Meinl Percussion is pleased to welcome Mike Johnston to its family of percussion artists. Mike began studying the drums at the age of five. He spent the next 15 years studying privately with some of the greatest educator/drummers of our time including Pete Magadini and Steve Ferrone.

At the age of 21 Mike received his first major label record deal with his band Simon Says (Hollywood Records) and spent the next five years touring the world. He received a gold record for his contributions to the Varsity Blues soundtrack and has appeared on The Late Show with Dave Letterman as well as on MTV's Fashionably Loud. In addition, Mike has toured the US and Europe with Hollywood Recording artists Simon Says and Warner Bothers Recording artists FILTER.

Mike currently runs the educational website mikeslessons.com where he offers pre-recorded video drum lessons as well as "LIVE" on-line drum lessons nationally and internationally. Every year he hosts multiple International drum camps at the mikeslessons.com facility.,  Mike has also been announced as being one of the educators and performers at the 2012 Meinl Drum Festival in Gutenstetten, Germany.

COMFORT DESIGN FOR A MORE UPRIGHT PLAYING STLYE

New in Meinl's extensive cajon assortment is a unique Slap-Top cajon which is a conceptual step up to a new level. It is designed to bring the striking surface up closer to the player for a more upright playing style. The sound projects forward into the audience. High and low tones as well as a snare effect are built in to the sound board. 

Materials
Resonating body: Eco-friendly medium density fibreboard
Frontplate: Makah-Burl

Features
Comfortable design
Forward sound projection
Internal snare wires
Wide sound spectrum

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/TOPCAJ1MB

While travelling through Germany, members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra stopped by at Meinl's new showroom in Gutenstetten for an extensive test of Meinl's symphonic cymbals- and percussion instruments.

"We are honored that the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra chose to use our symphonic cymbals," comments Meinl's International Artist Relations Manager Norbert Saemann. "I am looking very much forward to working with them in the future and helping them finding their perfect cymbal sound for all of their musical needs." Back row, left to right:
Norbert Saemann (Meinl)
Manuel Kroetz (Timpani / Percussion)
Peter Huepping (Artistic and Operations Manager)
Ulli Napp (Technical Director)
Nasser S. Nasseb (Stage Manager)

Front row, left to right:
Kee Guan Ng (Timpani / Percussion, Co-Principal)
Ferdinand Schaefer (Timpani / Percussion)
Rafeek Kolepperri (Stage Technician)

http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/

The MEINL Fiberglass Claves produce the most penetrating, loud, and cutting sound of all. They are hand made from premium fiberglass which makes them nearly indestructible.

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/CL7R

The MEINL Rocar is equipped with 20 pairs of solid jingles mounted onto a wooden bar. 

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/RC1BK

Our Turbo Cajon goes an extra step towards cutting edge. The concept comes from instrument designer Oliver Böttger. We made this cajon with upper corners that have deeply cut channels with castanet-like striking surfaces. This produces a reinforced slap effect that you control with hand pressure. 

http://meinlpercussion.com/goto/CAJ4RO-M

Since 2003 Meinl has operated own photovoltaic power plants which have increasingly grown in size to this very day.

Today all of the five solar facilities generate a total of 367,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This equals a CO2 conservation of 477,366 lb (216,530 kg). With this generated energy Meinl is able to supply 120 households with electricity, or cover more than half of their own power consumption.