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 of my summer quotes!) as a farewell gift.   I was honored to work with these students and they exceeded my expectations!   Check out the video below….

Highlights of the summer:

The two orchestra’s performed one concert a week – rep included Pines of Rome, Scheherazade, Schumann Symphony No.3, Bolero, Carmen and Rodeo.   Orchestra conductors included Jung-Ho Pak, Joann Falletta and Erik Nielsen.

Guest Percussion Artists were Jake Nissly (Principal Detroit Symphony Orchestra), Will James (Principal St. Louis Symphony Orchestra), Peter Erskine and Jeff Irving (NYC Wicked).

The Orchestra Percussion Ensemble performed a total of 8 percussion ensemble pieces in six weeks – this included Westlake Omphalo Centric Lecture, Udow Four Movements, Campbell Terra Cotta Warriors, McBride Quiet, Skidmore Ritual Music, Beall Rancho Jubilee, Aukofer Identity Crisis and Morag Octabones.   We performed on the Collage Concert, with the dance ensemble, student recitals and on a concert just for percussion ensemble.