@ percussion podcast: Recent Episodes
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Brooklyn-based percussionist Ashley Baier has performed with a variety of orchestras, chamber groups, and artists including PitchBlak Brass Band, Pharoahe Monch, John Hodgman, The Bengsons, VÉRITÉ, and Kermit the Frog. She has played numerous New York City musical theater productions and has toured nationally with How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Hundred Days. She has performed at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Brooklyn Bowl, (Le) Poisson Rouge, and Joe's Pub. www.ashleybaier.com
0:00 intro and hello
7:15 Both classical percussion and drumset. Why you should be a diverse percussionist.
14:20 NYC?
20:10 Touring
26:00 Broadway subbing?
32:47 All students should listen to this podcast!
34:37 Karli: Teacher Appreciation Week, what makes a great music teacher.
43:35 Casey: Sound - the 1 sample drumset, sampling, Pierre Schaeffer
55:40 Making a living in NY and living logistics?
58:04 Being a female percussionist? Some thoughts on equality.
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Praised by the South Florida Classical Review for her "dazzling" and "incisive" performance, Dr. Karlyn Viña is a dynamic and creative percussionist based in Miami, FL. As a performer, Karlyn has a passion for solo, chamber, and orchestral music, with a particular interest in contemporary music. Karlyn has an active freelance career in South Florida, performing regularly with the Palm Beach Symphony and Florida Grand Opera.Dr. Viña serves on the faculty of Florida International University, Miami Music Project, Westminster Christian School, Ransom Everglades School, Florida Christian School, and South Florida Youth Symphony. Additionally, she maintains a busy private studio in Miami, teaching concert percussion, keyboard percussion, timpani, and drum set. In addition to her teaching, Karlyn serves on the Percussive Arts Society's Education Committee.Karlyn earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance from the University of Miami as a fellow of the Henry Mancini Institute. Her dissertation focuses on the performance of works for theatrical percussion. She also holds degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Education from The Boston Conservatory and the University of Maryland. Karlyn is proud to endorse Grover Pro Percussion.
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello. We're using video again!
4:00 Dissertation and theatrical percussion?
5:10 What we can learn from studying theatrical pieces.
18:11 What are some easier theatrical pieces we can introduce to younger students?
22:48 Megan: Composer collectives: Kinds of Kings
28:44 Casey and Ben: Vida Chenoweth
40:01 Balancing all your teaching and performing?
43:55 Freelancing advice?
49:20 Breaking into a freelancing big-city music scene?
Tony is an Associate Professor of Music at Winston Salem State University. He teaches recording and music business, and is the Chair of the Liberal Studies Department. He is a busy working drummer, and the author of "Rhythm Makers: The Drumming Legends of Nashville in Their Own Words".
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0:00 Intro and Hello 0:40 Tips on keeping your New Year's resolutions/goals 6:35 Casey: What's the sound 8:50 Some recording tech thoughts? 21:28 Moving from Nashville and touring to your job at Winston Salem State U.? 32:15 Emmy nomination? 39:04 Karli: some thoughts on music industry curriculum. 52:10 Thoughts on drumset pedagogy? Some info on Jeff Porcaro
In the room are: Rebecca Kite, Marco Schirripa, Brian Nozny, Brian Blume, Caleb Pickering, Ben Charles, Casey Cangelosi0:00 Continuing thoughts on publishing 7:55 Dealing with self-publishing and copyright. 14:52 "Fair use" 20:12 Percussionists-composers -"hits" 30:26 The instant satisfaction delema 43:53 Casey: This day in music - Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Leon Theremin, Sofia Shostakovich, Harry Partch, Pauline Oliveros.
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John Tafoya serves as Chairman of the percussion department and is Professor of Percussion at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. From 1999-2007 he served as principal timpanist for the National Symphony Orchestra and has held previous principal timpani positions with the American Wind Symphony, the National Repertory Orchestra, the Owensboro Symphony (KY), the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (IN) and the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra.John Tafoya earned BM and MM degrees in percussion performance from Indiana University. While at I.U., Tafoya was the recipient of the prestigious performer's certificate, first prize winner of the 1985 National Society of Arts and Letters competition, and performed as solo timpanist with the Indiana University Orchestra. Mr. Tafoya's percussion teachers at Indiana University were George Gaber and Gerald Carlyss.An active educator and sought after clinician, Mr. Tafoya has presented numerous master classes and clinics at universities across the United States. He has also been a featured clinician at the Virginia/D.C. Percussive Arts Society's Day of Percussion and at PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) 2002, 2006, 2011, and 2018. Mr. Tafoya has served on the music department faculties at the University of Evansville, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Florida International University, and the University of Maryland.In May 2004, Carl Fischer publications released Mr. Tafoya's first book entitled; "The Working Timpanist's Survival Guide"; offering practical advice on how to prepare and perform orchestral timpani excerpts. The book also includes illustrations displaying various timpani technique and a CD-ROM containing complete timpani parts that can be printed out for further study. His second book, "Beyond The Audition Screen", was released in 2011 and is available through Hal Leonard.www.johntafoya.com
0:00 Intro and Hello 5:20 Favorite pieces? Timpani concertos 18:10 Bartok Sonata 29:30 Students and creative problem solving? 42:00 Dave Samuels. 52:20 As a student were there particular timpanists you tried to emulate? 1:02:24 Food. 1:04:45 Your colleagues? 1:06:40 Your violin background? 1:11:35 Shifting career paths? Range of skill sets, teaching and playing. 1:20:25 Work balance. 1:25:10 How has the role of the timpanist changed in the last century? 1:27:55 Quick quiz... Stephen Covey's 4 quadrants of time management.
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Josh Quillen has forged a unique identity in the contemporary music world as all-around percussionist, expert steel drum performer (lauded as “softly sophisticated” by the New York Times), and composer. His collaborations with other composers frequently incorporate the steel drums as a core element.
A member of the acclaimed ensemble Sō Percussion since 2006, Josh has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Lincoln Center Festival, Stanford Lively Arts, and dozens of other venues in the United States. In that time, Sō Percussion has toured Russia, Spain, Australia, Italy, Germany, and Scotland. He has had the opportunity to work closely with Steve Reich, Steve Mackey, Paul Lansky, David Lang, Matmos, Dan Deacon, and many others.
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0:00 intro and hello
1:19 "Cangelosi"
2:35 A bit of Casey's background
11:50 A bit of Josh's background
16:00 Talking to students about orchestral excerpts.
21:00 How are our students feeling about the current job market?
34:00 Thoughts on the value of conversation. Podcasting
50:50 Composing? New pan piece for Liam Teague
1:10:35 Pan vibe vs the new music vibe?
1:25:03 Casey vs Pius - Josh vs Todd
Neil Grover is a renowned percussionist (Boston Symphony and Boston Pops), accomplished music educator, imaginative product innovator, and successful entrepreneur. He is the founder and president of Grover Pro Percussion Inc., a market leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of world-class percussion instruments.
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
2:22 Music charities 5:00 Some historic musicians you've worked with? 8:35 Founding GroverPro Percussion?15:30 How...do you make a triangle ?18:40 Other Boston percussionists who've started manufacturing mallets/instruments? 22:20 Developing instruments or mallets from composers' demands? 26:00 Balancing everything? 29:50 Karli: commonly funny percussion accessory scenarios in schools. 42:29 Advice for students on having an accessories routine?46:15 Recommended starter equipment? 52:00 What motivates you, and how do you motivate your students? 58:35 Casey: What's the sound? Glenn Snoddy, the Fuzz Tone, and distortion. 1:11:50 Podcast speed trivia
The ever-evolving Aiyun Huang enjoys a musical life as soloist, chamber musician, researcher, teacher and producer. She was the First Prize and the Audience Award winner at the Geneva International Music Competition in 2002. As a soloist, her recent highlights include engagements with San Diego Symphony Orchestra, L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, St. Lawrence String Quartet, and Aventa Ensemble. The Globe and Mail critic Robert Everett-Green describes Huang’s playing as “engrossing to hear and to watch” and her choice of repertoire as capable of “renovating our habits of listening.” An expert in percussion theatre, her work on the subject has been published in Cambridge Companion to Percussion (2016) and Save Percussion Theater (Mode 242).
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0:00 Intro and Hello
1:00 Spotify reports: Metal has the loyalist fans
5:20 Welcome, Aiyun Huang
6:35 Windward by David Bithell
12:25 Finding great repertoire?
17:47 Keeping up with so many projects?
21:35 Transplanted Roots Percussion Symposium.
27:18 Experience with Aphasia and Mark Applebaum?
30:27 Approaches to memorization?
41:27 Taxes for musicians, and some practical things we wished we had learned.
1:10:00 The Taco Bell/Starbucks plan.
1:12:10 Bridging classical percussion teaching with other styles and genres?
1:16:00 Casey: what's the sound? Arts in the Summer Olympics.
Kelli Rae Tubbs is a drummer, singer, percussionist, author, teacher, and hosts a fantastic drumming and percussion history series on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJYrmG99W5wNlN5gNQAJ8A She documents many percussion sound effects from the silent movie era, and also drumset evolution and historical use. She has been interviewed and published in magazines: DRUM! and Vintage Drums Legendary Sounds. Put simply, singing drummers aren't made every day. I love making music people love to move to. I'm inspired by artists like The Beatles, The Police and Prince, and hope some of the magic in the hands of some of my favorite drummers--people like Ringo Starr, Stewart Copeland, Chris Layton, Billy Cobham, and Daniel Glass--will rub off on me.In addition to performing, I spend my time arranging for young percussion ensembles, researching historical drum methods and styles, refurbishing antique instruments, and sharing my insights to the world of percussion through the written word and in clinic settings as a member of the Sabian Education Network and the D'Addario Education Collective.
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0:00 Intro and Hello.
1:25 Fire at Notre Dame
8:33 Welcome, Kelli Rae Tubbs. Grant writing season.
13:30 Kelli's Youtube channel on historical percussion.
20:09 Research -going straight to the source. Grants and planning.
24:18 Connecting with the PAS Museum? Percussionists in silent film theaters.
29:19 Your performing career?
34:48 Setting up a private teaching studio?
37:30 Next projects? Your background? An approach: "If you don't ask, the answer is definitely 'no'"
49:58 Co-authoring a new book with Daniel Glass.
Robert McCormick is currently Professor of Music and director of the percussion program at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He served as principal percussionist/assistant timpanist with the Florida Orchestra for 20 seasons. He is a former member of the Harry Partch Ensemble and often performs with high profile artists of all genres. In 2010, he conducted the premiere performance of Chan Hae Lee’s Korean folk opera Simcheongga at the National Center of Performing Arts in Seoul. In March 2014 Robert performed the world premiere of Baljinder Sekhon’s Double Percussion Concerto at Carnegie Hall with percussionist Lee Hinkle. His myriad recordings with the McCormick Percussion Group, McCormick Duo and others continually receive the highest critical acclaim from composers and scholars. Robert is the host of the annual McCormick Marimba Festival which attracts major university marimba ensembles and performers from around the world. Robert was the 2006 recipient of the Florida Music Educator of the Year Award; the 2007 Grand Prize in the Keystone Percussion Composition Award, the 2010 University Distinguished Teacher Award and the 2015 Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement in Education Award. He has also received several Global Music Awards for his CD recordings, many published on the Ravello label and distributed by Naxos. Bob is most proud of the many highly successful students he has had the opportunity to work with over the years.
0:00 Intro and Hello 3:30 Summer practice, projects, and time management 7:40 With your free time? 11:10 Influential composers? What makes a new piece valuable to you as an artist? 14:22 Harry Partch? 19:40 McCormick Percussion Group? 25:30 Casey: Varese, Poème électronique, Ampex tape machines 39:35 Keeping cool in rehearsal? 42:25 Pieces for flute and percussion? 43:50 McCormick Marimba Festival? 49:10 Working with Anthony Cirone in the 70's? 52:00 Zack Browning's "Profit Beater"? 53:30 Snare drum technique and Forrest Clark? 54:47 Advocating new works? 56:12 The university teacher's role in guiding a student's repertoire choice? 58:40 Future shifts in music? Jobs and competition. Watch here. Listen below.
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To close out LGBT Pride Month, we will be speaking with Jaime Esposito and Stephen Hall, founders of the Spectrum Ensemble! Spectrum is a Denton, TX-based ensemble that highlights talented musicians in the LGBTQA+ community. The Spectrum Ensemble had their debut concert in May 2019, featuring works by LGBTQ composers including four world premieres. Jaime and Stephen are both former students of previous @ percussion guest and international superstar She-e Wu.0:00 intro and hello 3:45 "A New Light" concert project -celebrating LGBTQA composers 11:00 Commissioning? 20:20 Ben: Lou Harrison 32:55 Casey: Today in music history 40:10 The Spectrum Duo and living apart? 53:20 When you started Spectrum was it hard to find LGBTQA composers? 54:45 Studying with She-e Wu?Watch here. Listen below.
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T.J. Troy, Erin Barnes, and Nick Terry are all percussionists in the Los Angeles-based contemporary music ensemble Partch. Partch is a Grammy Award winning ensemble that specializes in the music and instruments of the American Maverick composer Harry Partch. Partch’s work combined music and theatre with complex microtonal systems, often performed on custom-made instruments. The Partch ensemble has performed internationally from the Disney Hall in LA to a tour of Japan.
0:00 Intro and hello - the new record
3:20 Becoming so interested in Partch and joining this ensemble?
6:40 TJ's introduction to Partch through Michael Udow
9:44 Describing Harry Partch's music
16:25 Audience questions, interaction, and education
19:30 instruments
29:50 Diamond Marimba
34:35 The sheet music
45:15 Any unperformed Partch works that you have premiered?
47:20 Partch's rhythm?
55:21 Casey: Sound - # Carbonfeed
1:02:15 Casey: this day in music: Cage "Empty Words", Bruckner
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Cynthia Yeh joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as principal percussionist in June 2007. She previously served as principal percussionist for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2007.Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Ms. Yeh received a Bachelor of Music performance degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Music performance degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Alan Abel.As an active soloist, Ms Yeh performed with the Chicago Symphony, the National Symphony of Taiwan, the National Orchestra of Mexico, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Illinois Philharmonic. Ms Yeh has been featured Chicago’s WFMT program Live from Levin Studio. She performs regularly with the CSO’s MusicNOW ensemble as well as various chamber ensembles throughout Chicago.Ms Yeh is currently on faculty at DePaul University and the Aspen Music Festival. She has served on the faculty of the National Youth Orchestra-USA, Pacific Music Festival as well as the Chosen Vale Percussion Seminar.
0:00 Intro and hello 2:00 The strike is over! 7:53 What can students do to prepare for the politics they may find in orchestras? 15:30 Inspiring listening, approaching a piece that doesn't already speak to you. Growth as a musician 19:40 Any style or composer that you weren't interested in right away? What don't we like... 22:20 How do you internalize your own sense of meaning in an orchestral work collaborating with the conductor and ensemble, vs a soloist? 24:55 The CSO percussion section? Being Principal Perc.. 29:40 Advice with and challenges with sexism? 36:10 Being on tour? 39:45 Most challenging pieces you've had to play in the orchestra? 47:45 Working with Pierre Boulez? 52:26 Bartok Sonata, HH muting contraption. 54:27 (Casey: Ampex tape recorder, Varese, Poeme Electronique, Bing Crosby) 58:15 Review question
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Included among the Village Voice's "Best of New York," percussionist Jonathan Singer has been praised for his "superb four-mallet technique" (New York Times) and described as an "artistic assault on the sensory order of nitrous oxide." His solo appearances include performances with the Detroit Symphony and Grammy-winning Nighthawks. As the leader of the Brooklyn-based novelty band, Xylopholks, Singer has performed across the United States, India, Japan, Brazil, and Canada and on the stages of Alice Tully Hall, City Center, 92nd Y, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has been heard on WNYC, Air America, and made on-screen appearances in Boardwalk Empire, Royal Pains, and David Grubin's Downtown Express. Singer is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship and Queens College grant to study in India. Presently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the College of Staten Island and Queensborough Community College, Singer has had previous appointments at Brooklyn College and Queens College. Since 2013, Singer has taught xylophone performance and improvisation at the University of Delaware Xylophone Institute. Singer is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Berklee College of Music, Queens College and CUNY Graduate Center, where he earned a doctorate with a dissertation focusing on improvised xylophone music. An endorser of the Malletech company, he helped design the Jon Singer signature xylophone mallet.
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0:00 Intro and Hello. Recent college bribe scandal
11:08 Welcome, Jon Singer
13:40 Xylophone Camp
15:30 Jon's 3rd Floor Percussion Bazaar
25:30 Matthew Henry: How to get students on their desired paths sooner?
36:10 Jacob Garcia: How to approach ragtime and when should students begin? Xylopholks
42:55 Solo Nagoya Marimbas?!
48:46 Casey: What's the sound? Booming sands
54:24 Your Fulbright to India?
1:03:40 Podcast trivia
Dr. Hinkle is a percussionist and classically trained baritone vocalist whose percussion playing has been called “rock-steady” by the Washington Post and having “a notable sense of flare [sic]” by Potomac Stages. He is currently serving as the principal percussionist for the 21st Century Consort: the resident new music ensemble at the Smithsonian American Art Gallery, a position he has held since 2012. He made his Carnegie Hall solo debut in 2014 with the world premiere performance of Baljinder Sekhon’s Double Percussion Concerto for two percussion soloists and wind ensemble. He holds masters and D.M.A. degrees from the University of Maryland and a B.M. degree from the University of South Florida, summa cum laude.
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0:00 Intro and Hello.
3:00 21st Century Consort
7:00 Stuart Saunders Smith, programming, theatrical percussion, theatrical percussion in Europe.
24:04 What brought you into theatrical percussion?
29:35 What repertoire would you recommend for someone starting theatrical percussion?
35:30 The resistance to avant-garde music, the value?
42:20 How has theatrical percussion informed your traditional percussion playing?
47:37 Casey: sound: Sonification and Wanda Díaz-Merced
55:27 How you practice the some of the challenges in these theatrical pieces?
In the room are: Rebecca Kite, Marco Schirripa, Brian Nozny, Brian Blume, Caleb Pickering, Ben Charles, Casey Cangelosi. 0:00 Intro and hello 0:50 GP Percussion / Taki Music 3:35 Publishing out of print books 7:20 Pricing your publications 21:00 Where is the money in publishing? (prints, PMO royalties 24:40 PMOs (Performing Rights Organizations). BMI vs ASCAP? 29:00 Online streaming services and royalties 37:40 Website file sharing, copyright claims takedown. More on PMOs and streaming 44:00 PDF downloads vs printing? 49:55 Inspired by video games? 55:55 Publisher vs self publish?
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Mark is a nationally respected clinician, adjudicator and author. He has written numerous method books, including “A Fresh Approach to Snare Drum” and “A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion”, two of the world’s best selling beginning percussion methods. Mark’s teaching experience includes 18 years in the Texas public schools as a percussion instructor and band director at middle and high school levels (Lake Highlands/Richardson ISD, DeSoto/Desoto ISD, Shepton HS/Plano ISD) and as the percussion caption head for the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps (1985-91). Currently, Mark is the Director of Internet Activities for Vic Firth where he produces all web related content for vicfirth.com.
0:00 intro and hello
5:10 Self publishing, Finale, software
16:13 What inspired you to write your method books?
19:15 Getting your stuff out there
29:40 Publishing is interesting and satisfying.
34:33 More or less pencil?
39:10 Beginner books -the text.
41:58 What books do you think are essential for middle-school percussionist?
45:00 A better way of teaching
52:20 This day in music: Napster, Metallica, snare drum sounds.
1:04:06 Common roadblocks students encounter? Rigor vs fun.
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http://www.john-lane.com/John Lane is an artist whose creative work and collaborations extend through percussion to poetry/spoken word and theater. As a performer, he has appeared on stages throughout the Americas, Australia, and Japan.Commissioning new works and interdisciplinary collaborations are integral to John's work. Over the last few years, he has been connected with a number of composers including Peter Garland, Mark Applebaum, Yo Goto, Emiliano Pardo, Mara Helmuth, Christopher Deane, John Luther Adams, Kyle Gann, Michael Byron, Wen Hui Xie, Kazuaki Shiota and David Farrell. John has several on-going collaborations with writer Ann McCutchan, poets Nick Lantz and Todd Boss, percussionist Allen Otte, visual artist Pat Alexander, and has created original music for choreographer/dancer Hilary Bryan and granite sculptor Jesús Moroles.John is the creator and host of a podcast, Standing in the Stream: Conversations with Creatives. Through long-form conversations and audio collaborations, the podcast explores the lives and works of artists in a variety of fields from visual art, music, filmmaking, dance, writing/poetry, to everything in between. It is a podcast for and about artists seeking to live and sustain creative lives.Currently, John is the Director of Percussion Studies and Professor of Percussion at Sam Houston State University. He taught previously at the University of Wyoming and held fellowships at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of North Texas.John is a Yamaha Performing Artist and is an Artist with Innovative Percussion, Evans Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals.0:00 Intro and hello 3:00 Your podcast, "Standing in the Stream"? 5:40 Composer, Peter Garland. 9:50 Working with composers12:00 Your methods of composition? 15:30 Ben: Percussion Group Cincinnati 24:50 Percussion Group Cincinnati and sponsorships30:40 The Innocents project43:33 Intersection of politics and art47:57 Working with Christopher Deane? 54:25 Thank you and farewell, Michael Colgrass1:02:00 Casey: This day in music history 1:06:45 Interpreting new works and finding meaning? 1:09:35 Upcoming works and projects? 1:13:10 Recommended books?
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0:00 Intro and Hello 0:30 Brian's new job! Tracy awarded tenure! 3:30 Tenure 10:00 The tenure process? 35:50 GOT... 45:30 Brandon's social media work 1:14:18 Caleb's WPG tour and composition 1:20:40 Bill's Two Rivers Timpani Summit 1:27:45 Brian's recent job interview 1:31:48 Worst interview questions? 1:46:58 Games...
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Matt is a percussionist in the Houston Symphony and serves on the faculty of Rice University and theUniversity of Miami. He has recently developed a line of signature sticks with Promark. He is a formerstudent of Alan Abel, and has performed under the baton of Pierre Boulez and Esa-Pekka Salonen.
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello 1:53 The Led Zeppelin symphony concert? 4:20 Teaching at Rice University and Miami? 6:15 The balance and your path to collegiate teaching? 12:20 Balancing your personal life with your career? 16:30 Daily warm-up routine? How to maintain a high performance level while being so busy? 20:36 Ben: Some timpani history 31:06 Auditions? Excerpts that you dread? Enjoy the long road. 41:22 Megan: Sleeping Giant Composer Collective. 46:46 Matt's new sticks? 51:30 One the job skills vs the skills to win the audition? 56:19 Most difficult piece you've had to perform?
58:05 What major breakthrough did you have in preparing excerpts.
James Benoit, a native of Niskayuna, New York, is the newly appointed Principal Timpanist of the Seattle Symphony. Previously, Benoit was the Associate Principal Percussionist and Assistant Principal Timpanist with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and spent three seasons as a section percussionist with the Sarasota Opera.As an educator, Benoit was on faculty at the University of Pittsburgh and at the Luzerne Music Center. An avid supporter of music in the classroom, he also has worked as a teaching and performing artist with Associate Solo Artists, a non-profit organization that provides artistic interdisciplinary programs to children, teachers, businesses and social establishments by giving concerts, masterclasses and workshops in schools throughout New York.Benoit received his Artist Diploma from Duquesne University, his Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and his Bachelor of Music degree from the Berklee College of Music.Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello. 1:25 Your first year with the Seattle Symphony? The tenure process. 6:40 Innovations at the Seattle Symphony. 20:03 Studying with Sal Rabbio? 22:00 Your jazz experience? 29:25 Carter timp solos? Important books and rep.? 43:10 Casey: Deagan Tower Chimes 49:16 Important skills outside of your musicianship?
Next up on At percussion - a podcast the Chair of Percussion Studies at the University of Washington, Bonnie Whiting! Bonnie is widely known for her performances and commissions of new experimental music, and projects that include new notation, interdisciplinary performance, and especially speaking percussionist.
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0:00 Intro and hello. How was everyone's PASIC?
1:39 Bonnie, your involvement in the PAS Diversity Alliance?
11:52 A common opposing opinion towards diversity and tokenization. Thoughts on having more diverse applicant pools. Thoughts on the importance of representation
19:29 Laurel and Bonnie: Female percussionist + full-time jobs + kids. How?!
26:00 Casey: What's the sound? Daphne Oram
29:52 Daphne Oram's Oramics Machine
33:57 Your collaboration with composer Eliza Brown and women in prison. Upcoming project in Turkmenistan.
42:55 Megan: “A Culture That Supports Creativity” article. Curricular changes pros and cons
1:09:41 Studying with Steven Schick?
This week we sat down with London-based percussionist Colin Currie!! Colin is a solo and chamber artist at the peak of his powers. Championing new music at the highest level, Colin is the soloist of choice for many of today’s foremost composers and he performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
2:26 Commissions, premiers, and some great composers
9:02 Is there a literature need in percussion? What is the next contribution composers should make?
11:33 Helen Grime Concerto?
13:45 Ben: Jennifer Higdon
25:00 Any starting advice on the business side?
29:34 Milhaud Percussion Concerto
33:53 How can a percussionist get past any reservations about being a soloist?
35:47 What are doing practice-wise to keep your chops up?
37:58 Diet on the road and staying healthy?
40:45 Your chamber ensemble projects?
46:30 Creating your own record label? Colin Currie Records.
50:04 Your teaching?
Robert van Sice is considered one of the world’s foremost performers of contemporary music for marimba. In an effort to establish the instrument as a serious artistic vehicle, he has premiered over 100 works throughout the world. Four of the seminal works in the marimba repertoire were written for him: Peter Klatzow’s Dances of Earth and Fire, Alejandro Viñao’s Estudios de Frontera, Martin Bresnick’s double marimba concerto, Grace; and James Wood’s Spirit Festival with Lamentations. Spirit Festival is unique in introducing the newly developed quarter-tone marimba, an innovative instrument recalling the marimba’s ancient sonic routes while establishing new parameters for modern expressionism.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
2:23 Teaching and perfomring? Nessasary to be both?
7:00 Job descriptions these days... Some thoughts on the new generation of students
11:55 Thoughts on Keiko Abe?
13:55 How has marimba writing and performance changed?
22:25 Ben: quick on James Wood. Your relationship with James Wood?
34:13 Podcast speed trivia
39:25 Developing your signature marimba and mallets.
46:26 Laurel's master class with Mr. Van Sice...oh...13 years ago...?
49:30 How education has changed higher-ed, for better and for worse.
Our guest this week is Dmitrii Nilov, recent winner of the Concert Artist Guild International Competition! Dmitrii is only the second solo percussionist to win this prestigious competition, 15 years after his teacher Svet Stoyanov. He has collaborated with leading composers including Alejandro Viñao, Hannah Lash, and Lansing McLoskey, and recently performed Avner Dorman's double percussion concerto with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestra Carolyn Kuan.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
2:00 The Concert Artist Guild competition
3:38 Competing against non-percussionists
13:20 Choosing repertoire for a competition
29:50 Why did you choose to study abroad in the US?
41:55 Ben: Emmanuel Sejourne
This week's guest is Payton MacDonald - a musician, filmmaker, and cyclist. All of his work centers around exploring the boundaries of art and endurance, whether creating ground-breaking new music, mind-expanding films, pedaling a mountain bike hundreds of miles a day in remote areas, or doing all three at the same time.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:30 Working with Keiko Abe?
8:00 Sonic Divide film
17:40 What information did you give the composers that you commissioned?
20:00 How has performing outside for "no audience" changed how you perform for a traditional concert hall audience?
23:45 Megan: Music in The American Wild project, and other outdoor performers.
29:35 When did your passions (percussion, biking, and the outdoors) come together? How did you prepare?
36:20 How has the Sonic Divide changed your prospective on repertoire? How we share experimental music
40:55 Your teacher, Michael Udow?
42:50 More on your classical Indian experience?
50:12 Next projects?
55:27 Studying with Julie Spencer?
With us for the second time is Matthew Henry, this time telling us all about his PASIC session and updating us on SpecDrum.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello, new Banksy work shredded
5:22 Matt Henry PASIC preview
7:55 What did you learn by returning to Cuba?
19:00 the "Afro-Cuban" term and distinction.
28:05 Matt's "Drumming: Cultures of The World" class
30:55 Why such a strong interest in hand drumming?
36:20 Upcoming PASIC interests for everyone?
43:40 Megan: Prison outreach project in KS.
53:50 Casey: What's the sound?
58:20 SpecDrum since we last talked with Matt, and the new drums.
1:08:58 Podcast speed trivia
Joining us this week is composer Robert Honstein. Robert lives just outside New York City. He co-founded the Sleeping Giant composer collective, co-directs the Times Two Series, and teaches composition at NYU, Steinhardt.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:35 Living Room Music Composer Collective? PASIC
12:40 Composer collectives now and in the past
15:15 Regarding a commission constortium, how to write a solo for a group vs a single person. Vibe tinfoil (and some hellos from family in the room)
30:30 Buzzing tinfoil and other percussion buzzes.
33:06 Casey: The Music Modernization Act
1:03:00 Timestwo series?
1:08:40 Percussion Concerto coming up in March 2019
Percussionist/improviser Doug Perry blurs the lines of genre and allows musics of all styles and backgrounds to share the same stage. Doug is a founding member of the jazz/new music crossover group Triplepoint, directing member of video game music jazz/funk band DiscoCactus, and a core member of the mixed chamber ensemble Cantata Profana. He is also a commissioned composer and faculty member at Western Connecticut State University.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
3:10 What is PAX East? Performing at PAX?
5:30 Merging your joy for gaming with your music?
10:50 How has gaming changed composition over the years?
19:35 Mario Paint lol
25:00 Ben: Peter Klatzow
42:14 Tendonitis experience and solutions? Studying voice?
Joining us this week is Ross Karre: a percussionist, arts administrator, and intermedia artist. He works with a variety of media and practices ranging from contemporary classical music to experimental multimedia performance incorporating video, sound, lighting, and theater. He has played percussion with the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) since 2011 where he is the co-artistic director.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello, banter and IRS scam
4:00 In Plain Air at Christ Church Philadelphia
11:14 Co-Artistic Director?
19:25 Any tips for people who are hesitent towards contemporary percussion ?
26:44 Some thoughts on experimental music
31:13 Ben: some recent sad news in percussion: Ellie Mannette & Vida Chenoweth
38:40 Casey: What's the sound? Acoustic Levitation
45:35 What has been the most unusal question you've used with the International Contemporary Ensemble?
54:54 Podcast speed trivia
Joining us this week is composer and Professor at West Chester University: Adam Silverman. He's especially known for some of his percussion works, including Quick Blood, Carbon Paper and Nitrogen Ink, Sparklefrog, and stars, cars, bars. (The title game is strong with this one, no?)
He teaches composition, music theory, and orchestration, and runs a site dedicated to his musings of teaching the theoretical side of music at musictheoryprof.com.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:34 Casey: What's the sound? Prudie Shuffle and RIP Aretha
Franklin
6:04 Intro and hello to Adam Silverman
7:10 Approaching composing for unfamiliar instruments?
18:11 Texture use and approach?
20:04 None western scales? Quarter tones?
25:23 Adam's piece, "Stars Cars Bars"
32:15 New solo pieces? Little prog. rock tangent
38:20 How did you get so involved in the percussion community and
into composing for percussion?
45:10 Importance of community?
52:11 Commissions vs "writing for yourself" ?
58:30 Todd Meehan's Liquidrum Practice Journal
1:03:05 Podcast speed trivia
Joining us this week is Dr. David Robinson, the new Director of Bands at Tarleton State University, where Ben currently directs the percussion program. David taught public school in Arkansas for four years before beginning his career in higher education. He studied at Arkansas State University, University of Missouri, and the University of North Texas.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
2:40 New Band Director at Tarleton University. DMA to job.
10:55 100th year of the Tarleton Band?
12:35 Laurel: Anatomy of Drumming - Sitting, foot technique. A bit
on Casey's recent travels (Northwestern University Percussion
Seminar, Beta Percussion Seminar, Theodore Milkov summer
camp)
30:03 Best way for a composer to get their work preformed by a wind ensemble?
34:00 Ben: Vincent Persichetti: “Symphony No. 6 For Band,“ Op. 69. Percussion writing in wind ensemble.
57:15 Good percussion orchestration?
1:03:08 Podcast speed trivia
Our next guest is Robert Chapman, recent first prize winner of the 2018 Great Plains International Marimba Competition! Robert is an active educator in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and has studied with Mark Ford, Christopher Deane, Ed Smith, She-e Wu, and Tom Burritt, among others. He also takes an interest in world music, having pursued studies in steel pan and tabla.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
3:25 Great Plains Marimba Competition. Preparation, and experience at the competition.
9:09 Copyrightist at Lonestar?
13:30 Casey: what's the sound? Anechoic Chamber
19:50 Balancing your teaching and performing? Burnout
31:10 World music influence on your marimba playing?
44:25 Megan: NPR's Hidden Brain - The Edge Effect. Study shows correlation between creativity and cultural diversity.
1:01:48 Podcast Speed Trivia
Joining us this week is percussionist Lynn Vartan, Director of Percussion at Southern Utah University. A common thread in her various projects is the idea of cultural exchange, whether she is founding duos or engaging in other large scale projects. She is featured on several Grammy-nominated CDs.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
4:40 Influence of Evelyn Glennie? Visual performance persona and look.
15:30 Your signature mallets
20:50 Laurel: The Lemming Conspiracy
41:30 APEX - Lynn's podcast at the Southern Utah University
51:05 Into yoga?
53:30 Working with Michael Colgrass?
57:13 Approach to running percussion ensemble rehearsal? Balance, being efficient, economy of words.
1:02:13 Podcast Speed Trivia
Our guest this week hardly needs an introduction from us. We really enjoyed speaking with William Moersch on topics old and new.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:30 NYC freelancer? Pirates of Penzance
11:50 Percussion Literature class
19:20 Ben: Jonathan Hass
37:44 Being an advocate for percussion
50:03 Knowing what you don't know. Being able to say "yes", and some advice
58:05 Will Marinelli: How have you seen Andrew Thomas' work change since you've started working together?
1:05:50 Studying with Charlie Owen?
1:14:28 Podcast Speed Trivia
Joining us this week is Principal Percussionist of the Calgary Philharmonic: Josh Jones. Originally from Chicago, he has won several orchestral fellowships and is currently writing a series of books about streamlined playing with ease. The first is 'Spatial Studies,' available for pre-order on July 15, and for purchase on September 1.Josh was featured on UPROXX's Uncharted series, he also has released a series of educational videos you can find on his website: drummojo.com. Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello, and a bit about the Josh's new book series
12:25 Brandon Arvay: Using social media, it's value?
14:50 Casey: What's the sound?
29:30 Application of Alexander Technique? Feldenkrais Method
39:34 Laurel: Anatomy of Drumming (book) by John Lamb - part 2
58:40 Drew Tucker and Teddy Hall Jr.: Do you feel a certain weight being an African American in the orchestra? What can we do to encourage more minorities to pursue orchestral performance careers, as well as show the need for diversity in the orchestras?
While in Ghana, Megan sat down with Jerome Balsab and Emmanuel Agbeli, two master musicians and directors of the Dagara Music Center and Dagbe Cultural Institute, respectively.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:32 Jerome’s history playing the gyil
5:26 Bernard and Jerome’s history
9:13 Bernard’s final weeks
23:04 Saakumu Dance Troupe’s U.S. tours
28:26 Wrap
32:24 History of Dagbe Cultural Institute
40:34 Godwin’s passing and legacy
43:21 Description of the Dagbe grounds
45:09 Agbeli family tree
55:03 Sankofa Roots I, II, III
59:21 Art and farming
1:03:02 Wrap
Joining us this week is James Doyle, Associate Professor of Music at Adams State University, where he directs the Rocky Mountain Pan Handlers Steel Band and the ASU Percussion Ensemble. He previously served as principal percussionist with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. James is a member of the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra and is the principal percussionist with the San Juan Symphony. As a chamber musician, he's a member of the Doyle-Kane Duo, the Kokoro Trio, and the Animas Percussion Quartet. He has also toured the world performing more commercial music.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
0:50 Megan back from 3 weeks in Ghana
6:30 James Doyle introduction
7:50 100 days of practice? Summer practice time
11:41 Practice journals
13:50 Casey: What's the sound?
24:27 Programming and composer diversity
41:10 Caleb: Experiments in work environment productivity
1:02:05 Working with Valerie Naranjo?
1:06:01 James' colleague, Angela Winter and dissolving the marching band
1:11:30 Upcoming for James?
Katy Elman runs the largest percussion retailer in the UK (instruments, sticks/mallets, sheet music etc.): Southern Percussion, located in southeast England, in Essex.
Also a very active performer and educator, Katy performs with the Concordia Foundation with whom she has performed several solo recitals at venues, including St. Martin in the Fields and St. James’s Piccadilly. She also works extensively with Concordia’s Educational program taking workshops and playing an integral part in the children’s productions of The Rhythm of Life and The Spotted Cow and the Piano Forte. She has been the focus for a BBC documentary and performed live on BBC radio 3. Currently Katy is a member of the Aurelian Ensemble and very much in demand as a guest timpanist and percussionist with several orchestras based in London and the Home Counties.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello
1:50 How's business?
5:10 How could a young composer get their music into your store?
9:50 In becoming the Director of Southern Percussion (UK's largest percussion retailer), what new business skills/lessons did you have to learn?
18:20 Casey: What's the sound?
31:58 Any particular odd items you have to keep in stock?
34:38 Caleb: from "Performing in The Zone". Thoughts on performance anxiety
52:58 Trends in compositions and retail circulation?
We are excited that joining us this week is New Zealand composer John Psathas. John is a favorite among percussionists, with his commission roster including powerhouse performers Evelyn Glennie, Ju Percussion, and Pedro Carneiro. His music was heard by billions in 2004 when he composed music for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens Olympics.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
1:53 By the beach and a special "View"
3:50 Settling in New Zealand
7:23 Collaborative process when unfamiliar with the artist?
11:33 Writing process
17:28 Writing for the player's ease vs not.
22:50 Timpani works and solo timpani?
33:00 Laurel: Anatomy of Drumming (book)
49:27 Dave Weckl influence?
53:00 Ben: Evelyn Glennie
1:05:00 Recent work with Piano Circus? How do you choose who you collaborate with?
1:08:25 Online, and not just sharing the best experiences
Joining us for Episode 150 - can you believe it?! - is Drew Tucker: musician, educator, and social entrepreneur. He advocates for the arts in underserved areas of South Florida. In addition, he has gained notoriety for jazz-influenced twists on modern pop standards. His teaching covers all realms, including drum corps, and he can often be seen wearing one of his signature "IT'S NOT A XYLOPHONE" t-shirts.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
1:10 MalletLab Summer Camp
8:40 Story behind "It's not a xylophone"? Using branding and social media.
13:40 Any short comings of the social media culture?
17:03 Ben: Mike Mainieri
28:10 Casey: what's the sound?
37:00 Upcomming plans for MalletLab?
40:42 Thoughts on majoring in music education and public school
teaching
43:20 Advice on starting a career in performance.
48:55 Musicality and technique.
This episode was recorded during the ToCALO Tucson Chamber Percussion Seminar, where Casey was a guest artist. The week in Tuscon consisted of several world premiere performances, masterclasses, and other activities for participants, all organized by Artistic Director Morris Palter.
This interview features Casey, Morris, Bill Cahn, Tiffeny Johnson, Michael Pratt, Jacob Ransom, and others from Tocalo Tucson.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
2:10 Morris: The name "Tocalo Tucson"?
4:50 Bill: The history of Nexus and use of improvisation?
24:23 Morris's interest in refurbishing and selling Rogers drums.
39:38 Theatrical/gestural current in new percussion pieces
55:15 Are there roles that the Nexus members played in the ensemble?
1:02:18 Nexus Ragtime album
Joining us this week is percussionist, composer, and regular guest host: Caleb Pickering. His works are often performed by high schools in his home state of Texas, and he is regularly commissioned for ensemble and solo works. Currently, he is at work on a collection of intermediate snare solos.
A current DMA student at James Madison University, he is a wonderful addition to the percussion faculty.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello. Westworld banter
4:08 Caleb's ensemble writing and style
11:25 Writing for varying student abilities/levels in percussion ensembles.
16:56 Casey: What's the sound?
23:36 Facebook question from Jade Hails: Balancing your academic life with a performance/composing career?
28:21 Laurel: When/why humans develop recognition of emotion in music, a study in China.
45:55 Ben: Four musical solo works that are gesture based. Thierry de Mey, "Silence Must Be!"
; Mark Applebaum, "Aphasia"; SR9 Trio "This is Not a Ball"; Cangelosi, "Bad Touch" (shout out to Kyle Maxwell-Doherty and his dissertation)
1:07:48: Caleb: thoughts on classroom teaching and classroom teaching.
1:15:00 Facebook question from Overton Alford: When did your compositions start to take-off?
Joining us this week is Norm Weinberg, recently retired from the University of Arizona. He's an educator, writer (270 articles), composer, and still an active player - in orchestral and chamber realms. He's played under the baton of such greats as Luciano Berio, Kryzystof Penderecki, Lukas Foss, and Leonard Bernstein. He also created and established the World Percussion Network, which later became "pas.org."
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:05 "Yanny" vs "Laurel" explained, Diana Deutsch experiments/sound illusions (ep.125)
4:30 Guest introduction
6:20 Lately? Retirement
8:15 Playing under Leonard Bernstein?
11:50 Do conductors think of percussionists differently today? Percussionists the "butt of the joke"
23:31 Ben: Askell Masson
33:50 Boards and page turns...
44:00 Ricardo Flores as a student?
48:00 Brian Calhoon: Genre combustion. Marimba Cabaret
56:35 Norm's article, technological advances in percussion?
1:05:00 Norm's CD "Quilt", composing for electronic sounds vs acoustic instruments?
This week's guest, Brian Blume, is the Assistant Professor of Percussion at Southeastern University, where he teaches applied percussion, percussion techniques, music theory, world music, and the school's first ever drumline. Brian is also a composer who has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and studio percussionist, with groups such as the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Terra Haute Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and BluHill Percussion Duo.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
2:30 Starting the drumline at Southeastern University?
7:50 Performance requests for university drumlines, choirs, steel band etc...
13:50 Concert and DCI melding together and studying with Tony Cirone
21:00 Casey: What's the Sound?
24:20 Laurel: Top 10 Brain Boosting Foods - Andy Harnsberger
29:09 Considering food intake and performance?
34:30 Brain's blog: "Percussionist-Composer"
43:52 BlueHill Podcast
47:49 Ben: Keiko Abe and Marimba Village
54:23 Joshua Jones: Your biggest hurdle? And what got you through it?
57:15 "Peak" (book)
This week we sat down with percussionist and educator Lauren Teel. Lauren is currently the Adjunct Instructor of Percussion for the University of North Alabama, Adjunct Instructor of Percussion for the University of Montevallo, and the Percussion Caption Head for the DCI World Class Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
1:12 Working at UNA and Tracy Wiggins. Teaching.
9:40 Advice for teaching WGI?
12:50 Balance of the marching activity and university studies.
26:50 Casey: What's the sound? "Flamboyant" and Richard E Rogers Jr.
43:50 Megan: Article, "Diversifying the Orchestra"
51:40 Matt Marks, thank you and R.I.P.
1:02:30 Facebook questions: Dog?
1:04:17 Brandon Arvay: Male dominated community, thoughts?
Casey was again part of the faculty for TAPS, this time in Long Beach. He sat down with the other faculty: John Parks, Nick Mancini, Ted Atkatz, Shaun Tilburg, and Tim Jones, as well as students for this episode.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
0:49 Comments on Don Greene’s class
5:24 Bailey: What is the most important skill to have as a professional musician that’s not directly related to the actual act of playing or performing?
15:46 Ted’s book “The Regimen” and self-publishing
22:20 Milton: When did you realize you should be practicing for your own benefit to make yourself better so you can progress in the long-term and not so much just for school requirements?
34:46 Greg: What are your personal stories about sponsorships?
42:30 What’s your most embarrassing moment on stage during a performance and how did you recover from it?
52:23 Emily: Here at TAPS we’ve been working on excerpts to prepare for a mock audition. What is your least favorite excerpt to see on an audition list?
56:54 Wrap
In addition to teaching at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Terry Longshore currently heads up three chamber groups: Left Edge, Caballito Negro, and Duo Flamenco. He's equal parts contemporary and world music.
Topics: passing of Remo Belli, percussion music of Mark Applebaum including Composition Machine no.1 (Terry's commission)
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
2:30 Current projects, Max MSP, collaboration
6:38 PASIC 2014 Focus Day
12:09 Ben: Remo Belli
25:39 Jared Brown: How did your business training roll into music?
32:06 Left Edge / performing with our students
34:56 Ted Jackson: When Mark Applebaum was on the show, he stated that he had learned a lot about writing for percussion from Terry Longshore. Could you explain your process of working with Mark Applebaum?
37:08 Composition Machine #1
44:06 Mark Applebaum’s music
47:25 Jared Brown: With the internet and readily available software, anyone can doodle and compose these days. This has yielded many wonderful and interesting ideas in music that may have not have been exposed. However, can you think of a way in which this might be negative in any way?
50:31 Language, aesthetic, utility
59:37 North Indian and Spanish Flamenco studies
1:04:20 Wrap
While traveling in Texas this spring, Ben sat with a previous teacher from UNT: Poovalur Sriji. Sriji specializes in the Indian drum mrindangam, which he began studying at a young age. At UNT he teaches a course that introduces Indian music traditions to students, culminating in a concert of new compositions created throughout the course.
We really enjoyed chatting with Sriji, and would love to chat with him again soon.
Topics: Indian music, thoughts on teaching, "Are you too Hard on Yourself?" from mindful - the "should," "shouldn't," and "perfectionism"
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:21 South Indian Course and Bridge Ensemble
11:44 Sriji’s musical training, math, and early career
20:04 Indian music in the U.S.
23:11 Laurel: the word “should,” “shouldn’t,” and “perfectionism”
38:37 Emotional attachment to student successes
55:18 Megan’s experience playing on an A.R. Rahman concert in Chennai, India
1:01:37 Cross cultural experiences / Dave Brubeck and Joe Morello in India in 1958
1:06:10 Wrap
Megan snagged NY percussionist Amy Garapic for this week's episode. The two share similar experiences, and Amy is known for her involvement in the TIGUE Percussion Trio and organization of large-scale performances like John Luther Adams' Inuksuit.
We talk about her recent concerts, community/inner city drumlines, Brooklyn United, PICK (Pushing Inner City Kids), ORCHKids.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:47 Megan and Amy’s friendship
4:14 Tigue at Sofar Sounds
7:15 Formation of Tigue, Robert Honstein’s “Index of Possibility”
13:04 Job announcements
16:44 Balancing teaching with performing and administration / NY and NH
21:13 Micah Detweiller: What’s the composition process like for Tigue? Is it collaborative? Is anything notated?
28:27 Alan Lange: What are some tips you would give a person who is starting out in their own producing career? What did you do to get started on that portion of your own career?
42:47 Megan: Community/inner city youth drumlines – Brooklyn United, PICK (Pushing Inner City Kids) Percussion, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids
49:02 Amy’s teaching in public schools / Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
50:37 Funding community arts programs / volunteering / teaching experience
1:01:43 Wrap
Composer Baljinder Sekhon joined us from Tampa, FL for this episode. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Composition at the University of South Florida. Baljinder's music has been performed worldwide, and there's even a special link on his website that directs straight to the percussion works.
Topics: Baljinder's music, "The Next Rembrandt" replication project, David Cope's music replication projects, and the sound/art installation Gamelatron
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:13 “Gradient” and “Gradient 2.0”
6:34 Chopsticks, Andy Akiho, Foundry, and “Passageways”
10:33 Casey: “The Next Rembrandt” replication project / David Cope’s music replication
41:59 Megan: Gamelatron – Sonic Kinetic Sculptures / Robotic gamelan orchestra
53:15 Baljinder’s recent projects
1:03:02 Wrap
This episode was recorded during TAPS East Coast held at Snow Pond - the facilities of the New England Music Camp (NEMC). We managed to include everyone, both faculty and participants, in this episode. Ted Atkatz and Shaun Tilburg are familiar faces, and we're lucky that Fiona Bryan, Director of Outreach and Communications of Snow Pond, could join us too. She's a trained violinist, and with all of our Bach conversation, she had some really interesting points to make.
Topics: NEMC, TAPS, Julia Cameron's Walking in This World, adapting Bach to marimba, orchestral auditionsWatch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:40 History of Snow Pond Music Festival / New England Music Camp
8:58 Bringing TAPS to SPMF
10:45 Collaborating with the composition seminar
14:18 Faculty at TAPS
16:28 Touring the Vic Firth factory, Ted’s sticks, stick-making process and aesthetics
25:37 Sean Tilburg’s stick/gear preferences
29:38 Laurel: Julia Cameron – “Walking in This World”
38:27 Ted Jackson: How has TAPS changed since I attended and how do you foresee the seminar in the future?
45:46 Will Marinelli: What’s your favorite memory of New England Music Camp?
51:33 Taking Bach down an octave on marimba
1:07:33 Is it necessary to choose a path in percussion?
1:16:11 Stretches for percussionists
1:22:55 Wrap
Joining us this week is Rob Knopper: creator of auditionhacker and percussionhacker, as well as percussionist with the Met Opera Orchestra. We talk a lot about auditions and the meaning of "perfect time."
Topics: Delecluse, auditions, blogging, Alan Abel, symphony vs opera playing
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
2:12 Current projects and the upcoming Met season
6:05 Ted Jackson: Would you talk about your schooling and how you developed a passion for orchestral playing?
9:05 State of orchestras in the U.S.
13:02 Coldplay and Dudamel / Pop vs. Classical music
20:25 Ben: Alan Abel
27:22 Rob’s blog
32:45 Delecluse project
40:10 Individualized plan of study vs. generic / supplemental blogs
47:59 Eli Geruschat: It’s one thing to win a job, but what was it like when you stepped into your first rehearsal with the Met? Can you tell us a little about this first experience and how those early rehearsals helped shape how you perform with the ensemble today?
54:24 What is playing in time
1:05:56 Audition Talk, episode 1
1:07:53 Percussion Hacker Studio Class
1:10:08 Tracking auditions
1:14:58 Wrap
Ben Fraley, part of the faculty at Troy University, joined us this week. What could have been a pessimistic chat about the rise of adjunct positions proved more positive than anything. His passions for frame drumming and John Luther Adams' Inuksuit are bookends to this episode.
Topics: Inuksuit, various viewpoints on adjunct teaching, frame drumming, MakeMusic.org, from Walking in This World: allocating and budgeting your creative energy
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
1:35 John Luther Adams’ “Inuksuit” in Boston
17:37 Adjunct teaching
44:03 Megan: Make Music Day / La fete de la Musique
55:10 Laurel: Walking in this World / Discovering a Sense of Personal Territory
1:14:39 Frame drumming and composing
1:19:56 Wrap
Here's the milestone 50th episode!
Who else to showcase but someone like Fernando Meza, whose passion for percussion is surpassed only by the great energy and warmth he brings to every project and person lucky enough to cross his path. At the time of this interview, we caught him at home in Minnesota between international engagements.
Topics: YOA, Keiko Abe, maintaining high energy, plagiarism in pop music, Biolley instruments, Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, 2010 Marimba Festival
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:57 Current projects with the Minnesota Orchestra
4:05 YOA - Orchestra of the Americas / Global Leaders Program
6:52 Rosendo Suarez: What is your experience with Venezuelan students?
8:45 Brad Broomfield: You performed with the original Lion King cast, performed with Keiko Abe, were the former principal percussionist of the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, arranged one of the greatest marimba gatherings ever, teach at the university, mentor students throughout the Americas. What aging cream do you use?
12:25 Experiences performing with Keiko Abe
21:05 O Biolley Instrumentos Musicales
30:17 Avaloch Farm Music Institute / Owen Weaver surprise visit!
32:22 Owen’s projects
37:35 Laurel: Led Zeppelin plagiarism case
55:17 Ben: Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic
1:12:53 Catherine Yuriel: In your opinion, what is one of the most important things a young percussionist should keep in mind as they enter the professional arena?
1:21:13 Ted Jackson: What piece of the well-roundedness do you think programs are missing, if any?
1:24:50 Fernando’s marimba festival
1:27:07 Wrap
George Barrett, CEO of Innovative Percussion and First Vice President of PAS, joined us this week from his office in Nashville, TN. We're so glad he was able to make room for us in his busy schedule.
Topics: PAS, mentor example of UT Women's Head Coach Pat Summit, history of Innovative Percussion, industry
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:27 Current events at IP and leadership restructure of PAS
9:34 Why join PAS?
13:17 PASIC exhibit hall
17:41 New IP products
19:17 Laurel: Patricia Summit, late coach emeritus of U. of Tennessee
26:35 Ben: Erik Johnson, president of Innovative Percussion
38:20 The process of designing mallets
46:06 Hand wrapped vs. machine wrapped mallets
47:44 Changes in the percussion industry
51:51 Endorsement relationships
57:01 Responsibilities of a CEO of a percussion company
58:34 Caleb Pickering: Percussion companies seem to come and go in waves. What helped IP stand the test of time and become one of the powerhouse companies for sticks and mallets?
1:01:54 Wrap
During her residence at Avaloch Farm, Megan sat down with Mike Compitello, part of New Morse Code, the cello/perc duo that coordinates Avaloch Farm's New Music Initiative. Mike is an active chamber and orchestral player, and teaches at the University of Kansas.
Topics: artist retreats, scientific research about the "chills" when you listen to music
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:03 Avaloch Farms – chamber ensemble residency
5:13 Megan: listing and review of additional artist retreats
14:20 Benefits of Avaloch and other artist residencies
21:17 Facilities and focus at Avaloch
28:25 Playing Baroque timpani
32:26 Laurel: Frisson – the science behind the ‘chills’ you get when listening to music
52:36 New Morse Code – cello and percussion duo
58:26 Professional websites
1:00:45 University interview process and advice
1:16:11 Wrap
Michigan State professor Gwendolyn Dease joined us for this episode. We asked her about her upcoming CD, Ben told us about Robert van Sice, Laurel gives a book review of The Social Psychology of Musicianship, and Megan fills us in on the DCI Finals results.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
1:37 Gwen’s cd projects
3:36 Ted Jackson: Can you please describe the process of arranging the Cello Suites for marimba? I really love the way you add certain harmonies into the recording.
7:10 Studying and arranging Bach
9:15 Ted Jackson: What was it like receiving an education at Eastman, Peabody, and Yale? What were the similarities and differences you experienced?
12:54 Interlochen Arts Academy
14:32 Ben: Robert Van Sice
19:13 Studying James Wood and more with Van Sice
23:24 Laurel: The Social Psychology of Musicianship by Robert Henley Woody
37:07 Playing in Time Travelers (percussion quartet)
40:09 Balancing personal/professional life
41:57 Adjudicating thoughts and advice
48:02 Megan: DCI World Championships – Bluecoats / Tom Rarick
54:22 Jan Williams resource, other news
57:48 Wrap
During her tenure at Interlochen, Megan sat down with Jeff Irving, another percussion faculty member. Jeff resides in NYC, freelances as a contemporary, orchestral, and Broadway player, and co-owns New York Percussion Service, a percussion instrument rental company.
Topics: Interlochen, freelancing, blogging, Jan Williams
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
2:27 Interlochen Arts Camp
5:00 Brett Morris: In your success in acquiring performance opportunities, what’s the balance between your musical skills, networking, and knowing people who can help in job placement?
10:12 Building connections in school
13:54 Ben: Jan Williams
19:33 Megan: High school percussion camps
25:57 Jeff’s experience at Interlochen Arts Academy
34:08 New York Percussion Service
38:57 Life as a freelancer in NYC
42:10 Ted Jackson: Could you explain how you have crafted your career out of many different opportunities? I love how you are able to play in some of the finest orchestras in the world, perform contemporary music, run your own percussion business, and have a blog. How have each of these things developed the way you perceive music?
46:54 Bird perch timpani mallets and forgetting your pants and underwear
57:19 “Two out of three test” from Jeff’s blog
1:04:34 Nathaniel Gworek: How did it happen that you got a job while already living in New York City. Subbing with the Met is a pretty big deal. Was it luck that the job opened while you were already living in New York City?
1:09:07 Wrap
While in Lombardy, Italy for the International Percussion Festival, Casey sat down with fellow judges Nanae Mimura, Theo Milkov, and Andrei Puskarev for an interview.
They talk about many things, one being their affinity (or lack there of) for the judging process.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
0:35 Theodore Milkov’s fundraiser to play PASIC concert
6:34 Nanae Mimura’s influences of Buddhism and Japanese art
10:56 Nanae’s new CD – her fourth solo album
17:01 Theodore Milkov – current projects, producing videos vs. CDs
20:45 Thoughts on judging from Nanae, Theo, and Casey
40:27 Nanae’s marimba camp in Japan
44:06 Thoughts on the state of marimba repertoire
59:22 Creating a global agency for percussionists
1:04:58 Percussion is still in its infancy, creating beginner/intermediate rep
1:11:50 Wrap
Since our last conversation with Mike was cut short, we gathered again to finish topics and have Mike answer our remaining questions.
Topics: memorization, how to practice, Joshua Drake Jones viral video, Keiko Abe's music arriving in the US
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
1:23 James Wood’s “Cloud Polyphonies”
4:13 Eli Gerschat: The Oberlin Percussion Group premieres at least one new piece a year. How do you prepare your students for a premiere and what effect do you think this has on them early in their careers?
6:01 Importance of commissioning new music for our genre
8:12 Early Japanese marimba literature
10:25 Advent of one-handed rolls and 5-6 mallet pieces
13:07 Keiko Abe’s first concerts in the United States
16:08 Teaching Japanese marimba music in the Western tradition
19:00 Marimba Spiritual and current contact with Keiko Abe
28:14 Practice and memorization strategies
38:57 Megan: Joshua Jones Rhythm! Scene article / Uproxx video produced by Honda
42:42 Trajectory of the orchestral percussion scene / playing drumset in orchestras
49:23 Advancing our field by commissioning new music
57:40 Wrap
This week certified sports psychologist and rehabilitation specialist Mike Cerreto joined us from his A Talented Mind clinic in Richmond, VA. Recently, Mike has also started working with classical musicians, and has confirmed and debunked some of the lines drawn between the two domains.
Mike and Laurel are now collaborating on an exciting new resource for percussionists about our own mental styles, which will release in 2017.
Topics: mental styles, musicians' myths about performance anxiety, FB questions
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
2:00 Diagnostic Test for Performing Artists
3:49 Mike Cerreto’s background and the gap with music psychology
6:07 Building profiles for norm groups of successful musicians
8:01 Characteristics the test measures
9:35 FB: What’s the most common worry or problem you see among musicians?
15:00 Music vs. sports – public performance
18:39 Nicolai Dahl and Sergei Rachmaninoff
21:35 Brian Blume: Have you ever encountered some common myths or misconceptions that musicians or athletes often believe with regard to the mental aspects of performance?
26:15 Fighting comparison, perfectionism, and the need to please everyone
29:33 Scheduling recovery time just like practice time
37:08 Pre-practice and pre-performance routine to avoid nervousness
48:36 Will James: Many of the similarities between sports psychology and music performance psychology have been pointed out, but what would you say are the differences?
51:32 What is a musical performance?
55:19 Outward and uplifting process (music) vs. tearing down process (sports)
1:04:14 Competition
1:07:29 Wrap
From Oberlin Conservatory, this week we are joined by Mike Rosen. Many former students of his have gone on to successful careers in different avenues of percussion.
Topics: pedagogy, Ballet mecanique and George Antheil, Hedy Lamarr
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:55 Percussion at Oberlin / double degree or major
8:12 Eli Gerschat: Helping a student find their path can seem very daunting. How do you help someone find themselves in their study of percussion and music, and how do you successfully bring that out in their time spend practicing and learning?
12:49 Focus and competence
15:02 Benefits of undergraduate only institution
18:44 “Chicken night” and percussion camaraderie
24:27 Laurel: George Antheil’s “Ballet Mecanique”
32:14 Casey: Hedy Lamarr and frequency hopping
39:29 Timpani talk
41:28 “Ballet Mecanique” continued – instrumentation, score, etc.
49:07 Wrap
For this episode, Megan invited her department director, percussionist Dr. Julia Gaines, to join us. Julia and Megan were both willing to give us an insider's perspective on last year's Mizzou protests. Julia also talks about the transition from percussion professor to administration, as well as the process of creating her marimba method book and 4-mallet level system.
We also talk about our experiences teaching Percussion Methods classes, as graduate assistants and professors.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:46 James Doyle: There have been so many wonderful percussion educators who have successfully transitioned to administration. I’d be interested in your thoughts on why you chose a similar path, and if you have thoughts as to why percussion educators seem to find success in administration.
4:43 Challenges of being an administrator
9:38 Protests on the Mizzou Campus, department responses, resulting dialogue
20:02 Laurel: Percussion Methods teaching strategies
38:17 Ted Jackson: Would you mind speaking about the idea behind your “Sequential Studies” series and how you are trying to give percussionists the concise structure that we lack unlike pianists and violinist?
51:08 Megan: R!S October / Jojo Mayer, R!Solos, new Executive Director Joshua Simonds
58:31 Julia’s new CD “Tiger Dance”
1:03:23 Wrap
Matthew Henry, creator of the community outreach program Specdrum, joined us for this episode. He opens up about the inspiration for creating the organization.
Other topics include the oldest man-made instrument ever found and artist Mark Rooker's project of sending art to the moon.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
1:43 Current projects
5:14 Upcoming PASIC clinic: Side-by-side comparison of djembe/conga technique
8:48 Megan: Live-streaming at PASIC
13:49 Developing conga technique
16:00 Bourbon and friendship
18:39 Casey’s Arts 100 class: Mark Rooker and works of art on the moon
31:31 SpecDrum – community outreach drumming program
39:09 Protests in Ferguson / Upcoming PASIC panel discussion: Rhythm and Race
49:28 Laurel: The oldest instrument ever found
1:03:08 Advice for people who want to make a difference in their own communities
1:09:24 Wrap
In this episode, Casey shares a recorded interview with Pedro Fernandez, the organizer of Portugal's Groove Alentejo festival. He also talks about the Chapel of Bones in Evora, made of exactly what it sounds like.
We also chat about Wonder Woman being named an Honorary Ambassador to the UN, as well as the creation story behind the comic books.
Megan quizzes our ears with a recording of an Alpine cattle descent, and into about almglocken.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
2:29 Wonder Woman is named an Honorary Ambassador to the UN
21:17 Bob Dylan and the Beatles
28:07 Pedro Fernandes and the International Percussion Festival in Portugal
34:10 Studying percussion in Portugal
38:35 Benefits for students from a big international festival
40:36 Recap from Pedro’s interview
45:02 Experiencing culture at festivals abroad
54:46 Organizing a large festival
56:12 Alpine Cattle Descent and places to purchase almglocken
1:04:24 Blacksmithing and anvils
1:06:59 Wrap
This week we're joined by the professor of percussion at the University of Tennessee and co-founder of Nief Norf, Andy Bliss. Andy was the curator for Focus Day 2016, and he gives us some insight into the entire process.
Megan tells us about ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) and founder Claire Chase's recent decision to step out of her administrative role.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
1:03 Halloween, current projects, sushi buddies
6:55 Mike Truesdell: Dear Dr. Bliss – How can one person be such a great percussionist and pedagogue, but still lack every fundamental skill for NBA jam?
8:25 nief-norf performance at PASIC Focus Day
11:25 Megan: Claire Chase and the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE)
27:21 Genesis of nief-norf and nn Summer Festival
39:14 Organizing a PASIC Focus Day
45:17 Focus Day artist bookings
48:17 Applying to play on Focus Day
56:01 What is “new music” and how do we approach it pedagogically?
1:12:43 Working with living composers
1:18:32 Wrap
| | | Larnell Lewis |
| | | Kenyon Williams |
A quick interview with Larnell Lewis (drummer of Snarky Puppy) and Kenyon Williams (Minnesota State University - Moorhead) during the MSUS Day of Percussion hosted by Kenyon Williams.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
1:03 What is a Day of Percussion?
1:42 How to procure artists
3:10 Larnell’s clinic / session work / backing tracks
6:46 Shane Shanahan’s performance at the finale concert
8:53 How to put together a Day of Percussion: securing artists, sponsor support, working with local artists, and finding great performers who are also great educators
19:31 Larnell’s new debut album
23:40 Snarky Puppy
28:39 Working with multiple drummers
30:54 Wrap
Joining us this week is one of Ben's former teachers: Ricardo Flores.
Ricardo regularly plays various styles of music and was gracious enough to chat with us about So Percussion's new A Gun Show and its director, Ain Gordon, as well as the topic of mindful self-motivation, an ever-present issue in the minds of today's teachers and mentors.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
0:58 PASIC recap and highlights
4:41 Ricardo’s current projects
8:28 Megan: So Percussion's "A Gun Show"
13:17 Director Ain Gordon / music as a response to politics
17:57 Playing “Yellow After the Rain” for Keiko Abe at a young age
20:09 Ricardo’s circus gig
29:27 Laurel: Finding motivation / personal stories / incentivizing
51:19 Improvising from a young age
54:04 Ben’s giant duck call
55:25 The “Distraction Effect” and the “What the Hell Effect”
1:00:38 Wrap
This week we sat down with Dr. Omar Carmenates, the Associate Professor of Percussion at Furman University and the Front Ensemble Supervisor/Arranger of the Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. His debut solo CD, entitled The Gaia Theory, is released through Rattle Records, and two other recent projects include a double-disc release entitled "The John Psathas Percussion Project" and a collaboration with Furman Univesity’s David E. Shi Center for Sustainability to record Matthew Burtner’s Six Ecoacoustic Quintets with the Furman Percussion Ensemble.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
0:55 Thanks, Megan - past episodes timestamps complete
3:50 Omar Carmenates intro
5:30 Busy busy + Dad
8:03 What's new?
9:05 Ben: John Psathas, composer. Omar's Psathas arranging project.
28:28 Facebook questions: Luis Rivera: Tesla car?
Robbie Green: Greatest musical or teaching failure and what have you learned from it?
33:50 Robbie Green: what advice would you have for your former self?
35:50 Time at UNT and did you know Ben?
39:19 Brian Radock: 3-piece advice for a young percussionist. When you write music,
how do you know when and where to start and stop?
Advice for expanding drumline show arranging work.
48:30 Upcoming Cadets show? What keeps drawing you back to the drumcorps activity?
56:11 How does John Psathas feel about his music in a DCI show?
1:01:10 How you balance your time, fun things you enjoy?
This week we sat down with percussion educator, performer, and composer Dave Hall! Dave is the Assistant Professor of Percussion and Jazz Studies, and coordinator of the percussion program at the University of Nebraska.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
2:13 Latest?
4:33 Dave and Ben's experiences with Christopher Deane at UNT
9:49 Megan: RIP and thanks to Mr. Bernard Woma
21:00 Hannah Gallamore Given that you are a prolific composer,
educator, and performer, how do you manage these three
disciplines throughout the year–does it change as the year
progresses or have you found a consistent balance?
23:24 Notching up the challenges. Michael Gordon's "XY"
30:40 Nebraska Steel Band?
36:45 Continuing practice and more on time management
46:56 Parker David Stockford What is a good way to get in
contact or meet with professors at prospective schools when
you’re in a very far state to travel from? I go to school in
Hawaii and it’s almost impossible to go meet with professors
before an audition. What is a good way to meet them?
50:50 Parker David Stockford
What are the opinions on tattoos on performers? Should
they be covered? Are there certain situations where they don’t
need to be? Are there certain genres of music where they’re more
acceptable than others?
Joining us this week is alchemical percussionist and storyteller Michael Bettine! Working under the name Gongtopia, he has presented concerts of original compositions and improvisations played on metal instruments, sounding bass drum, and hand drums since 2002. He also regularly presents both Gong Meditation Sessions and Sound Workshops using gongs, singing bowls, and bells.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and Hello
1:40 Puccini gongs for sale?
5:03 Michael Bettine's background, what is Gongtopia?
7:00 Logistics of these gongs and traveling?
9:52 Bonham's gong!
12:15 Michael's blogs, history as a writer.
16:05 Blog post "Selling of Gongs as Snake Oil"
22:08 Michael's meditation session?
25:47 Interesting instrument finds? Debussy's crotales
29:25 The low pitches for "Rain Tree" (Takemitsu)
32:50 Laurel: Current PAS committee openings and how to apply
37:47 Megan: Why African instruments often have a buzzing sound attached
47:44 Starting a meditation sessions
49:20 Michael Newmeyer: How does Gongtopia tie into meditation, and does it tie into music therapy?
52:00 Any favorite gong use by other composers?
55:15 Sponsorship
58:52 The new CD?
With Ben this week are two composers: David Pegel and Zack Browning. This is Zack's second time on the podcast.David attended the University of TN with Laurel, and the University of Miami with Ben, so he's practically part of the @ percussion family. He's written several works for Ben, and he and Zack are in Tarleton for this week's episode in preparation for a TSU percussion concert featuring pieces by both of them.Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and Hello
2:30 On campus with Ben, what's happening? Zack's pieces on this concert.
5:35 Feng Shui in Zack's music, ensemble playing
11:18 David's pieces on this concert and commissions with Ben.
33:21 What pieces or composers do you turn students to exemplify good percussion?
36:20 Ben: William Moersch
48:30 David's timpani & piano piece, "Nightmares"
59:20 The Experiential Music Curriculum at the University of Miami?
Praised by Percussive Notes Journal as "A Master of Musical Nuance," Dr. Andy Harnsberger enjoys a versatile career as a performer, composer, and educator. He is in demand as a recitalist and clinician, his compositions have been performed at PASIC and around the world, and he is Associate Professor of Music and Percussion Coordinator at Lee University in Cleveland, TN.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
1:00 Ben and Andy share a teacher - studying with Donald Bick
5:10 Andy's new CD Phoenix
5:55 Recording CDs today? Still a good idea?
11:37 Recording the CD?
17:19 How did you get into composing?
20:34 Puccini's gongs...for sale
38:50 Andy's trips to South America?
41:12 Parker S: What's the most important thing to emphasize in a graduate school audition?
46:42 Megan: Big Ears Festival
51:30 Jack Daniel's Brass Band xylophone soloist?
54:13 Farewell and thanks to Marvin Dahlgren
57:07 Latest projects?
Joining us this week is percussion quartet Clocks in Motion. We were lucky to catch them all together in a rehearsal period for an upcoming performance: Matt Coley, Sean Kleve, Chris Jones, and Andrew Veit were together at their rehearsal space in Madison, Wisconsin.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
1:35 Yet another long-distance ensemble!?
3:20 Current tour and rehearsal
7:15 Matthew Cooley, getting into Dulcimer?
10:50 Dulcimer vs cimbalom?
14:30 Casey: What's the sound?
22:50 Challenges as an ensemble?
30:44 The studio space? Practicalities and instruments
35:33 Three year commissioning project
50:30 Podcast work-in-progress?
53:45 Megan: hearing loss lawsuit, BBC report
Joining us this week is Doug Perkins. Doug has commissioned and premiered over 100 pieces and works with such composers as David Lang, Steve Reich, Paul Lansky, John Luther Adams, Nathan Davis, Larry Polansky, Christian Wolff, Glenn Kotche, Sofia Gubaidulina, and Tristan Perich. He founded the So Percussion and the Meehan/ Perkins Duo, and performs regularly with Signal, eighth blackbird, the Chicago Symphony’s MusicNOW, and others. He currently teaches at The Boston Conservatory.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and Hello
1:15 What's up? Being the Dept. Chair?
3:27 Where/how did you fall in love with drums?
7:16 TBC merging with Berklee?
9:44 New Music Gathering in Boston?
13:41 Casey: What's the sound? Acoustic Dispersion. Massive and excellent laser sound/laser tag tangent
26:00 Getting big projects off the ground? Chosen Vale percussion seminar?
35:09 Ben: Bang On a Can -Julia Wolfe and Michael Gordon
47:10 Doug's podcast series, 5 Days With Doug.
50:43 How you see electronic music as it relates to percussion?
With us this week is Jeremy Barnett. Born in Australia, Jeremy is a percussionist, composer, and improviser who subbed regularly at the Sydney Opera House before moving to the USA. He is one of only a handful of percussionists to have earned a DMA from New England Conservatory and now resides in London where he teaches, accompanies dance classes, and continues composition and improvisation. He's a dear friend to Laurel and Casey.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
2:40 Playing at London's iconic Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
15:55 Accompanying dance classes.
20:50 Breaking into music scenes in different cities.
37:30 In the meantime...what do you do?
42:59 Megan: Bang on a Can new project
Joining us this week is Eric Rucker. Eric is a performer, educator, composer, and arranger based in South Florida. He is the percussion instructor at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Bak Middle School of the Arts, and a 2017 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition winner. He is also the founder of Mode Marimba and a MalletLab faculty member.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
1:22 Malletlab camp with Drew Tucker
4:44 Mode Marimba Company
15:30 Ben Millesen: What other materials did you consider for the bars?
17:12 Casey: What's the sound?
29:15 Adam Hopper: process for selecting literature for your students?
31:15 Ben: percussion ensemble literature for young groups
44:45 Laurel: Competitions
54:30 Connor Yeackley: Thoughts on starting serious percussion studies young?
Balkan Percussion Duo, consisting of Ksenija Komljenovic (Serbia) and Kiril Angelov (Bulgaria), recently won second prize at the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg. Both are students of Svet Stoyanov at the University of Miami Frost School of Music.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello, Megan and Switch Ensemble
4:45 The competition in Luxemburg?
6:18 Any funny Svet (Svet Stoyanov) stories?
18:40 Megan: Work/live/study in a other countries.
34:16 A current event.
45:58 Alyssa Resh: Tips for new young duos?
Joining us this week is percussionist composer Nathan Daughtrey. Nathan's career is unique, spanning performing, recording, composition, teaching, and business via his position as Director of Operations for C. Alan Publications. He is commissioned by soloists and groups alike, and is an avid runner in his spare time.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:30 PASIC Fun Run
3:25 Snarky Puppy last night?
6:08 Avoiding being "pigeonholed" as a composer. Commission?
10:26 Getting into composing?
16:45 Laurel: Anthony Holland research on frequencies and destroying cancer cells.
30:45 Nathan in Australia?
34:43 Casey: what's the sound? Scelsi, The Beatles, and the Claviolin
46:15 Brian Nozny: Diverse career? Was that the plan?
48:42 PDF publishing?
57:57 Heartland Marimba Fest.?
We are joined this week by Danish percussionist and composer Kai Stensgaard. Kai is also the inventor of the aluphone, author of books and pieces about his 6-mallet technique, and founder of several chamber music projects combining marimba with other instruments.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
2:17 Discovering marimba, early experience and teachers
6:40 Where is marimba literature is going
10:35 6-mallets, Dean Gronemeier
20:15 Ben: 6-mallets (overview and some history)
30:50 Casey/Laurel: What's the sound? Synesthesia paintings
43:43 Use of improvisation in your pieces and study?
45:10 Latin influence in your music?
46:50 Duo and body percussion group?
48:00 Upcoming?
49:55 Aluphone instrument
Praised by the New York Times for his "understated but unmistakable virtuosity," Svet Stoyanov is one of the leading percussion soloists of our day. He has appeared at the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center, and has performed under the baton of Pierre Boulez, Marin Alsop, and Gerard Schwarz. As an advocate for contemporary music, he has premiered works by Andy Akiho, Mason Bates, and Paul Lansky. He serves as the Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Miami Frost School of Music.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
1:45 Ben's teacher?!
4:00 Current projects?
7:50 New audio/video series
13:30 On pushing it, "being a little uncomfortable". Do as I say not as I do
21:20 Megan: Border Percussion story - Inuksuit performed across the Mexico/US border
43:35 Ben: Alejandro Vinao
1:00:37 Marco Schirripa: Your stage presence?
1:03:25 Will Marinelli: Premiering the Phillip Glass two-timpani concerto at such a young age?
We are joined this week by Dr. Ming-Hui Kuo. Dr. Kuo was an intern performing member of Ju Percussion Group from 1993 to 2002. During her time with JPG, she performed in over 500 concerts and hundreds of music related activities including the Annual seasonal concerts at Taiwan National Concert Hall.
Dr. Kuo formerly was Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY from 2007 to 2014. She is currently a Part-time Assistant Professor of Percussion at DePauw University.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello
3:25 Working/practicing with kids?
5:38 Finding practice time as a university professor
10:20 Starting percussion in Taiwan? Ju Percussion Group commissions.
23:50 Ben: Toru Takemitsu
44:00 The Wave -Keiko Abe
52:40 Getting to Moorhead State, then on to DePauw. Brian Mason
In January 2018 JMU was fortunate to host SO Percussion for a feature concert and masterclass. During their residency on campus, Caleb Pickering, a frequent guest co-host on the podcast, conducted an hour interview with them. Many thanks to Caleb, as well as the guys in SO Percussion.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:10 So...Todd Meehan?
2:58 Why so serious?
6:32 "Sometimes Music"
12:30 Performing different styles and genres
19:44 Collaborating with the band, The National
33:12 15 years collaboration
34:21 Little missed joke at PASIC
36:16 Mixed performance art pieces, your large programmatic works
49:21 Advice to young percussionists who would like to create their own performing group?
This week we are joined by Justin Alexander (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Luis Rivera (University of South Alabama) of the Novus Percutere duo! NP aims to perform and commission works that appeal to their similar tastes in contemporary, rock, pop, and classical music. In addition to performing concerts around the United States, they released their first full length album entitled "symmetry | reflection" in 2015.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
2:12 Upcoming projects?
4:50 Being in a long-distance duo?
13:14 Laurel/Ben: Goal setting with a sense of realism, and
psychology of unrealistic goals
bullet journals, action based and goal based.
24:45 Plans to preserve practice time.
27:55 The new album and commissions?
37:09 Camber music competition / Costa Rica
47:30 Diversity and the John Mackey Midwest booth
Ayano Katoaka is the Associate Professor of Percussion at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is renowned for her interpretations of modern percussion repertoire, including works of Stuart Saunders Smith, Iannis Xenakis, Andy Akiho, and Steve Reich. She has collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax, and is a former student of legendary pedagogue Robert Van Sice.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
2:25 Relationship with the Smiths (Stewart Saunders & Sylvia). "And Points North"
11:00 Thoughts on complex rhythms in Stewart Sanuders Smith's pieces.
15:55 Introducing students to advanced contemporary music
21:30 Casey: What's the sound?
30:40 Minoru Miki
37:22 Ben: Taiko drums and history
48:00 Xenakis - Rebonds and memorization
55:20 performing with Yo Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax?
Despite coming off a worldwide tour of concerts and teaching, She-e Wu was gracious enough to join us for this episode on her one day off between travel and resuming teaching at Northwestern. We talk about the soloist-travel life, about developing technique, and the future of our rep.
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
3:10 She-e and the Ewazen Concerto
7:45 Larry Lawless: time balance and schedule?
12:20 Horn collaboration and CD
14:00 Touring and emotions that follow
23:45 Teaching vs performing full-time?
26:27 Getting started, Doc (Robert Schietroma) from UNT, Mr. Ju, coming to UNT from Taiwan
35:20 Troy Hall: favorite memory of UNT drumline?
38:25 Boston Globe article - Boston Symphony and more calls
for more diverse composers
51:00 She-e as a composer
55:00 Will Marinelli: how can we continue to advance marimba literature and performance?
59:47 William Brown: building chops without damaging your hands?
1:06:02 AJ Covey: your thoughts on the barrier system?
Tony Cirone was kind enough to join us for this episode of @ percussion. He's not only the author of Portraits in Rhythm and its many "sequels," but also a distinguished orchestral player, performing with the San Francisco Symphony for nearly 40 years. We were particularly excited to hear his take on the orchestra strikes in Pennsylvania, which began just before taping this episode.
Topics: his new book, Buster Bailey, inner workings of being in an orchestra, the PA strikes
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0:00 Intro and hello1:20 “Portraits in Rhythm” 50th Anniversary7:18 “The Logic of It All”8:45 Mike Cerreto: How did self-confidence in yourself as a performer and person help you overcome professional challenges in your long, distinguished career?12:52 Orchestra members gaining control of auditions17:45 The changing audition scene21:40 Caleb Pickering: Can you and the panel share your thoughts about what is going on at the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra?22:40 Megan: Philadelphia Orchestra goes on strike30:31 Negotiating with Orchestra Management38:18 Ben: Buster Bailey51:37 Teaching at San Jose State and Indiana University58:16 Tony’s love story1:00:22 Wrap and final comments about “Portraits in Rhythm”
Laurel and this week's guest, Jeremy Smith, were once studio-mates at the University of Tennessee before moving up north to continue musical studies. Now a graduate of Juilliard, Jeremy has made a name for himself as a specialist in hand percussion from many cultures.
You can find him on Instagram at jpsnycTopics: 2016 International Percussion Festival in Seoul, Korea; ideas of pedagogy for maraca playing, Laurel's discovery of research in the field of embodiment theories of emotionWatch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 Intro and hello2:26 Percussion Festival in Seoul, South Korea4:03 Chat window5:17 Venezuelan maraca playing6:51 Javier Alvarez’s Temezcal15:18 Brooklyn Nomads17:45 Laurel: Your iPhone is Ruining Your Posture – And Your Mood33:46 Aesthetics of Performance43:36 Jeremy’s Influences48:04 Silk Road Global Musician Workshop52:41 Intersection of Classical and World Music58:03 Studying what you are interested in and pushing yourself!1:06:17 Wrap
They're the marimba power couple of Schumann-ian proportions: Pius Chueng and Eriko Daimo.
In addition to being teachers (in Oregon and NY) and internationally known performers, they are also our dear friends. Their dog, Partita, makes a few cameo appearances in this episode.
Topics: Nancy Zeltsman and her teaching style, finding satisfaction in playing, Facebook questions
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0:00 Marimba dog0:15 Intro and hello1:28 Recent travels and projects4:37 Heyston Yu: Will you talk more about orchestration in your music? How do you connect thoughts between playing piano and playing marimba? And when will you both consider publishing your next album?9:24 Ted Jackson: I really love Professor Chang’s book “Colors.” Would you mind explaining how it came about?10:45 Michael Cerreto: How does your own self-evaluation and self-criticism help you continually advance as an artist? How does the same self-judgement get in your way and how do you manage it so it does not become de-motivating?18:21 2016 International Percussion Competition in New York21:21 Judging Competitions25:32 Transitioning from New York to Eugene, OR31:02 Casey/Pius banter and cooking36:46 Javier Pavita: Do you have any advice on your “Etude in D Major”?38:33 Ben: Nancy Zeltsman41:55 Nancy’s rep, teaching style, ZMF, etc.54:00 Composing for keyboards vs. drums vs. electronics56:06 Timpani chat1:00 Meditation and Japanese tradition1:02:54 Ju Percussion Taiwanese International Competition1:04:43 Wrap
We had a great chat with jazz vibraphonist Ed Smith, faculty member at the University of North Texas and SMU. Ben was able to meet with him in person for this interview.
Topics: Gamelan, jazz vibes, the Malletech Love vibe, John Cage, Gamelan Wanita
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
1:40 Ed’s current projects and relationship with Ben
4:46 Malletech Love Vibe and pedaling technique
13:09 “Neptune” and vibrato notation
15:58 Mason: “How did you first get interested in gamelan and decide to bring it to UNT?”
20:02 Shadow Puppetry and Gender Wayang
24:33 Transcribing Balinese music
27:28 Establishing a gamelan at UNT
29:50 Dance and Martha Graham
33:03 Megan: Gamelan Wanita
38:22 Composing for Gamelan Gong Kebyar
40:54 Gamelan Beleganjur
42:36 Working with John Cage
44:44 Ben: John Cage, part 1
55:27 Working with Stuart Copland
58:16 Ted Jackson: What is the most important thing you want your students to know by the time they graduate?
59:21 Wrap
Joining us this week is drummer Stockton Helbing. He has accomplished much to be so young: several albums of his own music, countless tours with big name artists, and studying under then teaching beside Ed Soph at UNT. We really enjoyed our time with Stockton and learned a lot about the history of drum set and recorded music - he's a well-informed, articulate speaker.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:40 Background
6:55 Lessons learned from Ed Soph?
16:16 Your composition style?
19:50 Ben: Baby Dodds & some drumset history
42:00 Scott Charvet: What are the things you like to see from incoming students?
48:30 How has the market changed in creating albums?
53:10 Your approach to recording drums?
57:00 Upcoming projects?
59:15 Your name?
We were stoked to hang out with composer Steven Snowden for this episode.
We cover a variety of topics, including his compositional inspiration and practice, including electronics, and focus on specific works, such as Looner Eclipse. Megan presents an article called "Decolonizing Our Music," and Laurel starts a new, quick weekly segment which highlights one musically relevant quote and its speaker.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and welcome
3:20 Creative Inspiration
5:20 Taos Hum
7:43 Podcasts
10:15 Sound creation
13:20 Why electronics?
26:00 Performing background
30:30 "Looner Eclipse"
32:45 "Decolonizing Our Music" article. Distribution, money, mainstream.
54:00 Electronic influence on tradition
1:00:06 Formal composition training or no?
1:10:33 Laurel's quote
Joining us for Episode 71 is Brandon Arvay: educator, percussionist, and curator of an active blog and website.
We talk about blogging strategies, skills musicians need besides just playing, the cross-discipline tradition and why on earth we don't do it anymore, and Ben presents on drummer Steve Gadd.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 hello
2:04 Brandon Arvay and Blogging
14:28 Steve Gadd
21:18 Cross studies tradition/why don't we tapdance anymore?!!
28:00 What other skills musicians need
And now for something completely different! Casey came across the podcast Listening to Ladies in November 2016 and was curious to know more about it - and we're so glad its founder and host, Elisabeth Blair, could find the time to record an episode with us.
With Elisabeth we chat about her reasons and work for the Listening to Ladies podcast and how to balance its demands with the rest of life. Women-specific composition festivals and opportunities are mentioned, as well as the current diversity between the sexes in the world of percussion. Closing quotes from Robert Schumann on Clara's music, and Sofia Gubaidulina.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
1:40 Listening to Ladies
4:03 LtL - Call for Scores
4:36 Why create LtL?
22:58 The work behind LtL
29:37 Time and balance
34:20 TomTom Magazine feature
40:44 Women Composer's Hartford festival
42:57 Women and Men in percussion
1:02:30 Quotes - Schumann and Sofia Gubaidulina
The illustrious and profound Steven Schick needs no introduction from us; we were all too eager to sit with him for an hour or so.
In this episode Steven answers several Facebook questions (Thanks to Fernando, Caleb, Diego, Theo, and Shaun for submissions!), his relationship with longtime friend David Lang, learning Ferneyhough and Xenakis, commissioning, our increasingly specialized field, and the pitfalls of "overtraining."
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0:00 hello
1:33 wrapping up the semester
3:10 facebook questions:
3:25 Fernando Meza: What, in your opinion, is the most valuable
aspect of contemporary music in a society besieged by musical
alternatives and how can we as practitioners,
best contribute to its appreciation amongst non-musicians?
13:05 collaborations outside of music
14:15 The Schick Machine
15:16 Caleb Pickering: If you were to create an addendum to your book,
The Percussionist's Art, what works, composers, or events
would you add since it's original 2006 publication?
19:51 David Lang
25:33 Diego Becerra: Can you ask him about the relationship
between the physical gesture and musical gesture in playing marimba?
28:35 Theodor Milkov: "Hi everyone. One question: when it comes to contemporary music, where is the red line between being precise and interpretation(self expression). Thank you for your time."
30:50 Xenakis and Ferneyhough
40:55 So...acting? Over trained, over technical
45:55 Keeping us with how much the percussion world asks of us.
54:34 Percussion becoming more specialized
58:49 Shaun Tilburg: "What kind of preparation/practice would be helpful for someone just entering college that is positive they want to follow in your line of work. Polyrhythms, score study... acting?"
1:00:02 Quote
Hello, 2017! To start off this new year we are joined by Tom Burritt, Director of Percussion Studies at UT, Austin. Tom is known as a marimba soloist and percussionist for the twice GRAMMY-nominated choir Conspirare. Additionally, his video-based episodic Axiom TV was one of the first dives into the combination of classical percussion and new technology.
We talk about the details of his IP mallets, Joseph Schwantner, the "10,000 hour rule" of mastery, being a student for life, and "grit;" he also answers several questions from Facebook.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 hello 3:25 Ted Jackson: Tom's new mallets from IP? 12:00 Joseph Schwantner 22:00 Gordon Stout: Your overall philosophy of teaching? 28:20 Micah Detweiler: Performing with vocal ensembles? 31:22 Caleb Pickering: Music in three dimensions? 38:50 Ben: Studying with Gordon Stout? 42:02 Tony Kirk: Time and balance? 45:54 10,000 hour "rule", "Student for Life", and "Grit" 59:27 Thom Hasenpflug: How you approach a MM student and a DMA student, level of autonomy / lit / etc. 1:01:28 Axiom TV/ what's next? 1:06:36 Quote
Joining us this week is Tracy Wiggins, coordinator of the percussion program at The University of North Alabama. His interests and experiences are varied, ranging from principle timpanist for several orchestras, to a tuba-percussion duo called Peruba, to playing in the pit for numerous operas and musicals.
Topics: Mariah Carey's year-ending performance, hearing protection and decibel results from PASIC 2016, music programming debates, and John Cage's Third Construction
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0:00 Hello and Happy New Year 10:33 Hearing protection and PASIC 2016 decibel tests results33:31 Quote from Andrew Normam on NewMusicBox.org on why we should program new music54:15 John Cage 3rd Construction - form and "Square Root" formula
Joining us this is new PAS President and Director of Percussion at Texas A&M Univ.-Commerce: Brian Zator. Naturally, PAS is a big topic of discussion, as well as his experience in Japan with Keiko Abe.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
2:47 What are you most excited about, being the new PAS President?
4:35 Are there significant changes with different PAS Presidents?
8:30 What do you hope to accomplish in the next two years with PAS? Group memberships, university library subscription, fund raising,
13:00 PAS Keiko Abe commission
15:34 Website issues?
19:55 Minoru Miki, "Marimba Spiritual", recording "Time"
34:45 How did you come to study with Keiko Abe in Japan?
37:50 As her student, what has been Keiko Abe's greatest impact on you?
39:50 Traditional grip?
44:30 What do you do outside of music?
47:50 Other projects? Makoto Nakura
50:00 PAS with art as a whole?
55:25 Becoming President of PAS?
58:30 Your Fundementals book.
1:00:00 Quote and bye
Joining us is Director of Percussion at SFA: Dr. Brad Meyer. He's also the chair of the Health and Wellness Committee. Naturally, we talk about some of Brad's articles and clinics, as well as the tips and traps for those first college teaching jobs.
We're also joined by a host from the Sublist - Brandon Arvay, and two Tag-Along Hosts: Ana Provo (with Megan) and Caleb Pickering (with Casey).
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
3:30 What's new with Brad? New consortium
7:10 The "Side Hussle"
19:10 Big degrees and so few jobs
28:00 From 1-year position to tenure track
33:56 Saying yes to too much - "Burn Out"
Continuing our conversation with Brad...
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
0:40 "I want to be a teacher so why do I have to learn all this other stuff?"
3:30 The improvments you've made a SFA?
13:45 Visit to the Sweetwater shop
17:17 Neuroscience Says Listening to This Song Reduces Anxiety by Up to 65 Percent (total BS)
(Rights marches too).
36:33 Jacob TV
47:40 Quote
Dr. Michael Schutz is currently Associate Professor of Music Cognition/Percussion at McMaster University. He is the founding director of the MAPLE Lab and a core member of the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind. Chatting with him about his gestural research was enlightening and thought-provoking. He currently chairs the PAS Music Technology committee and has performed at PASIC several times.
Research in music cognition is nothing short of fascinating, and the implications contained in the findings are exciting not only in performance pedagogy but for arts advocacy as well.
Thanks to our co-host from The Sub List: Tracy Wiggins.Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
0:00 intro and hello
5:28 The Mind of the Listener lecture. Does gesture length have any effect?
12:38 MAPLE Lab, how did it come about?
16:50 The performer's effect from gesture. Does moving help performance? False gesture
39:52 Super Brain (book)
50:13 "Mosquito Teen Repellant" (hearing loss & aging)
54:33 Possible NEA & NEH cuts
1:23:20 Quote and bye
Joining us this week is percussionist composer Brian Nozny. We chat about inspiration, confidence vs. competence, and even his "side hustle" (Thanks, Arvay), a company called Sylvana Chimes.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
10:30 Do's and don'ts of arranging
14:45 What's impacted your compositional style?
21:35 Christopher Rouse
39:50 Research of Tomas Chamorro Premuzic, dangers of confidence. The Dunning-Kruger Effect
1:15:35 Making instruments and Sylvana Chimes
Joining us this week is Colin Hill, Assistant Professor of Percussion Studies at Tennessee Tech University. In our chat, we learned that his dissertation research on practice colors his teaching. Laurel shares her newest essay in the Marimba Body series from her blog, which is all about thumbs and a little about anatomical variants. There's a tendon in the forearm that some have and others don't!
Thanks to all for Facebook questions.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
6:15 Keeping a busy real-life balance, how?
13:12 Student peer environment
17:20 Student to adjunt to full-time job
26:23 Colin's dissertation: 10,000 hours, practice habbits, routines, methods
58:45 Normal variences: fingers, tendons, muscles, grips
1:11:30 What's next for you, Colin?
PAS Hall of Fame member Emil Richards' career serves as the first long-term example of a studio musician based in Los Angeles. He's played on over 2,000 film scores, and at 85 years of age still records for a few composers. He's seen the industry in its glamorous heydey and witnessed changes - good and bad.
With him we talk about beginning his instrument collection while on tour with Frank Sinatra, special stories attached to key instruments, and his opinions about the field of percussion and where it's headed. Casey couldn't help but mention that he and Emil both have Sicilian heritage.
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Joining us this week is fellow podcaster Pete Zambito. We figured it's about time we have him on as he's interviewed all four of us for his show: Pete's Percussion Podcast.
We chat about podcasting, why Laurel's in Texas with Ben, PASIC, developing students' taste for music, and making your own reality according to Super Brain, part 2.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello. Pete's Podcast
8:10 Favorite PASIC moments? New music performances, taste boundary.
20:06 Laurel -Super Brain book. Beta Blockers
48:18 Megan passed her Comps!
82 episodes after his first appearance, Michael Eagle returns for another episode all about drumming on the other side of the world. This time he's in Switzerland, immersing himself in the techniques and styles of traditional Swiss drumming.
With him are Philipp Rütsche, Drummajor for the Swiss Central Army Band, and Philipp Meyer (not pictured), 2017 Bazel drumming Solo Champion performer.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello, Philipp Rutsche
5:05 Basel Drumming, style and distinctions
14:15 Classical style and marching style in Switzerland
18:50 Philipp Rutsche on Basel Drumming
21:30 Basel Tattoo?
25:00 "Swiss Army Triplet"
27:33 Philipp Meyer - Fasnacht, Cliques, guilds
42:05 How to learn this style and the benefit?
Joining us this week is Mark Boseman, one of Megan's Eastman colleagues and one of the few folks with access, technique, and recordings of some of John Serry's works. He recently wrote his own four-mallet technique book, complete with examples by some of today's notable composers and friendly technology aimed at the junior high and high school demographic.
We chat about technique, John Serry, inspiration for writing his book, and other things.
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello
6:05 Brian Nozny glass wind chime shootout
16:50 Mark's marimba book
35:15 Tech fun fact
37:55 Ben & Mark on John Serry
1:02:25 Possible hearing restoration
1:08:35 Building your technique?
Joining us this week is Marco Schirripa, Adjunct Professor of Music at Tennessee Tech. He's in the process of completing a DMA at Indiana in addition to his TNTech duties, composition career, and other interests.
We talk gesture in performance, studying with Gordon Stout, video game music, and more about the 10,000 hour "rule."
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
6:30 How have you kept up with your own artistic activities since starting your new job?
11:50 Dissertation topic? Gesture in performance.
21:46 Gary Burton retires
26:50 Misophonia
42:45 Studying with Gordon Stout?
50:50 What's new since your MM degree?
51:55 Game music?
59:15 "Magnus" chess champion and 10,000 hour topic
1:07:07 Quote
Visiting Megan at Mizzou, and joining us this week, is Tim Feeney: player, composer, and improviser. His unstable soundscapes have earned him performances at many avant garde venues, as well as several recording opportunities.
Tim has played on Broadway, worldwide as an interpreter of contemporary music, and locally as the principal percussionist of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. He is an Assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of Alabama.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
4:50 Composition questions vs percussionists' questions?
8:15 Current projects?
12:50 Compulsion vs addiction in practice
22:07 Tenure things, busy things
35:30 Wonder Woman news update
40:57 Vinko Globokar
Facebook questions:
1:01:55 Influences? Listening uggestions?
1:04:55 Improvising alone vs with others?
1:06:25 If you could ask all musicians to be more aware of one thing, what would that be?
1:07:40 Largest musical influence?
1:10:26 Studying with Robert van Sice?
Visiting Megan, and joining us for this episode, is percussionist Greg Beyer. His vast experience as an orchestral, jazz, contemporary classical player are complemented by his specialties in world music through his Acromusical project, which focuses on the Afro-Brazilian berimbau through performance, publication, research, and community building.
He even graces us with performances of some of his own compositions for berimbau during the episode.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and Hello
26:45 What sparked your interested in studying the music of Brazil?
48:00 Fitting this into your pedagogy?
56:40 Greg performs
Composer, performer, visual artist, and world-renown percussionist Julie Spencer joins us for this episode all the way from Germany.
In the words of Julie:
Music is an expression of the soul, mediated by the language of the intellect, through an open heart. Their substance and meaning are constantly redefined in the context of personal experience and collective consciousness. As we draw strength from the conflicts and sorrows of our lives, I hope to be a voice in the creation of music for love and joy in the world.
We talk about many things, highlighting those who are performing, commissioning, and premiering Julie's music.
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0:00 Intro and hello. Personal Julie stories with Ben, Casey, and Greg Beyer.
13:20 Teachers & inspirations? Music and meaning.
31:05 Recent performers of Julie's music
43:45 What keeps you centered?
51:33 Strong women and women in percussion
1:09:15 More questions from Facebook
Scotty Horey joins this week, ready to talk about teaching philosophies and passions, among other things. Scotty is active as a classical player and drumset specialist, called the "twin cities' hungriest young percussionist." Learn more about him at his website.
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If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
6:15 Snapshots of a Journey video series?
12:20 Dissertation topic? Types of learning. Mind/body
15:30 Teach students beyond the material? Is it our job to "make it fun?"
22:37 How to approach unmotivated students
36:35 Self-sabatoge
Will James, featured on the podcast previously as an active percussion blog, finally joins us for an episode at the launch of his giant new project: The Repertoire. Will is Principal Percussionist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, a position he won in his mid-20's while a member of the New World Symphony.
He guest lectures regularly at the University of Missouri - with Megan!!
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Hello
3:45 Recording "The Repertoire"
11:27 When should we introduce orchestral excerpts to students?
24:04 How many auditions did you take and how did you prepare from one to the next?
27:05 Mega Organ art installation
35:38 Modern Concert Snare Drum Roll book?
38:12 An artist agreeing with NEA cuts
1:08:08 Quick questions from FB (bourbon, exercise, St. Louis Symphony, Grover signature drum
We're all pretty jealous that Megan was able to bring Nani Agbeli to Mizzou to teach her students about Ewe music from Ghana: in drumming, dance, and song. Nani teaches at Cal Arts, where his specialties and passions are shared. In addition to performing, he designs textiles and is a graphic designer- both skills he uses to enhance his musical artistry.
His family owns and operates a school devoted to teaching music of Ghana. In addition to a beautiful accent, Nani provides some beautiful thoughts on this episode.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
6:15 Ewe vs other West African drumming styles?
10:30 History of Ewe drumming?
14:21 Nani's family arts center in Volta (Ghana)
18:10 Why study this music and culture?
26:50 Requests for book writing and transcription
21:22 Teaching at CalArts
36:11 What aspect of this drumming and dancing is the most challenging to explain?
39:14 Responsibilities at CalArts
44:34 Design your own textiles?
48:21 Coming to the US
52:25 Music/meaning/expression
58:20 Our experience with African dance, Dane Richeson's class at ZMF
1:01:33 Quick quotes on Nani's website
Together, Raymond and Carol Helble have contributed much to the field of percussion. As a composer, Raymond's percussion catalog ranges from ensemble works to collaborations with Leigh Howards Stevens, and recently a piece for marimba virtuoso Theodor Milkov.
Carol Helble organizes MMPAT: Mid-Missouri Percussion Arts Trophy. It began 10 years ago as a local marimba competition, but now includes categories for other percussion instruments, too. Each year she invites a soloist and clinician - in 2018 that will be Ji-Hye Jung.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro & hello
1:30 Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts Trophy
8:00 Writing for both Mr. Stevens and Mr. Theodore Milkov
22:00 Incorporating percussion into chamber music
34:20 Huge barrel drum?!
36:48 Who do think is an innovator in percussion today?
43:15 Who do think is an innovator in education today?
49:27 Summer percussion festivals
58:00 Diabolic Variations?
1:50:00 Putting yourself on social media?
Jacob Adam Garcia is a Texas-based classical percussionist finishing a DMA at UNT and actively performing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He and Laurel crossed paths at The Boston Conservatory.
He teaches percussion at Texas Woman's University, serves as Principal Percussionist at The Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, and is a section player for The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, and the Dallas Winds.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
4:15 Jacob's multiple teaching and performing jobs
5:30 Cars and gear...
10:50 Life and finishing up your DMA
15:45 Making time
19:40 Student debt forgiveness (part 2). Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan
49:30 Quick on Megan's I-Ching DMA presentation
1:00:44 Chamber Music America
Beverley Johnston is an internationally known percussionist on faculty at the University of Toronto. Her concerts often feature dramatic and theatrical elements, making her unique in the field.
She has released several CDs, and been on faculty at percussion seminars all around the world. In 2009 she was given the distinction of becoming an Ambassador of the Canadian Music Centre in honor of her exemplary commitment to the performance of the music of Canadian composers.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
5:40 Composer and husband Christos Hatzis
7:45 "Steel The Thunder" by Jean Piche
12:00 Michael Colgrass
23:17 Fertility Rites
26:00 How did you start in percussion?
31:25 Your non-traditional rep.?
36:10 When did you begin these theater pieces?
41:20 Laurel, poll and article on Creativity
Joining us this week are Micah Detweiler and Cristian Good. Micah is a percussion educator in the public schools in Indiana, and Cristian works at the musical superhouse Sweetwater.
Cristian also has experience recording drum corps and marching percussion. Whether you're about to graduate and start teaching, or are teaching those about to be teachers, this is an enlightening episode.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
5:15 Your favorite thing about working at Sweetwater?
8:15 Some things you wish you new going in as a new public school teacher?
20:32 Tips for building ensembles in public school?
27:50 Campus "free speech"
51:05 Getting students more well rounded?
57:30 Getting timpani taught at a young age?
1:01:20 Budgeting
Zoltan Racz is the founder of the percussion quartet Amadinda, which just celebrated 33 years of playing together. Laurel and Casey ran into him at the 2017 Taiwan International Percussion Convention in Taipei, and Casey couldn't resist sitting with him for an interview.
Along with past PAS President Julie Hill, Casey asks questions about Amadinda as well as Zoltan's experience in working with three powerhouse composers of the 20th century: John Cage, Gyorgy Ligeti, and Steve Reich.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro & Hello
8:30 Doll's House Story
15:40 Steve Reich, Music for 18
29:52 John Cage Four4
40:44 György Ligeti
44:47 Are these composers' personalities as we imagine?
53:05 beFORe JOHN title? Traditional Polynesian piece?
58:00 How do you feel about percussion ensemble today?
1:03:20 logistics of rehearsal space in the beginning?
Patti Niemi has been a member of the percussion section of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1992. She has several recordings to her credit, from opera productions to chamber percussion works.
Recently published in her memoir Sticking it Out. About it, author Kevin Smokler writes: "Sharp like a flam, resonant like the end of a roll, Sticking it Out is everything you want a music memoir to be: funny, honest and memorable."
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:43 Why write Sticking It Out? The process of writing this?
6:11 Julliard, at the time.
10:20 Deciding boundaries of what to share in the book? Sexual harassment
18:45 "Can't be done by a woman" ?!
24:20 Long term anxiety?
27:45 Auditions today, tenure.
30:28 Bringing a bad attitude
33:43 Laurel: International Women's Brass Conference. Four rolls women fill
45:10 Happening lately in the Opera?
49:02 Favorite Opera hits?
52:47 How has the book changed things for you as a percussionist?
55:15 Advice for young people?
57:20 Gary Burton quote
Joining us this week is Todd Meehan, creator of Liquidrum. Despite gaining notoriety with a variety of satirical videos alongside an active teaching, performing, and commissioning career, he describes himself as "not funny." He maintains an active website, blog, video presence, the Baylor percussion studio, all while balancing family life between.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
1:30 Todd's comedy & Liquidrum
3:50 "Fast Hands" challenge and the value of Play
13:50 Brian Blume: Why Liquidrum? The name? How has it influenced your playing and teaching?
20:00 Advertising, branding, marketing
27:40 From Todd's blog
38:05 Ben & Todd: Health
46:15 Casey: What's the sound? Diana Deutsch experiments
57:15 Scott Charvet: Any negative reception on the Liquidrum videos?
Joining us this week are the founders of Artifact Percussion: Lexie Fiorini and Aaron Trumbore. Established in 2014, they aim to produce quality percussion products by hand using methods, packaging, and practices that are sustainable and non-damaging to the planet. They made their first trip to the PASIC Exhibition Hall in 2017.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
4:30 How important is it to go to PASIC?
9:50 Facebook questions: Starting Artifact, background, business.
15:43 PAS Rhythm Discovery Center
20:40 Business skills you learned?
25:50 What products are next?
39:10 Megan: The Halo company
58:00 What ways do you hope to give back to the percussion community?
Escape 10 joins us for this episode. Made of Annie Stevens and Andrea Venet, the duo has made a name for themselves as commissioners, performers, and presenters of new keyboard-centric percussion duos. Their first tour was in 2011, and since they have released an album, recorded another, and performed in Showcase Concert at PASIC 2016.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
4:14 Long distance duo?
10:30 The Escape 10 name?
12:05 Putting pieces together long distance.
16:45 Relationship with Malletech and KPP?
19:57 Sponsorships in general
22:03 Casey: What's the sound? Hint: Alvin Lucier
36:40 Charlotte Mabrey: Memorizing and retaining music?
41:30 Megan: Silk Road Ensemble
51:15 Ben: Working with composers?
Joint Venture Percussion Duo, consisting of Rachel Zhang and Laurent Warnier, joined us all the way from Amsterdam for this week's episode. Rachel and Laurent are a husband/wife team, and in addition to their performance careers teach at the Conservatory in Amsterdam (Rachel) and the Conservatory in Luxembourg (Laurent).
Joint Venture was the first percussion group to win the Vriendenkrans Competition of Amsterdam's Concertgebouw in 2011, resulting in a tour of some of Europe's most prestigious concert halls. For that tour and ever since, the duo actively commissions and adapts new works to enhance their repertoire.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:30 intro and welcome to Laurent Warnier & Rachel Zhang
5:04 The trio, Joint Venture and Piano, arranging, programming
15:45 Ben: Jacob TV
28:05 Upcoming performances in North America?
31:20 Laurel: a study on rhythm and language
59:00 How does family/married life affect stage life (if at all)?
This week's guest is Eric Willie, Director of Percussion Studies at UNC Greensboro, active PAS committee chair, performer, and commissioner of new music. He also has extensive marching experience, spending bits of each summer with different corps of DCI.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
1:07 How was the Moscow Drum Fest.?
3:00 How was the competition different?
9:35 PASIC 17. Percussion Ensemble Competitions
17:40 Thoughts from Megan's Pedagogy panel at PASIC
25:00 Casey: what's the sound?
31:37 Laurel: TN football and marching band
56:10 Working with John Mackey on "Drum Music"?
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Joining us this week is Mark Ford: educator, performer, and composer, who probably needs no introduction. In addition to running the percussion program at The University of North Texas, he tours as a solo artist and composer. He is also the Artistic Director for the annual Drum Fest Marimba/Vibraphone Competition in Opole, Poland.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
4:55 Happenings in Poland? Casey's Marimba Concerto
7:15 Naoko Takada: How do you manage/juggle so much? Family & career?
9:37 A bit on the University of North Texas percusssion program
12:40 How you've been so successful in helping students win jobs.
16:11 Your experience with Keiko Abe.
24:30 Ben: Eric Sammutt
33:40 Kaipo: Your experience as our PAS President?
39:20 Casey: What's the sound
44:13 Mark, your composition process? A bit on "Head Talk"
55:00 Fun story of "Stubernic" in Poland
1:00:50 Ben and Mark's high school band director, Clyde Hughes.
1:04:50 A new Mark Ford CD release!
1:07:45 Thank and RIP to Mr. Mitchell Peters.
Joining us this week is drummer, feminist, social activist and Creator and Publisher of Tom Tom Magazine: Mindy Seegal Abovitz.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
2:20 Gender bias
4:33 Why so few female drummers? Tom Tom Magazine
11:27 What made you start Tom Tom Magazine and the Hit Like a Girl contest?
14:10 The "sexy" drummer girls?
23:06 The need for Tom Tom and the gender gap/gender inequality
33:33 The painted drumhead?
37:14 Casey: What's the sound? Conlon Nancarrow & Disney. Black Midi.
45:40 Ben: Sheila E.
50:30 Mindy's experience with Sheila E.
55:00 More on gender
1:05:52 Megan: The Tariro Organization
1:15:25 Marcia McCants: Finding your niche in a male dominated field? Getting yourself out there?
Joining us this week is renowned soloist and "Ambassadress of Polish Percussion Art:" Katarzyna Mycka. She travels the world frequently, performing, adjudicating, and teaching. In addition to teaching in Stuttgart, Germany, she is the Artistic Director of her own academy: International Katarzyna Mycka Marimba Academy, founded in 2003.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
1:10 Our top PASIC recommendations
10:00 Intro to Katarzyna Mycka
11:45 Fernando Meza: How is the marimba received today by professional concert organizations?
13:20 The first CD - Marimba Spiritual
16:33 Favorite CD of yours?
19:20 Tracy: When picking rep., what are the traits you look for in those pieces?
21:30 Ben: Working with Anna Ignatowicz?
28:50 Laurel: Would it help the rep. if marimbas decided a standard size?
32:42 Relationship with Marimba One and Ron Samuels?
35:35 Ben: Anders Koppel
40:30 Marimba and piano combination
47:22 Tracy: Other playing you're doing/have done? How has it influenced your marimba playing?
49:20 Favorite instrument to play with along with marimba?
50:40 Casey: How do you feel about the current solo rep.? Studying other percussion?
59:00 Ben: Do you see any big differences from European and US marimba players?
1:01:35 Tracy: Future for marimba?
1:04:00 What's next for you?
With Megan at Mizzou is Patience Munjeri, one of the only acclaimed female mbira players in the world. She's in the middle of a very long US tour, taking her all over the country as a performer, lecturer, and coach for college ensembles. It was so interesting to hear of the spiritual aspect of the instrument, as well as some of her personal stories coming of age as a woman who felt called to play the instrument.We have a slightly different format this week, with two recorded interviews as our content for you all. With us at JMU is Rob Sanderl, who presented his class on Basel drumming for our students. You can see the same thing at PASIC! He intentionally focuses more on aspects of playing than of cultural history.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
1:20 Can you please tell us about this tour?
4:17 Coming to the US to work and why.
5:40 The mbira choosing you
8:25 The physical challenge of mbira playing.
10:00 What you wear, and why, when playing.
12:00 Playing for entertainment vs spiritual playing?
16:20 Mbira is over 1000 years old.
21:30 Being a musician in Zimbabwe?
23:09 First song you ever learned?
24:21 Rob Sanderl intro and hello. Celanesen and snare rep. in Basel?
27:38 Traveling to Croatia?
30:07 What else are you looking forward to at PASIC?
31:44 Upcoming compositions?
36:15 Fasnacht in Basel
Part 2 of our conversation that began on in episode 115, recorded on October 8th 2017.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:19 Megan/Casey: Diversity and "safe space"
23:40 Mike Spiro: speech, diversity, "safe space"
31:20 Laurel: The Highly Sensitive Person
43:20 Your experience with cultural appropriation?
52:10 Dealing with traveling to Cuba?
56:30 Final thoughts on the CD
Joining us this week are the creators of the cd BAKINI: En el Nuevo Mundo: Michael Spiro, Mike Mixtacki, and Joe Galvin. Mixtacki provides some vocals for the album, while Spiro and Galvin play on every track.
There's much to say about their expertise and what we learned chatting with them - so much that we needed two complete episodes to share it with you! Here's part 1. Part 2 coming next week.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:45 Why such a pedagogical approach to the CD? Great liner notes
6:40 Beginning as an educator?
10:55 How did you three get together?
15:28 Mike D'Angelo and Mike Spiro at IU
18:10 Term from the glossary: Oricha
21:53 Your feelings on the current state of Ethnomusicolgy?
44:11 Cross-culture collaborations & style collaborations.
Well, we made it to 100 episodes! And we haven't run out of guests or things to talk about. In this episode we recap a little, talk about our favorite moments, and wax poetic on music, art, and life.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:40 Has the podcast been what you initially expected?
7:50 Casey and Laurel in Taiwan: Gongs, TIPC Convention and competition
23:40 Ben preparing new rep. this summer
25:35 Megan travelling this summer, visiting the Marimba One factory
32:06 Laurel at New Music Gathering
45:50 Casey writing this summer
49:01 Favorite segments?
55:12 Stats of bookings, topics, etc...
1:04:40 Criticism
This week's guest, Gene Koshinski, is a performer, composer and educator, teaching at The University of Minnesota Duluth. He has performed worldwide, receiving awards as player and composer throughout his career.
Recent notable publications are his method book TWO, a guide to two-mallet technique and practice, and his Concerto for Marimba and Choir. He has also commissioned great composers such as John Luther Adams, Alejandro Vinao, Stuart Saunders Smith, and others.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
1:30 Summer, projects, kids.
5:25 Maximizing practice time
8:00 Gene's book, "TWO" currently
10:57 Some favorite two-mallet rep.?
13:33 Gene's new snare drum solo
16:20 Ben: "When Snare Drum gets Weird" 5 orchestra pieces that use snare drum in unusual ways.
22:03 How to "get started" composing?
30:15 Writing for other instruments and the unfamiliar?
33:45 Quey Duo
39:00 Megan: Make Music NY Day
45:07 State of Minnesota percussion community? Music education in Minnesota
52:40 Where are you finding your inspiration?
54:20 PAS Competition Committee?
We're joined this week by the hilarious and talented (hilariously talented?) Morris Palter. His contributions to the modern rep of percussion are numerous, and his approach to work, hard work, and dedication are welcome and needed.
He's currently teaching at the University of Arizona after building a great program at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
7:08 Working with Pierre Boulez
11:14 Why release the new album on vinyl only? Rags?
21:50 John Conway's "Game of Life"
31:07 New Music Committee at PAS?
44:50 Laurel: Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning"
51:45 Value of interest
1:08:10 Corigliano's Percussion Concerto
1:12:33 Vinko Globokar's "Toucher"
1:16:30 Studying at UCSD and Steven Schick?
1:22:13 Biking in AZ vs AK?
For anyone wondering about the day-to-day experiences of a public school teacher and administrator, this is the episode for you. Dr. Alli Martin, vice-president at a middle school in Utah, speaks to some of the challenges facing teachers today that are not present in training.
She recently finished a dissertation on the balance of inclusion of LGBTQ students (to prevent episodes of depression, anxiety, and suicide) with others who claim such actions are directly offensive to them, due to their own religious beliefs or preferences. Alli is also Casey's older sister.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello
3:20 Brandon Arvay: It appears as though student success is now outsourced completely to teachers. With parents putting the responsibility on teachers to teach student behavior management and problem solving and students mandating that teachers prove the educational value of school subjects, what skills do modern educators need to handle this paradigm shift?
Relating culturally, importance of diversity, cultural competency
8:15 "S.T.E.M." and "S.T.E.A.M." Can we just study music for music's sake?
13:10 Casey - Headline: "Teacher Resigns from student abuse...". ACES and Trauma Informed Instructional Practices, "cement shoes",
20:20 Fostering Resilient Learners (book). "Cement Shoes"
27:00 Hiring teachers that are capable of dealing with tough classroom settings.
29:30 Laurel: Article - "A Lesson in Unconventional Love", meditation/self-care in school curricula
46:10 Adam Hopper: Thoughts on standardized testing?
49:06 Alan Lang: Anything you could change to make a school run better? LGBTQ inclusion
50:45 Addressing opposition to LGBTQ inclusion
55:20 Addressing the notion that support of LGBTQ is a religious "oppression"
59:15 Micah Detweiler: I've seen many teachers get frustrated by administrators for various reason (lack of attention to their needs, seeming to prioritize other depts. etc...) What don't teachers understand about the job administrators have to do? What influenced you to become an administrator?
1:03:50 How should the School Board respond to Ms. Westcott's address and resignation?
Joining us this week is Sherry Rubins, director of the percussion program at The University of Texas at San Antonio. She is also Principal Percussionist of the San Antonio Opera and Principal Timpanist and Percussionist of the Mid Texas Symphony. On top of this, she has also been a fitness instructor for many years.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 Intro and hello
4:45 Your relationship to the orchestra jobs?
6:25 As a Fitness Instructor
8:35 PAS Health and Wellness Committee
9:55 Parents as their kids' private music teachers
12:00 Casey: Ms. Count Metronome App
19:40 New push to promote more women and diversity in PAS
33:20 Megan: New Music USA project awardees
43:20 Mom, Professor, and Fitness Instructor. How?!
48:40 Ben: Percussion works of Eric Ewazen
55:30 Sherry on the orchestra gig
1:00:10 Studio structures, budget
1:03:40 How is the percussion field doing ?
Joining us this week is Corps and Programs Director for Santa Clara Vanguard, and owner of the NY-based company Gallant Entertainment: Shaun Gallant. He's the youngest Program Director for SCV, and we're glad to release this episode just in time for DCI finals! Good luck to all!
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:00 Shaun's company, Gallant Entertainment
7:55 The audition process?
11:45 Still playing much?
12:53 Corporate gigs are good! Corporate audience vs other
16:44 Megan: Extravagant DCI uniforms
20:56 The new Santa Clara Vangaurd uniforms?
25:53 Special secret cotton shirt
28:00 How did you become Corps Director the SCV?
29:40 Casey: Streaming payout and tricking sites like Spotify
49:53 Licensing in drum corps
55:09 Any upcoming projects, Shaun? How has DCI membership changed?
Joining us this week are violist Molly Gebrian and pianist/percussionist Danny Holt. They've just released their first album titled Trios for Two, which opens with a piece by our very own Casey Cangelosi.
Danny has another piano/percussion project, commissioning and premiering solo works for the mixed instrumentation.
Molly teaches at UW-Eau Claire, and has a background in neuroscience, which she incorporates into her teaching via practice strategies. Check out her website for some free documents about it!
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello
1:35 Molly's practice techniques list.
8:05 Being in a long-distance duo?
10:40 Danny's Piano Percussion project
14:46 Practicality of Danny's projects? Percussion logistics.
28:50 Casey: What's the sound?
32:00 Trios for Two CD. Picking the composers? Recording.
45:30 Megan: Per Norgard, Sun and Moon music
1:00:24 Molly's gig at WI
1:02:20 Funding the CD?
Jason Ginter, faculty at the University of San Diego and renown timpanist. joins us for this episode. He's been Principal Timpanist with several orchestras, and owns the company JGPercussion, which specializes in quality mallets and other percussion products.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
3:40 JG Percussion?
7:00 Casey: Newport Music Series fail
15:05 Calculated Risks
22:45 New products on the horizon? New wood mallet.
24:20 Connections and meeting our people.
27:22 Your Dave Herbert series, and signature artists.
34:09 Casey: What's the sound?
42:57 How can you make the non-percussionists on a committee "hear" the other parts of an excerpt?
45:15 San Diago Percussion Festival?
47:20 Megan: Wula Drum & Dance Retreat
56:35 Balance business and playing? "Pathologically busy"
58:50 Favorite timpani part/piece? What mallets? Solos?
Joining us this week is The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps' snare drum section leader and percussion arranger Mark Reilly. In addition to his performance/military career, Mark regularly presents clinics on Swiss and American rudimental drumming, chairs the PAS Marching Committee, and has been involved in many Military Tattoos abroad.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
5:17 What's new, Mark?
6:40 Taking the Corp overseas? The Old Guard
8:45 The Basel Tattoo?
11:45 How do drum and fife traditions vary around the US, and the world?
18:00 Starting very young.
18:45 Casey: Ligeti and Fluxus
35:19 International rudimental drumming scene? Some of Mark's favorite drummers
43:12 How did rudimental drumming spread?
47:35 Megan: Company of Fifers and Drummers
52:50 Competitions and what judges look for?
54:10 Experience as Chair of PAS Marching Committee?
57:10 Traditional Drum Corps in Universities?
1:01:30 Top Secret Drum Corps?
Joining us this week is the founder and builder of Marimba One instruments. He uses his classical pianist ear and reverence for fine wood to craft an ideal sound.
We talk about why he started building marimbas, the current state of rosewood as an endangered species, and changing global trade regulations that affect instrument building.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
2:15 how did you start building marimbas?
4:15 early obsticals in starting the company?
6:11 Why not use round tubes on your low end?
8:26 "Basso Bravo" vs the traditional resonators?
16:50 Taking care of our marimbas? How long until retuning?
24:00 Ben: The state of rosewood
45:20 Special build requests?
51:50 The new Marimba One vibraphone
1:02:42 Marimba One mallets?
Joining us this week is Rebecca Kite, whom, with a lifetime of achievements behind her, isn't slowing down any time soon. We chat about her experience researching and writing her book about Keiko Abe and the history of marimba, as well as her new Kite Percussion Pedagogy Project.
She will reveal the findings and analysis of the Kite Percussion Pedagogy Project at PASIC 2017.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello.
2:56 New video recordings and doing it yourself
7:50 The importance of making video/audio recordings today?
12:35 The Keiko Abe book.
30:00 Marimba still progressing today.
34:15 Ben: Clair Omar Musser. Some chat on marimba orchestras.
49:45 Developments of percussion ensemble around 1960
52:45 Rebecca's Pedagogy Project (will be at PASIC 2017)
Joining us this week is Valerie Naranjo, gyil virtuoso, composer, percussionist for SNL and college instructor. In addition to being taught by some of percussion's biggest names, she is also responsible for liberating women as gyil players in Ghana: they were previously not allowed to play the instrument.
Speaking with her was a delightful experience. Her warmth and sweet spirit is evident.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello. RIP Composer David Maslanka
3:03 iTrump lawsuit
7:50 Valerie Naranjo intro, current projects?
10:47 Gyil Concerto with the Ghana National Symphony?
13:40 Explaining Gyil
21:30 How to approach West African Drumming with limited resources
29:45 Wula Drum & Dance Retreat
35:55 You liberated the Gyil for women in the Dagara Nation, how do you feel about the current debates/conflicts surrounding Charlottesville VA?
50:50 Megan: Dagbe Arts Center
1:02:25 Working with Zakir Hussain?
1:07:02 Your upcoming PASIC performance with Africa West?
We're joined this week by Peter Soroka, recent DMA graduate from FSU and winner of a position with "Pershing's Own" US Army Band.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello. Casey recording Ligeti's Poème Symphonique For 100 Metronomes
6:20 intro and hello to Peter Soroka
11:20 Going to FSU, John Parks, preparing for jobs
16:50 Peter, please tell us about your experience going through MEPS?
23:10 Laurel: PAS Committees
36:03 Casey: about "um...ah...like..." speech fillers
52:55 Peter's audition day
We're joined this week by John Beck: member of PAS Hall of Fame, recipient of PAS Outstanding Service Award, alongside several Lifetime Achievement Awards. He's now Professor Emeritus at Eastman, where he taught for 49 years.
Even after a lifetime of work, he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello.
2:05 JB's History of Percussion class
4:45 "Percussion Matters"
10:30 Some of your current projects?
13:40 Enjoying playing. People person.
17:45 Online course? Mastermind Lounge
21:30 Facebook: did you ever experience "burnout"?
25:40 Facebook: what's the key to the percussion world being sustainable?
32:44 University: Admin., adjunct instructors, costs.
46:15 Quickly on the military band
48:35 Facebook: Steve Gadd and Sonata for Timpani?
53:14 Facebook: Advice to new university professors?
1:01:45 Laurel: Man's Search for Meaning: Viktor E. Frankl. The "Straight Line"
1:13:45 Megan: Quote
This week we're joined by Evan Chapman, who has developed a reputation as photographer, videographer, percussionist, and composer. His quartet, Square Peg Round Hole, has released two albums.
Watch here. Listen below.
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0:00 intro and hello
1:11 Megan, how's Interlochen? Welcome Eli Geruschat, how's the Percussion Coordinator gig?
6:37 Any specific band or artists that inspired the music of Square Peg Round Hole?
9:48 Youtube
12:30 How did you start recording for other people?
15:40 How has recording others affected how you now record yourself?
18:13 Ben: Thierry De Mey
22:54 Evan & Casey on performing/recording Thierry De Mey
28:06 Starter's list of audio & video gear?
32:30 DSLR vs dedicated camcorders?
37:07 Megan: Sound baths
47:00 Casey: Sound treatment ideas, some history.
58:10 How did you get the job as touring drummer for Lydia?
1:01:50 Was there an audition process for the Lydia gig?
Joining us this week is Paul Rennick: Assistant Professor in Percussion at the University of North Texas, and Percussion Caption Head/Arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps.
Watch here. Listen below.
If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro & Hello
3:06 Writing lately
9:50 Convincing students of the fundamentals? Teaching ideas.
22:25 How the marching side and concert side blend.
33:20 How do you see DCI & WGI changing the activity? Where/how does Vanguard fit into this? Digital and theatrical additions
47:03 Casey - The President's "New Microphone" - News report.
52:07 Ben - Bob Becker
1:00:43 Working with Sandi, and thanks from Paul
Our excitement and enjoyment of sitting down for a 90-minute interview with composer Jennifer Higdon was cut short when we realized that, after signing off, a technical error caused us to lose the bulk of the interview. We managed to save the last few minutes, and have her permission to release them.
In this short clip, Jennifer speaks about her piece, Blue Cathedral.
Watch here. Listen below.
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