Indiana University Jacobs School of Music percussion students had a terrific time at PASIC (held in Indianapolis) this year. There was a significant "IU Presence", with several students earning awards.

Christopher Latournes was named Winner of the PASIC Orchestral Percussion Mock Audition. The judges included professional musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, and U.S. "President's Own" Marine Band.

Nick Taylor was awarded First Place in the PASIC Marching Festival Individual Competition, Collegiate Snare Drum Category, after performing a unique and awe-inspiring solo.

Colin Hill received a Second Place award in the highly competitive PASIC Marching Festival Individual Competition, Collegiate Keyboard Category.

Separate from the specific awards, the IU Drumline, under the direction of Joel Brainard, performed in the College Standstill Exhibition as part of the Marching Percussion Festival at PASIC. Although this was an exhibition, the drumline was adjudicated by the nation's most reputable marching percussion teachers and arrangers. The audience cheered as the IU Drumline loosened up the crowd, and demonstrated how much fun it can be to perform in a college drumline.

Finally, the Indiana University Latin Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Michael Spiro was featured in a special performance for the Hall of Fame Celebration, and had the entire crowd of distinguished guests and artists on their feet, applauding their stellar performance.

BRAVO to all the wonderful efforts of the IU percussion students!

Equally inspiring was the leadership of Steve Houghton, President of PAS. He worked on the planning of PASIC for the last year, developed the incredible PAS museum, was involved in the Ribbon cutting for the Grand Opening of Rhythm! Discovery Center, and was a keynote speaker on behalf of PAS. He presided over 2 PAS Board of Directors meetings; presenting budgets and bylaw changes. Steve also attended countless meetings with PAS committees and chapters, met with a number of artists invited to perform at PASIC, and presided over the PAS awards ceremony at the Thursday evening concert. Steve also presided over the Hall Of Fame Celebration and announced the awards at the Friday evening concert. He met regularly with Industry folks throughout the conference and welcomed the audience to the Saturday evening concert. Bravo (and thanks!) to Steve Houghton!

Want to read more!

Please be sure to check out the "News and Events" section of the IU Jacobs School of Music Department Website at: http://www.music.indiana.edu/department/percussion/news.shtml.

Those of you who want to look back at some previous PASICs - click HERE.

Special thanks to all of our summer percussion academy/workshop faculty: Kevin Bobo, Christopher Deviney, Steve Houghton, John Kilkenny, Stanton Moore, Michael Spiro, Leigh Howard Stevens, and John Tafoya.

Information on the 2010 IU Summer Percussion Academy/Workshop will be posted within the next month or so at: http://www.music.indiana.edu/special_programs/summer_percussion or email John Tafoya at johntafoya@aol.com for more information.

NATIONAL ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE 2009

NOI Percussion Section Photo (left to right): Rob, Alison, Joe N., Joe L., Katy, Ross, and Yours Truly...

Another great chamber music week with some incredibly talented percussionists at the National Orchestral Institute in College Park, Maryland. During this past week the NOI percussion section rehearsed and performed Dave Hollinden's "The Whole Toy Laid Down", Bruce Hamilton's "Raptures of Undream", Nigel Westlake's "Omphalo Centric Lecture", and Part 2 of Daniel Levitan's Marimba Quartet. They will also perform "Ogoun Badagris" by Christopher Rouse later in the festival.

For more information on upcoming NOI performances please check out: http://www.music.umd.edu/special_programs/national_orchestral_institute/.

From February 23 - March 1, 2009 I had the good fortune to be part of the 2009 Arizona MusicFest held in Scottsdale, Arizona (Robert Moody, Music Director). The final week of this impressive winter music festival included 4 orchestra concerts (Brahms: Symphony No. 1, Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Vaughan Williams: Dona Nobis Pacem, Dvorak: Cello Concerto with Lynn Harrell). During the week I also had the opportunity to work with the very talented students at Arizona State University (Prof. J.B. Smith, host) and the University of Arizona in Tuscon, AZ (Prof. Norman Weinberg, host).

2009 AZ MusicFest Percussion Section: Benjamin Irons, Jim Nelson, John Tafoya, Steve Fitch, and Matthew Darling

More Rave Reviews for the IU Percussion Ensemble!

Check out the latest WFIU interview leading up to the final IU Festival Orchestra Concert.

The IU Summer Percussion Academy/Workshop was a Terrific Success!

This intensive 5 day workshop featured international renowned artists including: Keith Aleo, Christopher Deviney, Gordon Gottlieb, Steve Houghton, John Kilkenny, Glenn Kotche, Gordon Stout, John Tafoya, and She-e Wu.

Click HERE to visit our official IU Summer Percussion Website. To view a larger version of our flyer, click HERE.

The official website for the IU 2008 Summer Percussion Academy and Workshop (and future summer offerings) can be found by clicking HERE or Email John Tafoya at: jtafoya@indiana.edu for additional information.

Keep checking out the IU Percussion Department website for our latest activities and for future summer offerings!

ALSO: A BIG THANK YOU to all of our Academy/Workshop counselors and volunteers: Will Reno, Ross Erickson, Josh Bowman, Kirk Etheridge, Claire Walker, Christopher Latournes, Mary McCauley, Dan Morris, Nick Stone, Tim Crockett, Greg Mueller, David Spencer, Brian Gardiner and the entire IU percussion department!

National Orchestral Institute 2008

I had the fortunate privilege to work with the talented percussionists at the National Orchestral Institute (at the University of Maryland) during the first week of June. The first week of NOI includes chamber repertoire - and we covered a substantial amount of works including: Chavez/Toccata, Hetrick/Tip of the Andes, Deane/Vespertine Formations, Westlake/Omphalo Centric Lecture, Levitan/Marimba Quartet, and Burritt/Doomsday Machine. I was also involved in a faculty recital performance of Stravinsky's l'histoire du soldat.

I had a terrific time working with the talented students at Northwestern University on Monday, March 10. Special thanks to hosts Professor Michael Burritt and James Ross. Thank you also to Avedis Zildjian, Grover Pro Percussion, and Remo Inc.

IU Students Receive International Acclaim

Congratulations to David Constantine, Josh Frans, and Jake Harpster!

Click HERE to read the details!

Read the February 4, 2008 article featuring David Constantine online at: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=48673&comview=1.

In Memoriam: George Gaber

On Sunday, November 25, funeral services were held in Bloomington, Indiana to celebrate the life and accomplishments of George Gaber.

Distinguished Professor of Music at Indiana University from 1960-1986, Mr. Gaber revolutionized percussion education. Many of his students enjoy successful careers as performers and educators all over the world.

Click here to read the obituary from the Bloomington Herald Times.

IU Percussion Ensemble receives rave reviews!

Check out the IU Percussion Department's website for the latest IU percussion news.

Click HERE to visit the IU Percussion Ensemble's website.

IU Percussion Website Info

Check it out at: http://www.music.indiana.edu/department/percussion/

The Opening Night performance video can be found HERE

University of Maryland Summer Percussion Workshop Performs New Work by Peter Erskine

Peter Erskine's new work; "A Bird Sings" (dedicated to the memory of John Wyre) was premiered during the 2007 University of Maryland Summer Percussion Workshop.

This work was performed by workshop artist faculty: Alan Abel, Christopher Deviney, John Kilkenny, James Swarts, John Tafoya, and She-e Wu.

Another Successful Summer Percussion Workshop!

Artist faculty for this summer (July 2007) included: Alan Abel, Aubrey Adams, Keith Aleo, F. Anthony Ames, Fred Begun, Christopher Deviney, Peter Erskine, John Kilkenny, John Tafoya, Tom Teasley, She-e Wu, and the Talujon Percussion Quartet. Paul Yancich participated in a special internet videoconferencing session.

In addition to a variety of masterclasses, clinics, and performances the UM Summer Percussion Workshop faculty presented the world premier performance of a new work for percussion ensemble by Peter Erskine; "A Bird Sings", dedicated to the memory of Mr. John Wyre.

Click HERE to view the full press release.

Rick Holmes Article

Read this interesting article on Rick Holmes from Playbill at: http://www.playbillarts.com/features/article/6222.html.

"Virtual Masterclass" via iChat

Peter Kates, (pictured on right) principal percussionist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and professor of percussion at the Grieg Academy of Music, and I used Apple's iChat software to experiment with a "virtual masterclass"; playing xylophone and snare drum over the internet. This kind of video conferencing will take place throughout the semester between the very talented percussionists at the Grieg Academy and the University of Maryland. We will also use this technology to "videochat" with John Beck, David Herbert, Shawn Pelton, and Paul Yancich during the 3rd Annual University of Maryland Summer Percussion Workshop (July 22-28, 2007).

Tafoya performs Wada:
Three Fragments

A Big Crowd at PASIC 2006

Over 800 people checked out my clinic at PASIC on Friday, November 12th. The topic: "Plan B"; Unusual Techniques for the orchestral timpanist to accommodate extraordinary requests from the podium. The "timp-cam" was used again; giving the audience a top view of my instruments on television monitors. The tone of the clinic reached comical proportions as various scenarios were introduced (playing an incredibly soft roll, how to play very fast passages, shaping rolls, experimenting with single and double stickings, drum set up, pitch assignments, muffling, and specialty mallets). Special thanks to: American Drum Manufacturing Co., Grover Pro Percussion, Remo Inc., and the officers of PAS.

More Photos (click on the photo for a larger image)

Special thanks to Bruce Davies for these GREAT PHOTOS!

UM Summer Percussion Workshop Featured
on Vic Firth Website

UM Summer Percussion Workshop Featured
on Grover Pro Website

Performance Spotlight: ROBERT VAN SICE

Another Successful Summer Percussion Workshop at the University of Maryland

The participants of the 2006 UM Summer Percussion Workshop pose one last time for a photo just before the Grand Finale Concert featuring various percussion ensemble works.

More photos of the 2006 UM Summer Percussion Workshop can be viewed HERE.

Here are some of our 2006 UM Summer Percussion Workshop faculty. Left to Right: Tom Teasley, Scott Pollard, Adam Green, and Mark Dinitz (Attacca Percussion Group), John Tafoya, Tim Adams, Peter Erskine, Aubrey Adams, She-e Wu, Christopher Deviney, and John Kilkenny. This photo was taken following a faculty recital which took place on Monday, July 24 in the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Other faculty for this week included: Tony Ames, Steve Fidyk, Neil Grover, Rebeccca Kite, Talujon, Robert Van Sice, and Greg Zuber.

Steve Fidyk and Peter Erskine perform with the U.S. Jazz Army Blues

July 23 was the start of the 2006 UM Summer Percussion Workshop. Over 45 participants were treated to drum set clinics (by Fidyk and Erskine) in the afternoon followed by a terrific concert at 7 pm.

NSO Performs Dutilleux's Correspondances

More information on the performances can be found HERE.

Special Thanks to David Herbert,
Principal Timpanist with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

David presented a terrific timpani masterclass at the University of Maryland on Sunday, April 23, 2006

Tafoya Masterclasses at DePaul University and Virginia Commonwealth University

I had a a great time working with the talented percussionists at DePaul University on Monday, April 3rd and with the terrific percussionists at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA) on April 12th.

Special thanks to Grover Pro Percussion, Remo, Zildjian, and Mr. Eric Millstein/DePaul University and Mr. Kristopher S. Keeton/VCU for sponsoring these events!

NSO Returns from Nebraska Residency/East Coast Tour

Photos of the tour can be found HERE.

Additional photos can be found at Danny Villanueva's site: HERE.

Let it SNOW NSO!

Tuned sleighbells are featured in this German Dance ....

Click on the photo if a larger image is desired.

Special Thanks to Professor J.B. Smith

J.B. presented a very interesting masterclass using computer software to test how we perform rhythms and to improve sightreading abilities. It was a lot of fun! He also presented a recital that evening (March 13) performing works by Carl Vine, Eric Richards, J.B. Smith, Edmund J. Campion, and Daniel Lentz. Dr. J.B. Smith is professor of percussion at Arizona State University.

New Website!

Please check out my friend and colleague, Tony Ames' new website at: www.tonyames.com.

Tony is principal percussionist with the National Symphony and serves on the percussion faculty at the University of Maryland.

New!

       RT-1500 and RT-1000 Round Top Glockenspiels

Offered in two new Expanded ranges up to F8. Bars: 7/16" x 1 1/4", unique nickel plating that will NEVER flake.
Both models come in Fall Creek's extraordinary Resonator Cases™. Will tune to suit. More information can be found at: www.marimbas.com/k100.html.

Special Thanks to Mr. Ron Barnett!

Ron Barnett (previous professor of percussion at the University of Maryland and principal timpanist for the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra) presented a terrific masterclass at the University of Maryland on March 3.

Mr. Barnett introduced some interesting sightreading techniques and elaborated on important musical concepts to consider when performing auditions.

Special Thanks to Mr. Dean Borghesani!

Dean Borghesani, principal timpanist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra presented a timpani masterclass on February 17th. In addition to discussing the "audition scene"; offering practical advice on how to succeed at auditions, several UMD students also performed orchestral excerpts.

Special Thanks to Mr. Nick Woud!

Nick Woud, Solo Timpanist with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, presented a terrific timpani masterclass at the University of Maryland on Monday, February 13. In addition to discussing his concept of sound and technique for the timpani several UMD students performed for Mr. Woud.

Special thanks to Adams/Pearl.

Special Thanks to Mr. Mark Latimer

Mark presented a number of important musical and practical advice and several UMD students performed orchestral timpani excerpts.

The Working Timpanist's Survival Guide hits www.amazon.com!

But WHO would add this book to their wedding registry?? -------------------^

New Percussion Website

Check it out at: http://www.professionalpercussionproducts.com.

A Special Thank You to Fred Begun

Fred Begun visited the University of Maryland's School of Music on December 2nd. A Timpani "mock" audition took place followed by a discussion of orchestral timpani excerpts.

A Special Thank You to
Allison Miller

SPECIAL THANKS to the Avedis Zildjian Company, Vic Firth, and Yamaha.

A Special Thank You to
Angela Zator Nelson!

SPECIAL THANKS to the Avedis Zildjian Company!

Youth Orchestra Day

More information on this performance can be found HERE.

The NSO Youth Fellows will be featured in a recital this evening at the Kennedy Center. Click HERE to see it LIVE (6 pm EST on 11/19/05).

Congratulations to Sean Haleem!

Sean is currently a DMA student at the University of Maryland; studying with Mr. Tony Ames.

Read more about it HERE.

More Drums!

A pair of old 28" and 25" Leedy (Indianapolis) timpani.

Check them out in my Drums and Sticks section.

Ebay is a wonderful thing!

PASIC 2005

Columbus, Ohio, November 2-5. Click HERE for 2005 PASIC Photos!

The NSO returns from a West Coast Tour and Residency of Nevada

"Symph Caddy" (modified) by King Kong Kases

Mr. Buz King, from King Kong Kases, created a TERRIFIC timpani mallet (and timpani tools) trunk which I use for all NSO tours. The trunk model is known as the "Symph Caddy" - check it out: HERE.

A few modifications were made to make this trunk "timpani friendly"; including a hinged door and eliminating the cymbal section of the trunk. With this set-up, I am able to store my tools and mallet case easily.

Thanks Buz!

NSO 75th Anniversary 3 CD Set

The CD can be ordered online through the Kennedy Center Gift Shop at: www.kennedy-center.org/giftshop/html/categoryDetail.cfm?categ_id=2003092214201318.

Click HERE for even more OLD news!