught your atten- tion or inspired you in the music-making process? LB: I recently picked up a second nine- karat headjoint also made by Drelinger, and this one is perfect for orchestral or chamber music. It has a depth and sparkle different from the one I use for jazz. — By Kimberly Kapela
MI: What instruments are currently in your arsenal?
18 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2025
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