Dr.Earl W.G. Hatch ( 1906 - 1996 )
Dr.Earh Hatch was born at Greely, Colorado
at August 24,1906 and passed away at November
5,1996 at North Hollywood,California. His
parents were both musical and he started
his career as snare drummer at six, and trap
drummer with the Theater Orchestra at the
age of ten years. He first time played marimba
solo with pit orchestra in local theater.
Since there was an indicent that his mallet
head accidentally hit an audience at between
her eyes at play, the local paper called
with laugh , " Dead Eye, the Mallet
Slinger ".
He learned piano at fifteen, and went on
the road with a six piece jazz band as a
piano player. After that, his long music
career continued until his death, including
Walt Disney percission and its management
jobs and at other movie companies. His own
designed bass marimba can be heard in the
movies such as " Dr.Zhivago ",
" Sound of Music " and " The
King and I ". Until he dies, he had
been an Honorary Member of the Japan Xylophone
Association for long years.
Dr.Earl Hatch was given an Honorary Doctorate
of Music in February,1988. Remaining over
600 pieces of musics by compositions and
arrangements in his private library, Dr.passed
away at 90 years old , of course after brought
up so many good professional players all
over the United States. Most of his works
can be obtained at Earl Hatch Publications.
Above: Dr.demonstrates his new solo.
Below: Dr.accompanies on his student.
TO PHOTO GALLARY
RETURN