@ Percussion Podcast

Continuing our conversation with Brad...Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello0:40 "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 shop17:17 Neuroscience Says Listening to This Song Reduces Anxiety by Up to 65 Percent (total BS)(Rights marches too).36:33 Jacob TV47:40 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 hello5:28 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 gestu

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. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello10:30 Do's and don'ts of arranging 14:45 What's impacted your compositional style?21:35 Christopher Rouse39:50 Research of Tomas Chamorro Premuzic, dangers of confidence. The Dunning-Kruger Effect1:15:35 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. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello6:15 Keeping a busy real-life balance, how?13:12 Student peer environment17:20 Student to adjunt to full-time job26:23 Colin's dissertation: 10,000 hours, practice habbits, routines, methods 58:45 Normal variences: fingers, tendons, muscles, grips1:11:30 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.Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

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 Podcast8:10 Favorite PASIC moments? New music performances, taste boundary.20:06 Laurel -Super Brain book. Beta Blockers48:18 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 Rutsche5:05 Basel Drumming, style and distinctions14:15 Classical style and marching style in Switzerland18:50 Philipp Rutsche on Basel Drumming21:30 Basel Tattoo?25:00 "Swiss Army Triplet"27:33 Philipp Meyer - Fasnacht, Cliques, guilds42:05 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.Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello6:05 Brian Nozny glass wind chime shootout 16:50 Mark's marimba book35:15 Tech fun fact37:55 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 hello6:30 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 retires26:50 Misophonia42:45 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 topic1:07:07 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 hello4:50 Composition questions vs percussionists' questions?8:15 Current projects?12:50 Compulsion vs addiction in practice22:07 Tenure things, busy things35:30 Wonder Woman news update40:57 Vinko GlobokarFacebook 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

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. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello26:45 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.Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 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 music43:45 What keeps you centered?51:33 Strong women and women in percussion1:09:15 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.Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello6:15 Snapshots of a Journey video series?12:20 Dissertation topic? Types of learning. Mind/body15:30 Teach students beyond the material? Is it our job to "make it fun?"22:37 How to approach unmotivated students36:35 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. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Hello3:45 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 installation35:38 Modern Concert Snare Drum Roll book?38:12 An artist agreeing with NEA cuts1:08:08 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 hello6:15 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 transcription21:22 Teaching at CalArts36:11 What aspect of this drumming and dancing is the most challeng

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. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro & hello1:30 Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts Trophy8:00 Writing for both Mr. Stevens and Mr. Theodore Milkov22:00 Incorporating percussion into chamber music34:20 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 festivals58:00 Diabolic Variations?1:50:00

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 hello4:15 Jacob's multiple teaching and performing jobs5:30 Cars and gear...10:50 Life and finishing up your DMA15:45 Making time19:40 Student debt forgiveness (part 2). Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan49:30 Quick on Megan's I-Ching DMA presentation1:00:44 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 hello5:40 Composer and husband Christos Hatzis7:45 "Steel The Thunder" by Jean Piche12:00 Michael Colgrass23:17 Fertility Rites26:00 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. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello5:15 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 & Hello8:30 Doll's House Story15:40 Steve Reich, Music for 1829:52 John Cage Four440:44 György Ligeti44:47 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?