How many top 10 lists did you read this year? Every year, we are inundated with posts about the top “things”. But why are there never “the worst posts of the year?” So I decided to post my 5 worst posts of the year in hopes you take some time to check these out. While these posts did not did not get viewed many times, I know there are some good pointers for the percussion educator. Happy New Year and I look forward to a great 2018! (more…)
David Garibaldi has been an inspiration to many drummers and musicians for over 40 years. I remember the first time I saw him play in 1991 with Tower of Power. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and after the performance, I went to Tower Records and bought all of the TOP albums I could find.
Drumeo creates high quality videos of the top drummers. Even if you are not a drum set player, take some time and watch this video.
From YouTube:
David began playing drums professionally at 17 years old and joined Tower of Power at the age of 24 in 1970. Not too long after, he became one of the most sought after drummers in the industry. He has featured in hundreds of songs by notable artists and has also appeared on live TV and films. David won the R&B/Funk drummer award from Modern Drummer magazine for five consecutive years from 1980 to 1985, and again in 2003.
VF Artist YoungKyoung Lee performs Alejandro Viñao’s new marimba/electronics solo ‘Madera, Viento y Metal’ (Wood, Wind & Metal).
If you are not familiar with Alejandro Viñao, check out his other works for marimba and percussion ensemble:
Khan Variations: Performance by Svet Stoyanov
Estudios de Frontera: Performance by Eastman Percussion Ensemble
ABOUT THE PIECE: (more…)
“What Carol is This?” is a medley of “What Child is This” and “Carol of the Bells” for steel drum ensemble. This performance took place on Sunday, December 3, 2017 Lakewood (CA) 1st Methodist Church.
Performers:
Kristen Harper, Dave Gerhart – Lead Pan
Ross Harper – Double Tenor
Dave Beery – Double Seconds
Cynthia Perez Gerhart – Triple Guitars
Jackie Beery – 6 Bass
Only 11 more days until Christmas. Thanks for all of your support. This blog continues to grow every year and I appreciate everyone. If you like what you read, please consider supporting the blog by visiting my Amazon Wish List. I have some big announcements in 2018. Stay tuned. Happy Holidays. (more…)
Percussionist, Eric Martin, regularly posts videos on YouTube. This is a recent tune called “Hired Goons”. According to the description on YouTube, “this tune was untitled during the whole recording process, then this phrase popped in my head when I was editing the video. Instruments used: tambourine, rebolo, compact conga, cajon, egg shakers, cowbell, vibraphone, MalletKat, and Alesis V49”
Written, performed, recorded, mixed, mastered, filmed, and edited by Eric Martin.
It’s December and the year is almost over. It was great to see everyone at PASIC. Here are some posts to read as you finish your final concerts for the year or when you are sitting in the pit playing Nutcracker. Happy Holidays. (more…)
I was saddened to hear the news that Mitchell Peters passed away this weekend. While I never met him, I have played and taught out of his books for over 20 years. He was a great educator and performer and he will be missed.
I don’t think it is a stretch to say that every percussionist in the United States has played something that Mitchell Peter’s wrote. He composed well known marimba solos such as Waves, Yellow After the Rain and Sea Refractions. He wrote many method books including Intermediate Snare Drum Etudes, Developing Dexterity and Fundamental Method for Mallets. He also wrote chamber and percussion ensemble works such as A la nañigo, Sonata-Allegro and Study in 5/8. These are just a few of the many works he wrote for percussion.
Rest in Peace Mr. Peters.
long way home, for solo marimba (4.3 oct.) was composed and performed by Dr. Chad Floyd in the fall of 2016. This piece is self-published and is available from the composer.
Many years ago, I was introduced to the Aslatua. According to DjembeDirect.com, “the aslatua (ah-SLAH-too-uh) is a unique hand percussion toy that will capture your attention with its tricky polyrhythm. This simple instrument (also known as aslato, kashaka, cascas, televi, kasso-kassoni, and more) is played by holding one gourd in the palm while simultaneously shaking and swinging the second gourd. The gourds come from the Swawa tree in West Africa, which are dried, hollowed, filled with pebbles, and connected with a string. You’ll have hours of fun playing with this traditional African instrument.”
The first video (above) is a great freelance video of the Aslatua. If you are interested in learning how to play the aslatua, check out the instructional video below.
Skype Lessons with Dr. Gerhart