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!

Check out Gavin Harrison's Cymbal Song

Click on the image to go directly to the website.

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.

Special Thanks to Mr. Tom Teasley!

Mr. Teasley will also be featured this summer at the 2nd Annual UM Summer Percussion Workshop, tentatively scheduled for July 23-29, 2006.

UM Summer Percussion Workshop is a tremendous success!

THANK YOU to the University of Maryland percussion faculty and our guest artist faculty. Special thanks to the University of Maryland School of Music, the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Adams/Pearl Percussion, American Drum Manufacturing Company, Avedis Zildjian Company, Encore Mallets Inc., Evans Drum Heads, Grover Pro Percussion, Innovative Percussion, Marimba One, The Percussion Source, Pro-Mark, Remo Inc., Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Inc., and Yamaha.

1. Nancy Zeltsman      2. Tony Ames      3. Aubrey Adams      4. Chris Deviney      5. John Kilkenny
6. Members of the U.S. "President's Own" Marine Band Percussion Section      7. UM Summer Workshop Ensemble
8. Amy Stubbs      9. John Tafoya      10. Tim Adams      11. Tempus Fugit

Click HERE to check out more photos from the UM Summer Percussion Workshop.

NSO Youth Fellows in Performance
at the Kennedy Center

Check out their performance at: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/archive.html# and find the June 16 performance archive.

The performance of the Koppel is approximately 53 minutes into the program. Also check out Kyle at 25 minutes into the program and Matt; 42 minutes into the program.

BRAVO Kyle and Matt!!!

Kyle will be a high school senior next year and Matt is attending New England Conservatory next year.

Mike Crusoe at the National Orchestral Institute

Mike Crusoe, principal timpanist with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, is serving on the National Orchestral Institute faculty this week. The above photo includes the 2005 NOI Percussion Section: (from left to right: Mike Crusoe, Tim, Pat, Annie, Jeremy, Ben, and Eric.

The NOI orchestra will be performing Mahler's 7th Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Gerard Schwarz, this weekend.

Do you recognize Mike's sunglasses?

Be sure to check out Mike's website at: http://members.tripod.com/cruso2k/.

John Williams Conducts the NSO

John Williams conducted the National Symphony Orchestra this past week.

Check out the "behind the scenes" rehearsal footage HERE - click on the movie camera icons to the right of "Tributes" and "American Journey".

More Guest Artists at the University of Maryland

Arthur Lipner Masterclass

The Official University of Maryland Percussion Website can be found at: http://www.music.umd.edu/Faculty/tafoya

Maryland/Delaware Chapter Day of Percussion

Keith Aleo and John Tafoya present their combined Symphonic Clinic entitled; "A Balance of Power". Special thanks to our sponsors: American Drum Manufacturing Company, Avedis Zildjian Company, Grover Pro Percussion, and Remo.

Check out additional photos of the MD/DE Day of Percussion at the Zildjian website at: http://www.zildjian.com/EN-US/news/newsDetail.ad2?newsID=1293.

A Special Thank You to Mr. Stanley Leonard!

Stanley Leonard visited the University of Maryland on March 29th.

2 students performed timpani solos composed by Mr. Leonard and a few students performed orchestral timpani excerpts.

The evening concluded with Mr. Leonard conducting the UM Percussion Ensemble in two of his compositions: "Serenade" and "Sacred Stones".

Special thanks to the Yamaha Corporation and the University of Maryland School of Music for sponsoring this event.

NSO Returns from North Carolina Residency

I was fortunate this year to meet with percussion students at: East Carolina University (Mr. Jon Wacker, Percussion), Fayetteville State University (Mr. Don Parker, Percussion), Elon University (Mr. Jon Metzger, Percussion), and Appalachian State University (Mr. Robert Falvo, Percussion).

Photos from this year's Residency (and previous Residencies) can be found HERE.

CONGRATULATIONS to Patrick Shrieves!!

Pat is completing his MM degree at the University of Maryland. He received his BM from the Curtis Institute; where he studied under Gerald Carlyss and Michael Bookspan. Pat is currently the principal timpanist (Senior Master Sargeant) with the U.S. Air Force Band. He has been with the Air Force Band since 1985.

The Working Timpanist's Survival Guide receives a GREAT REVIEW in Percussive Notes Magazine!

This revolutionary new book includes the 22 most requested excerpts for orchestral timpani auditions. In addition, a CD-ROM is included containing the timpani parts which can be printed out for further study.

Publisher: Carl Fischer Music.

The book is available through Steve Weiss Music at 1-215-659-0100, and many other fine music stores. You can also order the book online at www.steveweissmusic.com. You can also leave your own personal review on the Steve Weiss website!

Be sure to check out the October Issue of Percussive Notes magazine for the review of this book. PAS members can view this magazine online at www.pas.org.

More details on the book can be found HERE.

Website Tribute to Timpanists

Jon Metzger at the University of Maryland

Keith Aleo Masterclass

Fred Begun Masterclass

28" and 25" Chain Drums Arrive!

Quite a transformation! My old 28" and 25" Hinger bowls have been retrofitted with a chain mechanism by Precision Classic Timpani (Mark Guthrie). Thanks Mark! The drums are wonderful!!

More photos can be found HERE.

NSO Youth Fellow Percussionists perform in Kennedy Center Millennium Stage program

Anyone interested in seeing/hearing this performance can check it out HERE.

The program includes: 2 movements from the Rosauro Marimba Concerto (at the beginning of the program), Abe: Dream of the Cherry Blossoms (21:50), and a transcription of Ravel's Alborada del gracioso for two marimbas (38:17). Enjoy!

The NSO Youth Fellowship Program is available to talented high school students. The NSO Youth Fellowship Program is an orchestral training program for high school students. Past NSO Youth Fellowship participants have gone on to achieve great success with orchestras throughout the country including Atlanta, Dallas, and St. Louis. Open by audition only, this full-scholarship program provides high school students in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area the opportunity to study with a National Symphony Orchestra musician; observe rehearsals and attend concerts; and participate in master classes and discussions with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and NSO/Kennedy Center management.

MORE PASIC photos

Shawn Pelton and Yours Truly at the Zildjian Party on Thursday night (Shawn and I both attended IU together). Shawn presented a TERRIFIC clinic at PASIC Thursday morning. We were also joined by Keith Aleo, Tony Ames, Steve Fidyk, and Craigie Zildjian. It was a GREAT party!

Here's a nice photo of Keith Aleo, Peter Kates (Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra), and me at the PASIC Banquet.

PASIC 2004

Doug Maiwurm performs in Stanley Leonard's Timpani Lab

Doug Maiwurm, a masters student at the University of Maryland, performed as a part of Stanley Leonard's Timpani Lab today at PASIC. Mr. Leonard also recognized Doug's teacher, Tony Ames, at the timpani lab as well. Here is a photo of Tony, and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Leonard.

University of Louisville

Special thanks to Professor Greg Byrne and the Avedis Zildjian company for making this class possible. This clinic was the final event of my "pre-PASIC tour". The class concluded with a discussion on crash cymbal techniques required for a special Cymbal Etude I composed (based on some recent audition sight-reading material). I had a terrific time and the students there were great!

Capital University

Even on a Sunday the percussion students at Capital University and I got together to talk about some timpani technique and cymbal issues. Thanks for meeting with me on a Sunday! Special thanks to Bob Breithaupt and to the Avedis Zildjian Company.

Ohio State University

I had a GREAT time meeting with the students of Professor Susan Powell at Ohio State University. Special thanks to Professor Powell and to Zildjian for sponsoring this event.

Rave Reviews for George Brown as he premiers the Welcher Timpani Concerto with the Utah Symphony on October 8 and 9.

The reviews and more information on this project can be found HERE.

Timpani/Percussion Clinic at George Mason University's Summer Percussion Seminar

This evening I met with 24 percussion students who are taking part in the George Mason University Summer Percussion Seminar. In addition to discussing technique on timpani and orchestral cymbals, 5 students performed various solos. Special thanks to the coordinator and host, John Kilkenny and a BIG THANK YOU to Keith Aleo at Zildjian for making this all possible!

National Orchestral Institute 2004

We also had the opportunity to do a couple of masterclasses. Our final class involved installing new timpani heads.

Tafoya joins up with Zildjian!

NEW Custom Timpani arrive at the Kennedy Center!

Mr. Marshall Light, owner of American Drum Manufacturing Company, has just completed a custom retrofit of my old Hinger timpani. These instruments were apparently the first Hinger drums to be released (in 1970).

In addition to larger bowl sizes (and replacing the original Hinger bowls with Light semi-flat bottom bowls), we experimented with installing double transfer bars and replacing the original Hinger pedals with Light pedals.

The result is a SMOOTH pedal action (not stiff at all) and an increased range on each drum. The tuning gauge system was also updated to include quick-sliding pitch indicators.

More photos? Be sure to check out additional photos HERE

Spotlight: Mr. Alan S. Bergman, Alan S. Bergman and Associates

I had a great time visiting the law office of Mr. Alan S. Bergman on February 27th. The NSO was in New York City; performing at Carnegie Hall.

Mr. Bergman (left) was the original "mastermind" behind my timpani book; "The Working Timpanist's Survival Guide." Without his help, this book would not have been possible. Also in the photo (right) is Jay Flemma, who was also incredibly helpful in contacting the various publishers and obtaining copyright permissions etc.

Be sure to check out Mr. Bergman's website at: www.alanbergman.com.

Tafoya Clinic at Rollins College

I had a terrific time presenting a timpani clinic on February 23rd at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

Hosted by Beth and Danny Gottlieb (thanks for a great lunch).

Special thanks to Keith Aleo at the Avedis Zildjian Cymbal Company and Neil Grover at Grover Pro Percussion for making this possible.

Tony Ames' Bottlephone

The National Symphony Orchestra is performing Satie's Parade this week.

Tony is pictured with his wonderful creation, a "bottlephone." A game wheel, guns, and other unusual sound effects are also used in this piece.

More information on Mr. Tony Ames can be found here.

Precision
Classic
Timpani
unveils
their
new 35"
chain drum!

For more information check out
their website at:

www.pctimpani.com.

Click HERE for even more OLD news!