2012 promises to be a monumental year for the DHP family.  Since 1996, Dark Horse Percussion has become one of the most powerful forces in the percussion community.  With over 250 artists globally, DHP looks towards 2012 to be it’s finest year yet.

Founder and CEO of Dark Horse Percussion, Anthony Cartinella has stepped back as the owner of DHP and is now taking the role of Senior Production and Sales Representative.

“ It is truly amazing how large of a company DHP has grown into over the years.  DHP was always run as a part-time operation due to my educational career, schooling and family.  Now at Dark Horse Percussion, there will be a full time staff to keep production lead-times down, continue with the fine craftsmanship that DHP prides itself on, expand the retail side of the business, venture into more artist and tour support, and this is all just the tip of the iceberg.  This business plan has been in the works for the past couple of years to make it the most seamless transition for the business moving forward.”

“The time has come for DHP to achieve the next level of success and growth with a full-time operation, staff, and business structure.  I am excited to be a fan and to watch DHP grow even more.  It has been an amazing 16 years for my family and me.  I have made hundreds of friends, and crafted drums for some of the most amazing drummers and bands out there.  I will still be involved with the DHP business infrastructure and will serve as an advisor to the new crew.   Dark Horse will always be a huge part of my life.  Due to my educational career and my next goal – to pursue a Doctorate in Jazz Studies and Performance -- I just cannot dedicate the time that the business requires to reach the next level.  I am so excited to see my “boys” that I have groomed over the years work to write the next chapter in the DHP history book.”

It gives us great pleasure to announce the new owners of Dark Horse Percussion, John Spano and Chris Thatcher.  John Spano has been involved in production and design at DHP since he was 13 years old.  “Spano”, now 24 and a recent graduate of Kean University for Visual Art, is now the Owner and Production Manager here at DHP.

“ I have been working with Anthony for the better part of my life with DHP.  Between building custom drums, artist relations, and sales, I have been with DHP since the beginning.  This was a great opportunity for me to step it up and do this full time to really excel to the next level.  DHP is already a beast of a company, and now to have a full time staff looks to be outstanding. “

Chris Thatcher has been involved with DHP for years, both as an artist as well as formally being the Director of Artist Relations.  In addition to DHP, Chris is the drummer for Streetlight Manifesto and the Percussion Caption Head of the renowned Old Bridge High School Marching Band and Indoor Drumline.  Chris’ extensive background in drums, marching percussion, and education speaks for itself.  Chris, now 30, is the Owner and General Manager here at DHP.

“ I'm very honored and proud that Anthony has brought me this incredible opportunity to be part owner at DHP. We will do our absolute best to continue the fantastic service and quality that has made DHP what it is today. Drumming is my life.  It's a community and a culture.  I'm excited to help out my fellow musicians who share my enthusiasm and bring it to those who don't.  Here's to the present and most certainly the future of Dark Horse Percussion. “

With months of planning and coordination, we are looking forward to a great future for DHP and many new and exciting ventures will be hitting in 2012.  Stay tuned for many new changes and new ventures that Dark Horse Percussion will be making in 2012.

With the holiday season upon us, we are offering FREE SHIPPING and a LIMITED EDITION T-SHIRT
on ALL custom drum set orders placed between November 1, 2011 and December 1, 2011.

Call or e-mail us today to take advantage of this great savings!

Dark Horse Percussion is excited to welcome the several new artists to the Dark Horse family. These artists display the talent, dedication, work ethic, determination, and goals that that we look for in our endorsed artist.

We are excited to announce that DHP will be teaming up with renowned artist, Jay Alders to design surf art themed snare drums.  Jay is one of the premier surf artists out there.   We are releasing 4 limited editions designs and the first custom snare will be released this August.  All art will be custom printed on on each snare drum. Jay Alders’ art can also be found on many longboards from Original Longboard Skateboard Company out of NJ.

Dark Horse CEO, Anthony Cartinella stated, “ I am extremely excited to have teamed up with Jay, a fellow east coast designer, on this project.  Putting together his great art with drums DHP crafted drums is sure to be amazing.”
These snares will be $599 and there will be a limited run of each design.  The first 10 drums of each design will be hand signed by Jay Alders.

Stay tuned for when the snares will be available and for more information about Jay check him out at http://www.JayAlders.com/about

Chris Thatcher has been a Dark Horse Artist for years now, performing with Streetlight Manifesto, and recently has been working on DHP production.  We are super excited that Chris is able to fill this new Director of Artist Relations role.  In addition to Chris’s powerful drumming for Streetlight Manifesto, he is a widely renowned marching percussion specialist and private teacher.  Chris is the percussion Caption Head for the nationally recognized Old Bridge High School Marching Knights Marching Band and indoor drum line.  His focus on music, education, and performance makes him a true asset to not only DHP, but also the percussion community in general.  

DHP owner and CEO, Anthony Cartinella had this to say, “It has been amazing to watch Chris develop as such a great drummer and educator over the years.  It has been great to have Chris working in the shop when not on the road. Now this new role will enable DHP to utilize Chris as a great contact, to be the “go to” guy for current and future artists.  I am very excited for all that I know Chris will bring to the company."

New Director of Artist Relations, Chris Thatcher said, “I am very proud to take on the role of Director of Artist Relations.  I’m looking forward to pushing DHP to the next level and to bring this great product to even more masses.  I love the drumming community and can’t wait to make new friends in it!”  
Chris Thatcher can be reached via e-mail at chris@darkhorsepercussion.com.

We welcome and congratulate Chris on this new and exciting position.

We would like to wish everyone a great start to Summer 2011!   2011 has already been a monumental year for Dark Horse Percussion within our 16 year history.  The shop has been swamped with drum orders, new artists, and a ton on new projects in development.  We would like to apologize for an extended time since our last web update, but will get back to our monthly updates for sure!

Make sure you check out some great DHP bands on the road this summer on various tours and events.  Check out: The Bouncing Souls, The Gaslight Anthem, Dance Gavin Dance, The Wonder Years, Streetlight Manifesto, A Plea For Purging, Echo Movement, and dozens more on tour this summer, coming to a town near you!

Stay tuned for more artist announcements, gallery updates, and new features and events.

Cheers,

The DHP Crew