I am always looking for ways to improve the concert-going experience. As artists, I think we need to find a better way to attract and retain an audience. We need to think about concert programming and how to put pieces together that will be interesting to the audience and help our students learn about musicality and programming. I have always disliked going to percussion concerts and/or recitals and watching percussionists move equipment in between pieces. For this reason, I generally choose to have three parts on my percussion ensemble programs with minimal (or no) movements in between pieces. This takes some planning, but I think it is a more enjoyable show for the audience. (more…)
Turkey week is finally here! I am looking forward to spending time with my family and enjoying some good home cooked meals. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and safe travels. Here’s some things to read before the Triptafen kicks in after the turkey feast. Happy Thanksgiving. (more…)
PASIC is over and it was a great week. I was so glad to see and meet so many people who I have known over the years and through social media. Since I was on the road all last week, I had a lot of time to read and catch up on my RSS feeds. Here are some of the things I have been reading. Enjoy. (more…)
PASIC week is here! Each November, percussionists from all over the world congregate at a convention center to watch clinics, attend masterclasses and clinics and talk about the new developments in the percussion world. It is a great time to catch up with old friends and meet new friends as well as see the new percussion products on the exhibit floor. As many of you know, I am the Percussion Product Manager for Yamaha Percussion. If you are going to be at PASIC, please stop by the booth and say hi. I look forward to meeting readers of this blog. Below is some reading for the plane ride. Enjoy! (more…)
Happy November. I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween. I had a great time with the family and my kids collected more candy than I thought was possible. November also means that the semester is coming to an end, recitals are happening, PASIC is only a week away and there is only 52 more shopping days until Christmas. Who is going to PASIC? If you are at PASIC, be sure to come by and say hi. Enjoy this week’s reads. Leave a comment below with recommendations for me to read. (more…)
