Directed by Sam Solomon and myself, the Spring Percussion Ensemble Concert was a huge success! The program included Kala by Akira Nishimura (featuring Jeremy Barnett, marimba soloist), Xati by my former student Peyton McDonald, Duo for Marimbas by Phillippe Manoury (performed wonderfully by marimba majors
While in Dayton Ohio I had an opportunity to work with the students at Wright State University. Jerry Noble, the Director of Percussion at the school, has the program blossoming. The percussion ensemble played Paul Lansky’s Threads for percussion quartet. The students are doing an
In February I had the good fortune to play extra percussion with the London Symphony Orchestra in Avery Fisher Hall. My great friend Neil Percy was kind enough to ask me to come in and play. We did Mahler 3 with Valery Gergiev conducting. Extra
Andrew Beall’s new CD “Glass Jungle” is available! The CD’s title track (with the same name) features Andy on solo percussion with myself, Jeremy Levine, Michael Singer and Mongomery Hatch playing percussion. This is an EXCELLENT recording and Andy did an amazing job playing and
Good concert and classes at Western IL University - hosted and conducted by Kevin Nichols, it was a fantastic visit! Students played great on Summons by Nick Papador - solo timpani and percussion ensemble. See photos below of the group and my set up. (I
I went to Bowling Green State University to present a clinic for the students - I did my cymbal masterclass and it was well received. Roger Schupp is head of the percussion department there and showed me around campus. I also added some photos
Joe did a absolutely wonderful clinic at the Boston Conservatory! Photo above is (L to R) Joe Tompkins, Keith Aleo and John Grimes. Joe’s class started with a historic explanation of French rudimental drumming as compared to American rudimental drumming. He also played his etude
Percussionists from all over Florida met at the Naples Percussion Summit to perform a concert of percussion music with guest artists and clinics. This is truly a unique and special event and I was thrilled to be a part of it! I was invited due
Andrew Beall is coming out with a new CD called “Glass Jungle” and asked me to be a part of the recording of the title track “Glass Jungle.” This piece is by Andy Beall and is for 4 percussionists and solo percussionist. Check out this
The Interlochen Arts Camp 2010 HS Orchestra Percussionists. From L to R: Timothy Padgett, Marcelina Suchocka, John Ringor, Nicholas Sakakeeny, Eliot Littlefield, Kramer Milan and Alana Wiesing. We broke this head in rehearsal, so they all signed it and gave it to me (with some