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.