Mr. Teasley will also be featured this summer at the 2nd Annual UM Summer Percussion Workshop, tentatively scheduled for July 23-29, 2006.
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.
Click HERE to check out more photos from the UM Summer Percussion Workshop.
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, 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 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".
The Official University of Maryland Percussion Website can be found at: http://www.music.umd.edu/Faculty/tafoya
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The reviews and more information on this project can be found HERE.
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!
We also had the opportunity to do a couple of masterclasses. Our final class involved installing new timpani heads.
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
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.
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.
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.
Mark Guthrie, owner of Precision Classic Timpani, is beginning work on my old Hinger bowls. These bowls were renovated by Steve Schiffer at D. Picking. Mark will be installing his chain mechanism on all four kettles. Click on the photo if a larger image is desired.
Eventually, these Hinger bowls with the Guthrie chain mechanism, will look like this . . . [movie is 693k].
Peter Flamm, Principal Timpanist with the San Antonio Symphony, visits the Tafoya household (December 2004).
Mr. Fernando Hashimoto presented a percussion clinic on November 17th, 2004 at the University of Maryland, offering a "hands-on" class on the Brazilian Samba. His recital included works for snare drum, marimba and timpani by Brazilian composers.
Tony Ames (principal percussion, NSO) and John Tafoya pose for a backstage photo with their students before a concert featuring Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe.
The National Symphony Orchestra just completed a week-long residency at the University of Maryland School of Music. The week culminated in two performances; one at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts (College Park, MD) and the second concert at the Kennedy Center.
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Timpani/Percussion Section: Dean Borghesani, Tom Wetzel, Matthew Strauss, Bob Keshevski, David Gross, and Linda Seigel. The Berlioz Requiem uses 18 timpani!!
Check out the September 7, 2003 article in the Seattle Times; "Symphony Profiles: Key Players" - HERE.
Mike's personal website can be found at: http://members.tripod.com/cruso2k/.
A GREAT time at Mel Krupins on August 12th. This is Fred Begun's favorite lunch hangout. Great food and an opportunity for us all to "talk shop." From Left to Right: Dean Borghesani, John Tafoya, Joe McIntyre and Fred Begun.
Read the full story in the Sun-Sentinel newspaper online, here or in the Miami Herald, here.
Both masterclasses were part of the National Symphony Orchestra's North Dakota Residency Program.
I met with professor Mike Blake and his terrific students at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Several students performed works on marimba and snare drum and we also discussed some general timpani techniques. I had a great time!
I also enjoyed meeting with the percussion students at Minnesota State University. A couple of students played some solo pieces and orchestral excerpts. Special thanks to Kenyon Williams, professor of percussion at MSU.
There is a feature article on George Gaber along with photos including one with Yours Truly in it!
New Timpani from American Drum Manufacturing Company (Walter Light) arrived at the Kennedy Center on March 28th, 2004.
This photo was taken after a performance of Mahler's Second Symphony at the Hemmens Theater in Elgin, Illinois on May 4th, 2003.
The timpani and percussion section of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (from left to right): Bobby Everson, Andrew Simco, Rich Janecke, Brian Oriente, George Blanchet, and Tina Keitel.
Check them out at:
http://www.johntafoya.com/repertoire.html and http://www.johntafoya.com/video.html
Members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Timpani/Percussion section (performing Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique).
From left to right: Tom Wetzel, Linda Seigel, Joe Conte and Dean Borghesani.
Send me your photos! Perhaps your section will be in the April photo of the month . . !
Thanks Again to Grover Pro Percussion (Neil Grover), American Drum Manufacturing Company (Marshall Light) and Remo (Lloyd McCausland) for sponsoring my FIRST PASIC Timpani clinic.
I had a terrific time!
Thank you also to Jay R. and Mike R. for help in setting up and moving equipment, etc.
Photos from the tour can be viewed HERE.
The Washington Post review of our Carnegie Hall performances can be viewed HERE and the New York Times review can be found HERE.
Yours truly and Shawn Pelton, drummer with the Saturday Night Live Band, both performed in the "Concert for America" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The program was taped on Monday, 9/9/02 and will air on NBC on the evening of September 11th. Both of us were at Indiana University together as percussion majors.
To check out his website click HERE.
Click HERE to read the article.
The University of Maryland Summer Drum Set Symposium was a terrific success! Afternoon clinics were offered by drumset artists Steve Fidyk, Danny Gottlieb and Joe Morello. Over 60 people were in attendance. A free evening performance was also given by the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band with Steve Fidyk, Danny Gottlieb and Joe Morello on drums. Sponsored by Drum Workshop, Sabian, Pro-Mark, Remo, Zildjian and Ludwig. Special thanks to Mike Sparrow!
Here I am in front of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
Click HERE for the full photo gallery.
Grover Pro Percussion officially unveiled a large selection of high quality Vancore mallet keyboards and timpani at PASIC 2002 in Nashville, TN.
Based in Joure-Holland, Vancore is an established manufacturer of high quality percussion products. Their experienced team of designers and professional
percussionists are devoted to building instruments of impeccable sound and leading edge design.
For more information on these instruments please visit the Grover Pro Percussion website at www.groverpro.com/.
http://www.remo.com/artists/details.cfm?ArtistID=899.
Here is Keith at the University of Maryland meeting with percussion majors Stephen and Marty.
Keith is a percussionist with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and Director of Percussion at Florida International University. He spends his summers on the faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Michigan.
Check out Keith's web site HERE.
I also stopped by Indiana University for a fun evening at "Bears" - the local restaurant/hang out. Special "thanks" to Todd Sheehan for "hosting" my visit in Evansville!
Robert Parris: Timpani Concerto
More Drums!
"FIELD-STRIPPING" I have just purchased some used Hinger Touch-Tone timpani. Each drum was taken apart and cleaned, re-lubricated and painted (touch up). Eventually, these instruments will be retrofitted with larger bowls from Marshall Light (American Drum). More photos of these drums can be found HERE.
New Chain Drum!
My new 20" Chain Drum arrived a few weeks ago from American Drum Manufacturing Company in Denver, Colorado. Among the newer features is a fairly accurate tuning gauge located on one of the tension rod tops.
Harmonic Rhythm by Russell Peck
I will be one of several timpani soloists performing a new timpani concerto by Russell Peck this season. My first performance is with the Columbus Symphony (Columbus, GA) on October 14, 2000 and a second engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (Allentown, PA) in April 2001.
Putting on new timpani heads
This past summer I had some spare time to fool around with various timpani heads. I first tried the new Evans Symphonic timpani heads - they have a nice rounded insert ring and the tuck is very tight. Then I put on some Renaissance (pretty aren't they?) heads and finally decided to stay with the Remo plastic heads (hazy).
Designed by Tony Ames, principal percussionist, National Symphony Orchestra
For use in Copland's "Hoe-Down" from Rodeo
The TIMPANI-CAM was a great success as well - allowing the audience to see what my hands and mallets were doing.
[please wait for the movie to load . . .]
Check out their new website at: http://www.designmktinc.com/precision/index.htm
Tony Ames, principal percussionist with the NSO, needed to grab a bass bow quickly after playing snare drum. The photo shows his inventive set-up: duct tape and a bent coat hanger attached to the snare drum.
I was recently the victim of an elaborate practical joke from a friend of mine in south Florida.
You can enjoy this prank by clicking HERE.
Click here to read the article.
The current issue of Percussive Notes magazine features my article on timpani auditions. PAS members can check out the issue online at www.pas.org or read it on my website HERE.
Since getting the correct replacement timpani head sizes can be a bit tricky I have added a few suggestions on my web site. This new article can be found at http://www.johntafoya.com/headsize.html.
Really OLD Archives:
Special Thanks to Mr. Tom Teasley!
Tom presented a terrific clinic on September 30, 2005 at the University of Maryland. Click here for details.
UM Summer Percussion Workshop is a tremendous success!
The University of Maryland School of Music hosted its first annual UM Summer Percussion Workshop from July 18-22, 2005. Over 40 participants from 11 states attended masterclasses, clinics, and performances by Tim Adams, Aubrey Adams, F. Anthony Ames, Christopher Deviney, John Kilkenny, Rebecca Kite, Amy Stubbs, James Swarts, John Tafoya, Nancy Zeltsman, members of the percussion section from the U.S. "President's Own" Marine Band, and Tempus Fugit. The event was hosted by John Tafoya, Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Maryland, and coordinated by John Kilkenny. The workshop concluded with a Grand Finale concert featuring the UM Summer Percussion Ensemble (conducted by John Kilkenny) and Tempus Fugit.
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
NSO Youth Fellows in Performance
Kyle and Matt (both NSO Youth Fellows in percussion, and students of Tony Ames and John Tafoya) perform the Koppel Toccata!
at the Kennedy Center
Mike Crusoe at the National Orchestral Institute
John Williams Conducts the NSO
More Guest Artists at the University of Maryland
The percussion students at the University of Maryland have been quite lucky this year; featuring special guest artists for masterclasses and clinics. Arthur Lipner recently presented a terrific masterclass on improvisation and Peter Flamm, Principal Timpanist with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, gave a masterclass on orchestral timpani excerpts. Mr. Ronald Horner will present a class on Friday, May 6th.
Arthur Lipner Masterclass
Maryland/Delaware Chapter Day of Percussion
The Maryland/Delaware PAS Chapter's Day of Percussion was a great success!!
A Special Thank You to Mr. Stanley Leonard!
Stanley Leonard visited the University of Maryland on March 29th. 
NSO Returns from North Carolina Residency
The NSO returned from a tour of North Carolina this past weekend. From March 9-18, the NSO performed 6 concerts, youth concerts, and NSO musicians participated in hundreds of outreach activities (masterclasses, etc.). 
CONGRATULATIONS to Patrick Shrieves!!
Pat has been offered the position of principal timpanist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (beginning with the 2005-06 season). 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. Website Tribute to Timpanists
Jean - Etienne OTTENHOF has updated his website to include a tribute page to timpanists (including photos) from all over the world. Be sure to check it out at: http://jetottenhof.chez.tiscali.fr/tribute.html.
Jon Metzger at the University of Maryland
A very special THANK YOU to Jon Metzger, who met with our percussion students at the University of Maryland on February 28th and performed 2 works featuring the UM Percussion Ensemble in a concert on March 1st.
Keith Aleo Masterclass
THANK YOU to Mr. Keith Aleo for a terrific (and fun) masterclass at the University of Maryland this past Friday. Photos of this event can be found at the University of Maryland Percussion Program website at: http://www.music.umd.edu/Faculty/tafoya/news.html.
Fred Begun Masterclass
A Special Thank You to Mr. Fred Begun for presenting a masterclass at the University of Maryland on February 4th. More information and photos can be found HERE.
28" and 25" Chain Drums Arrive!
NSO Youth Fellow Percussionists perform in Kennedy Center Millennium Stage program
Bravo to Kyle and Matt!! MORE PASIC photos
PASIC 2004
University of Louisville
(My apologies, I forgot to take a picture!!)Capital University
Ohio State University
Rave Reviews for George Brown as he premiers the Welcher Timpani Concerto with the Utah Symphony on October 8 and 9.
Timpani/Percussion Clinic at George Mason University's Summer Percussion Seminar
National Orchestral Institute 2004
The members of the NOI percussion section and I had a great time this summer; preparing Schwantner/Aftertones of Infinity, Brahms/Tragic Overture, and Stravinsky/Rite of Spring for Maestro Leonard Slatkin, who recently conducted this program with the orchestra at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts.Tafoya joins up with Zildjian!
Check out the Educator section of the Zildjian website HERE.
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).Spotlight: Mr. Alan S. Bergman, Alan S. Bergman and Associates
Tafoya Clinic at Rollins College
Tony Ames' Bottlephone
Precision
Classic
Timpani
unveils
their
new 35"
chain drum!
For more information check out
their website at: 
Fernando Hashimoto
Percussion Clinic and
Recital at the
University of MarylandNSO Residency at the University of Maryland
Berlioz: Requiem
Mike Crusoe
Principal Timpanist, Seattle Symphony Orchestra
Lunch at Headquarters!
On a more grim note . . .
"Fund-raisers give up hope of saving Florida Philharmonic"
New Timpani Concerto
Composer, Russell Peterson (Concordia College) has written a three-movement timpani concerto. Premiered by Dr. David P. Eyler and the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra in April, 2002, sound files (excerpts) of this concerto can be found HERE.
Timpani/Percussion Masterclasses at Minnesota State University
and at the University of North Dakota
Check out the July issue of the Not So Modern Drummer magazine. New Timpani Arrive for the NSO!!
A set of five Mark XIVs: 32", 29", 26", 24", 20".
Photo of the Month
New Sound and Video
I have uploaded some new sound and video files (taken from a recent faculty recital at the University of Maryland). Photo of the Month
PASIC 2002
Check out additional photos HERE ! 
NSO Returns from
The NSO has just returned from New York City; performing two concerts at Carnegie Hall on October 30 and 31.
NYC/Carnegie HallA mini-IU Alumni Reunion
My good friend, Keith Aleo, percussionist with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, stopped by for a visit.
"For U-Md.'s Arts Center, A Warm Round of Applause"
The Washington Post recently wrote a terrific article about the University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. 
John at the Concertgebouw
I finally developed a roll of film that had some photos taken during the National Symphony Orchestra's European tour. 
Congratulations to Netherlands Radio Orchestra timpanist Nick Woud!!
Beginning on 1/1/2003 he will share the position as solo timpanist (with Marinus Komst) with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Light Drums Delivered at the University of Maryland!
The university's last shipment of timpani arrived today. A full set of 5 Mark XIV timpani. Guest Book!
Your comments regarding this web site are always welcome. Click HERE to sign in!
Missing Timpano
Missing from The Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall, Cleveland, Ohio
A 30 inch diameter timpano, with Berliner-style pedal (Ringer type) extremely heavy, maroon painted frame, burnished kettle with dark purple drop cover. Built in early 1950's in Germany. Contact: Paul Yancich by e-mail @ megepaul@aol.com or Johnathon Martin, General Manager, The Cleveland Orchestra, (216) 321-7343
Vancore Mallet Keyboards & Timpani
Remo Web Page
The Remo web page was updated this past week and includes yours truly at:
Keith Aleo
My good friend Keith Aleo recently stopped by for a visit.
A trip down Memory Lane
I recently took a trip down memory lane while on vacation this summer. I visited Evansville, Indiana - home of my first job (Evansville Philharmonic and University of Evansville) out of college. Virtual Recitals
Click HERE to catch a virtual recital!
Timpani Concertos?
I've received a couple of Emails lately about recommendations for timpani concertos. I'm going to list a few here and if anyone has other recommendations PLEASE Email me!
Walter Kaufman: Concertino for Timpani
Werner Tharichen: Timpani Concerto
Jorge Saramientos: Concertino for Timpani
Peck: "Harmonic Rhythm"
James Oliverio: Concerto No. 1, "Olympian"
Donald White: Concertino for Timpani
Peter Tanner: Concerto for Timpani and Brass
Avshalomov: "G.F. Salomon Timpani Concerto"
Farberman: Concerto for Timpani
Stephen Gerber: Concerto for Timpani
Wm Kraft: Concerto for Timpani
Sam Raphling: Concerto for Timpani
Andrez Panufnik: Concertino for Timpani
and Percussion
Timpani Tuners?
Some people have asked me if I have a preference for electronic tuners. I actually have two tuners; a Peterson strobe tuner and a portable tuner made by Arion (model HU-8400). Here is a picture of the Arion tuner - originally designed for bass guitars, this tuner picks up the low frequencies quite well. Specific information on this tuner can be found at http://www.wheatonmusic.com/arion.htm.
Innovative Instrument Designs
The "Hoe-Down-a-phone"
Day of Percussion Timpani Clinic
a Success!!
THANK YOU to everyone who assisted me (especially Marshall Maley, Ken Harbison and Mark Latimer) and to those who attended my timpani clinic. I had a great time! 
Here's a View from the TIMPANI-CAM!
Timpani Head Trunk
King Kong Kases has made a TERRIFIC timpani head trunk for the National Symphony Orchestra. The trunk is used to store approximately 15-20 spare timpani heads. For more information on King Kong Kases, contact Buz King at 1 (800) 776-1525 or check out their web site at http://musicyellowpage.com/kngkng.htm.
Video Camera Scaffold
Since most of us in the audience can't see a performer's hands during clinics and masterclasses I have designed a transportable scaffold that holds a video camera up about 9 feet above and behind the player. When connected to a couple of TV monitors, people sitting far away or beneath the performer will be able to see what the performer is doing. I plan to "unveil" this contraption at the VA/DC PAS Chapter's Day of Percussion on April 1, 2000.
Precision Classic Timpani
Precision Classic Timpani has been producing quality chain timpani since
1984. Mark Guthrie, timpanist and owner of Precision Classic Timpani
has developed a smooth working chain drive system. This along with a
proven bowl design gives the performer the ultimate in sound and
reliability. Chosen for their sound by many orchestras, these instruments
have earned critical acclaim for their warmth and rhythmic clarity. Many
orchestras and universities are already enjoying the portability and sound
that put these instruments in a class by themselves.
Introducing . . the Tony Ames "Quick Draw" Bow!
The NSO recently performed several new works at the Kennedy Center: Zwilich's Symphony No. 1, Tower's Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman and a new flute concerto by Libby Larsen.
Peck Review
I performed Russell Peck's new timpani concerto, entitled "Harmonic Rhythm", with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra on April 21st. Click HERE to see the review.
The University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has been featured in a recent Washington Post newspaper article.
Percussive Notes Article Published
Timpani Head Sizes
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