Back to John Tafoya Web Page.

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Here are what some previous guests have written about my web site:

Entry of Mar 2, 2002 at 21:07 [EST]
From: Stuart Chafetz - paukenstu@aol.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Keep up the great work! Stu

Entry of Mar 2, 2002 at 21:36 [EST]
From: stephen lynerd - slynerd@hotmail.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site:

Entry of Mar 3, 2002 at 22:05 [EST]
From: Andrew Simco - timpman90@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: One of the best sources for instruments for sale, and other useful information on the Web. A very helpful site indeed! I was able to get hold of a fine set of Light drums from Ron Carlisle as a result of a visit to this site.

Entry of Mar 4, 2002 at 17:30 [EST]
From: Marc Adler - magmasystems@yahoo.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Beautiful site John. Thanks for linking to my Timpani and Percussion Excerpts page. The lessons and rep lists are also very helpful. Marc Adler (Summit and South Orange Symphonies - New Jersey)

Entry of Mar 6, 2002 at 23:33 [EST]
From: Markus - you know

The drums look great. Are the rods black? Nice look! I see you got the regular counterhoops. Those ok for YOU? Talk to you later. ML

Entry of Mar 11, 2002 at 14:01 [EST]
From: Michael McNicholas - paukenspieler69@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Good source of general info.

Entry of Mar 18, 2002 at 13:10 [EST]
From: lex maat md - maat@thch.azr.nl


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: Hi mr Tafoya, I'am a cardiothoracic surgeon, playing timpany when time allows me. My teacher was Loet Talboom, principle timpanist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. Recently I joined the Dutch Physicians Orchestra "I Medici" as timpanist. I'am verry happy to come to Washinton dc for the ISHLT convention and I already have tickets for the Mahler concert on April 12; to watch and hear you playing must be exciting. At home I play on 4 old machine timp's; 2 were built in Leipzig by Poschard, 2 were built by an unknown Dutch builder. I recently mounted new counterhoops and renaissance heads from Koos Terpstra (Ajax timpany) with an exceptional good result on the sound. I often visit your webpage, searching for latest news, new links etc. Best regards, Lex Maat.

Entry of Mar 22, 2002 at 22:48 [EST]
From: Dave Smith - kettledrummer@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: One of my favorite destinations on the Web. Contains a lot of useful and interesting information. Keeps getting better all the time!

Entry of Apr 10, 2002 at 02:12 [EST]
From: Russ Nyberg - huskydrum@aol.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: Great site! Always informative and helpful. Keep up the good work!

Entry of Apr 13, 2002 at 09:37 [EST]
From: Nathan Cole - nlcole@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Great to see more of the percussion section featured as an equal to other members of the orchestra! i am a brass band percussionist in the Uk, also studying music and university. Timpani is my preference and i was happy to see the repetoire you have listed. Do you prefer the French or German grip. How successful do you think finger rolls are? Nathan

Entry of Apr 25, 2002 at 18:48 [EST]
From: William Arsoctt - will@arscottassociates.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Excellent site! Do you know of any `?dition' lists drawn from band music?

Entry of Apr 26, 2002 at 20:47 [EST]
From: momo - qeenchair_7@yahoo.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: interesting...... why u did not make club for whom were interested in playing the timpani?

Entry of May 23, 2002 at 16:44 [EST]
From: Jeffrey Keene - jeffgkeene@yahoo.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: Great page. Just to let you know the Marine band audition in April did not take anyone and will be re-auditioning in August.

Entry of May 23, 2002 at 23:27 [EST]
From: Richard - nofx2925@yahoo.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: GREAT SITE! I have enjoyed all the useful information and I thank you for providing me with this.

Entry of May 31, 2002 at 16:18 [EST]
From: Chris DeChiara - cjdeech@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Great website!!! I look forward to more online lessons. Your audition article is right on the money. Are just students allowed to the clinics at U of MD...?

Entry of Jun 16, 2002 at 01:04 [EST]
From: Andy Simco - timpman90@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: John: This is a great web site. Congrats on your new position at U of M! I have you to thank for putting me on the trail of some good timpani. I was able to purchase the set of Light drums owned by Ron Carlisle. As a matter of fact, I am using them for my summer stint as timpanist with the Des Moines Metro Opera. They are ever so easy to play! Thanks again! Best Andy Simco

Entry of Jun 23, 2002 at 11:25 [EST]
From: thomas rubin -


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: hej me name is thomas rubin. I am from Denmark, is are werry god page you have if you will like to heare me www.thomasrubin.dk

Entry of Jun 30, 2002 at 22:30 [EST]
From: Matthew McKay - Bizket1310@aol.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: I recenty played percussion for the NSO Summer Institute and will be in the NSO Fellowship program this coming year as a sophmore. I like your page and love your Timpani playing. I look foward to meeting you and possibly working with you in the fall.

Entry of Jul 2, 2002 at 03:11 [EST]
From: Adam Mamula - amamula@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: this is a nice site. thanks.

Entry of Jul 24, 2002 at 19:43 [EST]
From: Nathan Cole - nlcole@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: hi John, Can you tell me where I can buy the music for the Walter Kaufmann Concertino for Timpani and small orchestra. I live in England and would love to start rehearsing it with my university orchestra. Best wishes and i love the web site! Nathan

Entry of Aug 3, 2002 at 20:51 [EST]
From: Marc Maddrie - Mrcmddr@aol.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Terrific!!!

Entry of Aug 22, 2002 at 20:45 [EST]
From: Adam Mamula - amamula@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Mr. Tafoya, I like the the Phil Hendrie Show too! Hey, Jonathan Rance is a good friend a mine. He's the other timpanist who works at the Kennedy Center.

Entry of Aug 23, 2002 at 21:16 [EST]
From: Gretchen McCracken - gnmccracken@webtv.net


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Really intersting to see what insturments are around in the area. I grew up here in Maryland and went to college in N.C. and studied music and came back to Maryland and have really enjoyed knowing there are other percussionist in the area with more stuff than I DO!!!!! Gretchen

Entry of Sep 9, 2002 at 07:52 [EST]
From: Tham Nguyen - tnguyen@visualnetworks.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: John, I don't know if you remember me but I'm a friend of Pam Hentges. We met at Wolf Trap where you were so kind to autograph a copy of the program for Bruce Davies. I just wanted to thank you. He was surprised and pleased. I believe I put it lightly when I say that he is an admire of your abilities and playing style. Thanks again and take care. (By the way - he was the one who told me about your website.) /tn

Entry of Sep 13, 2002 at 18:18 [EST]
From: Mike Tully - mtully@cablemo.net


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: Did you design this site yourself ? Good Job !

Entry of Sep 30, 2002 at 04:05 [EST]
From: Wayne J. du Maine - wdumaine@nyc.rr.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Great homepage. I used to study piano with your Mom. I'm sure that you remember me. I've been living and free lancing in NYC for 16 years. How's your sister? I'd love to hear how she's doing. Please email me at wdumaine@nyc.rr.com or check out my group's website at www.manhattanbrassquintet.org Peace---Wayne

Entry of Oct 8, 2002 at 20:23 [EST]
From: Gerardo Salazar - gerasalazar@37.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Excelent and complete Percussion web site. Congratulation. Gerardo Salazar Principal Timpanist with Chile Symphony Orchestra.

Entry of Oct 11, 2002 at 23:42 [EST]
From: Adrian Guadalupe Tafoya Moreno - tafoyadri@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Estoy muy orgulloso de ti Juanito.(translation: I'm very proud of you Johnny). Sinceramente... Adrian Tafoya

Entry of Nov 5, 2002 at 13:52 [EST]
From: Matt McKay - bizket1310@aol.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: I seriously think you have the best site out there!

Entry of Nov 11, 2002 at 01:11 [EST]
From: Linda Gurney - lsgmusic@swbell.net


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: I'm a musician who is about to bring my son to PASIC, and thought I'd check this site. It's great! Are you related to the musical Tafoya family in St. Louis?

Entry of Nov 25, 2002 at 16:59 [EST]
From: Bruce Davies - bdavies@visualnetworks.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: If you want a second career designing websites I'm sure you could find one. Great job.

Entry of Dec 4, 2002 at 20:39 [EST]
From: Cara Thornberry - t_cara@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Great page! I saw you at PASIC and you were awesome!

Entry of Dec 9, 2002 at 22:28 [EST]
From: Brian Flescher - Brifri241@aol.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Wow! I was just blown away by your timpani clinic at PASIC! I'm re-thinking my whole concept of sound now. Also, last summer I studied with Keith Aleo at interlochen. He spoke very high of you and I certainly was not dissapointed. I will definately be checking out U of Maryland in the future.

Entry of Feb 11, 2003 at 12:39 [EST]
From: Andrew Proctor - proalnd@bellsouth.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Terrific!

Entry of Feb 12, 2003 at 14:33 [EST]
From: Phil Banner - pbanner@juno.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: Great Website, John-- Really enjoyed your PASIC presentation last November!

Entry of Feb 22, 2003 at 12:49 [EST]
From: Ariel Zaviezo - azaviezo@puc.cl


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: I think that your homepage is great! I study percussion in Santiago de Chile, and your page is very useful and educational. my best regards. Ariel Z.

Entry of Mar 15, 2003 at 20:47 [EST]
From: Allee - classicalpercussionist@mozartmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Hi! I am a seventeen year old percussionist. I am the only totally blind percussionist in my state. I hope to attend a conservatory of music and join a symphony orchestra. I found your site when I was searching for adult percussionists for inspiration. Your site is awesome! Keep up the great work!

Entry of Mar 27, 2003 at 13:36 [EST]
From: David Morris - jdtimpani53@aol.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Looks great. There is a lot of very useful information at your site. This is a terrific public service for timpanists. David Morris Professor of Music Principal Timpanist Macon, GA Symphony

Entry of Apr 05, 2003 at 07:04 [EST]
From: Lionel Chan - djlionel@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Really well laid out. Thumbs up!

Entry of Apr 24, 2003 at 04:50 [EST]
From: Greg Baxter - bout@hotkey.net.au


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: extremely informative! Thank you.

Entry of May 03, 2003 at 00:02 [EST]
From: Paul Wong - WongSingYin@yahoo.com.hk


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: The information is very useful for Timpanist!

Entry of May 06, 2003 at 20:56 [EST]
From: Coleman Sholl - timpanist2@gotnet.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Thank you for your insights into determining the correct timpani head size. I own some older Ringer timps that I am just now getting around to replacing the heads.

Entry of Jun 29, 2003 at 22:35 [EST]
From: allee - timpanist@drumcorps.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: This site is totally awesome! I am principal timpanist in Court of Honor Drum Corps. I hope to join an orchestra as my career. http://www.courtofhonor.org.

Entry of Jul 03, 2003 at 12:07 [EST]
From: Jean-Etienne OTTENHOF - porcepic1@tiscali.fr


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: John's website is probably the best, most complete and interesting on the web today. I am French, an amateur timpanist (my job is teacher of literature) and I take private lessons with Kurt-Hans Goedicke (former timpanist, London Symphony Orchestra). I have also my own timpani website, please visit and enjoy it ! the address is : http://jetottenhof.chez.tiscali.fr. Read you soon !

Entry of Aug 24, 2003 at 11:59 [EST]
From: Austin Belknap - Drummerno189@netscape.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: I am the timpani player at OHHS in Boca Raton FL and i love this site!!! I want to take all the pictures out of it and make a "timpani album" Timpani's are the #1 of all the percussion intruments. And I also had a question.... if you played marching tenors, is it just like playing timpani (in any way)? Thanks, Austin

Entry of Aug 29, 2003 at 14:40 [EST]
From: w weigle - wweigle@talon.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Researching Online Music Course.

Entry of Oct 26, 2003 at 11:12 [EST]
From: Jeffrey Biegel - sharpnat@aol.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: Great site John. I e-mailed you about a new piece Richard Danielpour is composing for me titled, "Concerto for Piano and Percussion" (without orchestra--but will be on the same program with another concerto). Richard thought it would be neat to feature outstanding percussion sections of orchestras who don't ordinarily shine in the front. Nexus will do the premiere in 06-07--thought you would be interested to know in case you can present it on your turf. (It will be scored for piano and 5 players--approx. 18-20') Best in everything--Jeffrey Biegel sharpnat@aol.com

Entry of Nov 18, 2003 at 10:08 [EST]
From: Donna Thompson - donnaleebop@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Awesome!

Entry of Nov 20, 2003 at 06:43 [EST]
From: Moses Mark Howden - Mosesandtrish@aol.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: A real fine website. Very informative. Great job.

Entry of Nov 23, 2003 at 17:45 [EST]
From: arend - http://members.home.nl/arend52


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: verry good site. I,m glad I found it. I will tell my friends about it. love frome holland

Entry of Dec 06, 2003 at 19:52 [EST]
From: Doug Jones - timpaniman@comcast.net


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: John; As a former NSO percussionist, I find your site very helpfull to young aspiring timpanists.You have set the bar to a much higher mark.

Entry of Jan 03, 2004 at 22:22 [EST]
From: Philipe Davis - philipedavis@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: muito bom!! congratulations!!

Entry of Jan 18, 2004 at 23:36 [EST]
From: george mardinly - gmardinly@aol.com


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: Very informative. Can you please advise sources for used Light, Hinger, Ringer drums? Thank you.

Entry of Jan 19, 2004 at 00:29 [EST]
From: Matt McKay - bizket1310@aol.com


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: I really like the book John. Can't wait to see the final product. See you tomorrow.

Entry of Feb 06, 2004 at 17:11 [EST]
From: John Tafoya - johntaf@comcast.net


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Just typed my name into the URL . God Bless and give God the glory.

Entry of Apr 02, 2004 at 15:13 [EST]
From: Ayano Ninomiya - ninomiya@post.harvard.edu


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: I was doing a search for pieces for violin and timpani and thought your web site a fantastic resource for timpanists. I am curious about "Diversion for Violin and Timpani" by David Avshalomov that you have listed here. Do you happen to know how I might obtain the sheet music to this or how I might contact Mr.Avshalomov about obtaining this piece? Thank you!!

Entry of May 31, 2004 at 14:31 [EST]
From: Sue Schierer - sues1231@yahoo.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Very impressive website, John! Saw you on TV during that terrific Memorial Day concert. Just want to wish you & family all the best.

Entry of Jun 15, 2004 at 04:33 [EST]
From: Paul Gilbert Tafoya - Bazil's 777 @ aol.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Well, I was just sort of looking for my name on the internet and saw musical Tafoya on my search critieria and scince ive been in bands in arizona and new mexico for 20 years i thought, yeah, thats me!... It wasnt me! good site thanks!

Entry of Jul 24, 2004 at 01:35 [EST]
From: Matt Lefevere - MattLefevere@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: Thanks again for doing the GMU Summer Masterclass, we were all very impressed with your knowledge and talent. Your book is really great.

Entry of Sep 21, 2004 at 16:57 [EST]
From: William Benz - wbenz@ashland.edu


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Not about the website but the excellence you demonstrated during the recent performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto #5 and the 5th Symphony. Was fortunate to be in Washington at a conference when this concert took place and I was able to attend. Love the NSO and was VERY impressed by your skill, artistic sensitivity, and your flair! Remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Have you been in a performance of Neilson's Symphony #4? the "Inextinguishable"? Bill Benz President, Ashland University Ashland Ohio 44805

Entry of Oct 14, 2004 at 04:53 [EST]
From: Carl Topilow - carl@topilow.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Great web site! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Entry of Oct 15, 2004 at 01:30 [EST]
From: Will Rapp - WRapp@aol.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: We just performed a percussion ensemble arrangement of MACHINE by William Bolcom on our October 7th concert at Kutztown University, which features the Tafoya MARACASTIX. What a great sound these unique mallets provide. Bravo to John Tafoya for solving a long-time problem for the concert timpanist, and providing us with a new sound for creative applications.

Entry of Oct 21, 2004 at 17:57 [EST]
From: Jos Glaap - glaap@cs.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: Verry nice,and rich.Greatings Jos Glaap, Holland

Entry of Oct 27, 2004 at 03:48 [EST]
From: MGBADA IMO - maga419@yahoo.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: I LOVE THIS SITE, IT IS FANTASTIC AND EDUCATIONAL.

Entry of Jan 25, 2005 at 00:19 [EST]
From: Paul Berns - snarewolf63@aol.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: Hey John: great website...Craig Hetrick, the GREAT percussionist in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, kept saying to look for it. Very happy for you and your career and book & obviously your computer skills. Paul Berns, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Entry of Feb 22, 2005 at 12:48 [EST]
From: Van Tony Free, III - vtfreeiii@knology.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: I am going to make your website a part of my students university percussion syllabus. The information provided on your site is that valuable. Van Free, Timpanist Montgomery Symphony Orchestra

Entry of Mar 02, 2005 at 18:39 [EST]
From: TimpaniPlayer - TimpaniPlayer@msn.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: John, Nobody cares if he is your student or not. Shame on you for posting the results of the Syracuse Timpani audition. It was a waste of time for all that went and the end result was a total sham. It is a shame that you are willing to recgongize the results of this bogus audition and it is a slap in the face to all of us who spent money to take that audition.

Entry of Mar 02, 2005 at 21:12 [EST]
From: J. Tafoya - johntafoya@aol.com


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: Dear TimpaniPlayer@msn.com, Your above comment is certainly a slap in the face to the members of the Syracuse Symphony's audition committee who took the time out of their busy schedules to participate in this long audition process. Those people who regularly visit my website know that I post ALL information relating to the latest "news" in the percussion world; whether they have a "connection" to me or not. With previous audition results, if an audition winner made contact with me, I posted the information on my website (similar to what can be found at www.rhapsodypercussion.com - in fact they have also listed the Syracuse Symphony timpani audition result on their website). It's interesting that you assume that Patrick studied with me, exclusively, at the University of Maryland. In fact, Patrick requested and received lessons from all of our percussion faculty.

Entry of Mar 02, 2005 at 23:01 [EST]
From: Matt Robotham - robotham1@yahoo.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: It's a shame that you had to voice your bitterness so publicly. We should be happy for Pat and supportive of each other in the advancement of the art of percussion. His success is a credit to hard work. John Tafoya posted only the confirmed truth. Shame on you for trying to paint an honest man in a bad light. I'd like to extend my own congratulations to Pat, a first rate player by the way, and wish him the best of luck in his career move. Divided we are nothing, but together we can advance the art.

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 00:18 [EST]
From: John Kilkenny - jkilk72176@aol.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Honestly - what an insult to Pat, John, and the members of the Syracuse Symphony. Anyone that wins a job in this business should be congratulated.

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 00:41 [EST]
From: Ian Stuart - istuart1@umd.edu


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Timpani Player, I wish you the best of luck in this biz, because you'll certainly need it with the terrible attitude you have. Pat's a great player, and he won the gig. That's not to say that other people aren't: it's just the way life is. Perhaps auditioning just isn't the thing for you. Many performance halls are looking for custodial staff. Until you learn what this life is about...best wishes! Stop being bitter, be supportive. It's just the right thing to do, eh? And Pat, congratulations, you are a wonderful person, and player!

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 07:39 [EST]
From: Rebecca Kite - rebeccakite@gppercussion.com


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: I really appreciate the phenomenal amount of work that JT has put into this website. The fact that he religiously posts ALL the timpani news and keeps his site up to date is great, and I really value his work! I guess you would have been thrilled if you had won the audition and your photo was there instead of Pat's. For you to really think that Pat Shrieves should not have that timpani position shows to me that you have no idea what a great musician and professional he is. With an undergrad degree from Curtis and 20 years of experience, I'm sure it was tough for anyone competing with Pat for this gig. The fact that he won reflects on his professionalism and talent, not on the audition process. Better for you to focus on your own positives, continuing to improve and develop your own playing and career than to invest your energy into negatives.

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 08:29 [EST]
From: Keith Aleo - keithaleo@aol.com


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: This audition was run JUST like all others - your comments are not supported by fact. Additionally, John T. should be congratulated on all the work he does on his website - it is a great site for everyone in the percussion world! He lists ALL audition results, thats a fact.

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 08:43 [EST]
From: David Gross - Pauken3@comcast.net


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: John, I received your e-mail this morning regarding the posting on your website. All of us who have done the audition thing realize that part of preparing for auditions include playing as well as we can and being graceful and gracious whether we are selected for the position or not. I'm sure Pat is thrilled at the offer from Syracuse and is handling it very well. Please send my congratulations to Pat Shrieves on an obviously great job at the audition. I feel sadness for the person who sent you the e-mail with the angry remarks and hope that he/she will eventually get it; otherwise they will probably have a long lonely career. As far as the website John, great job, but a page that would include Anchor Bar recipes would be helpful. David Gross, Principal Timpanist Grand Rapids Symphony

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 09:40 [EST]
From: Jauvon Gilliam - afropauken@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Wow. In regards to timpani player@msn.com: I feel really bad for this person. If you are that bold and cocky to say that an entire audition was a hoax, you should be man (woman) enough to come forward and say who you are. I think all of us who dont' take the blessing of having a job lightly should know who you are. I'm sorry to say, but it's people like you who I would like to stay away from. John, you run a great site. Keep up the good work! God Bless, Jauvon

Entry of Mar 03, 2005 at 14:21 [EST]
From: Tony - fames2@msn.com


How I found your page: Other
Comments about the web site: John: In reference to the blunt, scabrous,gratuitous and throughly insulting lecture you received from TimpaniPlayer@msn.com, I hope you take this ranting for what is, namely, the rude, whinny outburst of an immature loser. What is serious and troubling, though, is the charge of fraud leveled at the Syracuse Symphony and its audition procedure. The writer has an obligation to all of us in the business to come forward and substantiate the charge. If he does not and the allegation is spurious, as I believe it to be, then one can conclude that the writer is a liar and a coward. You, the Syracuse Symphony audition committee and Pat deserve some satisfaction for this denunciation. Perhaps the AFofM should investigate the matter. Personal and professional integrity cry out for resolution.

Entry of Mar 04, 2005 at 14:58 [EST]
From: Chip Ross - Rosstimp@aol.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: Hey John. Wow, I'm sad to see that individuals like this are so troubled in themselves that they would choose to put out such a cruel and demeaning projection to Pat, to you, and to the integrity of our colleagues in the audition process. I've known Pat for over 20 years. We were at Curtis together and he is HUGELY talented. I'm so happy for him and am looking forward to sharing the frigid, upstate NY winters with such a terrific player and person. And to you, thanks for being such a great inspiration to us all through your artistry and this great websight. Chip Ross, Principal Timpanist, Rochester Philharmonic

Entry of Mar 05, 2005 at 12:25 [EST]
From: Carole Fierro - Carole1188@aol.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: In response to timpaniplayer@msn.com: Dear Michael, Your comment was unprofessional, to say the least, for all your colleagues to read. For your edification please remember that when we "speak" our brains go on parade!

Entry of Mar 05, 2005 at 18:42 [EST]
From: Ed Stephan - edperc@hotmail.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: John, your website is sometimes the only source many of us have for keeping up to date with audition results. I very much appreciate the attention and recognition you give to your colleagues on your site. Our mystery colleague's insinuation that your site is self-indulgent is as ridiculous as his insinuation that anyone who jumps through the hoops of today's audition circuit, and finds him/herself with a job in the end, isn't deserving of recognition. Please keep up the good work on the site.

Entry of Apr 22, 2005 at 18:29 [EST]
From: Peter Derheimer - peterderheimer@telefonica.net


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Great site, Sincerely, Peter Derheimer Timpanist, Real Orquesta Sinfonia de Sevilla. SPAIN

Entry of May 22, 2005 at 18:28 [EST]
From: Samuli Viitanen - fbagsam@hotmail.com


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: A good site, many nice features and things to look around. Cheers from Finland! - Samuli Viitanen, timpanist, Finnish National Opera

Entry of Jul 09, 2005 at 16:51 [EST]
From: Catherine Barnes - mercutia08@northwestern.edu


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Hey! I love this website, it's really splendid. I was wondering if you could put some info on here about timpani mallet maintenance, especially re-wrapping them. There's really a dearth of information about that on the internet, which is a shame because it's something every aspiring timpanist should know how to do. Thanks again for your site, I really enjoy it!

Entry of Jul 11, 2005 at 06:05 [EST]
From: OBINNA ABA - obino657@yahoo.com


How I found your page: A friend told me
Comments about the web site: I LIKE YOUR SITE. IT IS VERY INTERESTING AND I WILL IN INTRODUCE MY FRIEND ON IT. THANKS OBINNA ABA

Entry of Nov 05, 2005 at 07:16 [EST]
From: Henryk Mikolajczyk - hmikolajczyk@interia.pl


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Hallo John,greetings from Poland!-sends timpanist of Warsaw National Opera House.I`ve found Your website very interesting.

Entry of Nov 14, 2005 at 15:40 [EST]
From: Eric Jones - Eric.Jones@hillsdale.edu


How I found your page: Stumbled onto it
Comments about the web site: Great Website!!! Very informative. Keep up the Great Work!

Entry of Dec 08, 2005 at 16:23 [EST]
From: Amy Holmes - amjholme@indiana.edu


How I found your page: Link from another page
Comments about the web site: Thank you for all of these great resources!

Entry of Mar 11, 2006 at 23:50 [EST]
From: Carol Law - guiderhudson@msn.com


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Glad I fianlly found something relevant - I belong to the Newmarket Citizens Band - the longest running community concert band in Canada - we have recently had all our music and instruments (mostly percussion) seriously damaged by a fire - I am going to try to clean & restore the timps (have done snares, parade drums, etc so far) I can't find any diagrams of the workings of a timp (pedal tuning) - can you help us? Concert season is months away and these timps are sweet! (from the 40s we think). I've completely rebuild the glock, and hope to have success with the timps but I need to know what I'm working with. I hope you can help get this community band back on its feet. Thank you.

Entry of Mar 29, 2006 at 23:23 [EST]
From: Nick Stone - ntstone@indiana.edu


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: I've been visiting your website since my senior year in high school. I now attend Indiana University and study with Mr. Carlyss. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy visiting your website and find it both informative and fun.

Entry of Jun 23, 2006 at 10:56 [EST]
From: David L. Huber - huberd@hsd.k12.or.us


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: Wonderful, a wealth of information and inspiration!

Entry of May 18, 2007
From: Tim Crockett - timcrock@indiana.edu


How I found your page: From a search engine
Comments about the web site: I just visited your website for the first time and it is an excellent source of knowledge and inspiration. I go to IU and I am very glad you are coming to teach here next year, along with Professor Bobo. - Tim Crockett

Entry of September 14, 2007
From: Seth Wexler - WexlerS@NBPS.ORG


How I found your page:
Comments about the web site: Continued success in your career at IU. The web site is great as always. Keep up the great work.
-Seth Wexler, director of percussion studies and assistant band director,
The North Broward Preparatory Schools, Coconut Creek Fl.

Entry of July 18, 2008
From: Seth Nicoletti - seth.nicoletti@gmail.com


How I found your page:
Comments about the web site: Mr. Tafoya, My name is Seth Nicoletti and I am a student at the Manhattan School of Music, and I just want to say that several of my friends and I enjoy the useful information on your website. It keeps us all up on the latest audition news/material, and helps promote the "percussive world" THANK YOU!! We all appreciate it.