@ percussion podcast
150 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratingsTopics and Interviews in Percussion
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Episodes
091 - Will James
May 05, 2017 02:09Will James, featured on the podcast previously as an active percussion blog, finally joins us for an episode at the launch of his giant new project: The Repertoire. Will is Principal Percussionist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, a position he won in his mid-20's while a member of the New World Symphony. He guest lectures regularly at the University of Missouri - with Megan!! Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio el...
090 - Scotty Horey
April 27, 2017 20:22Scotty Horey joins this week, ready to talk about teaching philosophies and passions, among other things. Scotty is active as a classical player and drumset specialist, called the "twin cities' hungriest young percussionist." Learn more about him at his website. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 6:15 Snapshots of a Journey video series? 12:20 Dissertation topic? Types of learning. Mind...
089 - Julie Spencer
April 21, 2017 11:35Composer, performer, visual artist, and world-renown percussionist Julie Spencer joins us for this episode all the way from Germany. In the words of Julie: Music is an expression of the soul, mediated by the language of the intellect, through an open heart. Their substance and meaning are constantly redefined in the context of personal experience and collective consciousness. As we draw strength from the conflicts and sorrows of our lives, I hope to be a voice in the creation of music fo...
088 - Greg Beyer
April 13, 2017 21:05Visiting Megan, and joining us for this episode, is percussionist Greg Beyer. His vast experience as an orchestral, jazz, contemporary classical player are complemented by his specialties in world music through his Acromusical project, which focuses on the Afro-Brazilian berimbau through performance, publication, research, and community building. He even graces us with performances of some of his own compositions for berimbau during the episode. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot s...
087 - Tim Feeney
April 07, 2017 11:32Visiting Megan at Mizzou, and joining us this week, is Tim Feeney: player, composer, and improviser. His unstable soundscapes have earned him performances at many avant garde venues, as well as several recording opportunities. Tim has played on Broadway, worldwide as an interpreter of contemporary music, and locally as the principal percussionist of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. He is an Assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of Alabama. Watch here. Listen below. If yo...
086 - Marco Schirripa
March 30, 2017 16:31Joining us this week is Marco Schirripa, Adjunct Professor of Music at Tennessee Tech. He's in the process of completing a DMA at Indiana in addition to his TNTech duties, composition career, and other interests. We talk gesture in performance, studying with Gordon Stout, video game music, and more about the 10,000 hour "rule." Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 6:30 How have you kept u...
085 - Mark Boseman
March 23, 2017 12:32Joining us this week is Mark Boseman, one of Megan's Eastman colleagues and one of the few folks with access, technique, and recordings of some of John Serry's works. He recently wrote his own four-mallet technique book, complete with examples by some of today's notable composers and friendly technology aimed at the junior high and high school demographic. We chat about technique, John Serry, inspiration for writing his book, and other things. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see...
084 - Michael Eagle with Philipp Rütsche and Philipp Meyer
March 16, 2017 14:0882 episodes after his first appearance, Michael Eagle returns for another episode all about drumming on the other side of the world. This time he's in Switzerland, immersing himself in the techniques and styles of traditional Swiss drumming. With him are Philipp Rütsche, Drummajor for the Swiss Central Army Band, and Philipp Meyer (not pictured), 2017 Bazel drumming Solo Champion performer. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support th...
083 - Pete Zambito
March 09, 2017 13:29Joining us this week is fellow podcaster Pete Zambito. We figured it's about time we have him on as he's interviewed all four of us for his show: Pete's Percussion Podcast. We chat about podcasting, why Laurel's in Texas with Ben, PASIC, developing students' taste for music, and making your own reality according to Super Brain, part 2. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and Hello. Pete's Podcast 8...
082 - Emil Richards
March 02, 2017 14:09PAS Hall of Fame member Emil Richards' career serves as the first long-term example of a studio musician based in Los Angeles. He's played on over 2,000 film scores, and at 85 years of age still records for a few composers. He's seen the industry in its glamorous heydey and witnessed changes - good and bad. With him we talk about beginning his instrument collection while on tour with Frank Sinatra, special stories attached to key instruments, and his opinions about the field of percussio...
081 - Colin Hill
February 23, 2017 12:16Joining us this week is Colin Hill, Assistant Professor of Percussion Studies at Tennessee Tech University. In our chat, we learned that his dissertation research on practice colors his teaching. Laurel shares her newest essay in the Marimba Body series from her blog, which is all about thumbs and a little about anatomical variants. There's a tendon in the forearm that some have and others don't! Thanks to all for Facebook questions. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the aud...
080 - Brian Nozny
February 16, 2017 13:05Joining us this week is percussionist composer Brian Nozny. We chat about inspiration, confidence vs. competence, and even his "side hustle" (Thanks, Arvay), a company called Sylvana Chimes. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 intro and hello 10:30 Do's and don'ts of arranging 14:45 What's impacted your compositional style? 21:35 Christopher Rouse 39:50 Research of Tomas Chamorro Premuzic, dangers of...
079 - Michael Schutz
February 09, 2017 14:17Dr. Michael Schutz is currently Associate Professor of Music Cognition/Percussion at McMaster University. He is the founding director of the MAPLE Lab and a core member of the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind. Chatting with him about his gestural research was enlightening and thought-provoking. He currently chairs the PAS Music Technology committee and has performed at PASIC several times. Research in music cognition is nothing short of fascinating, and the implications conta...
078 - Brad Meyer, part 2
February 02, 2017 17:52Continuing our conversation with Brad... Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 0:40 "I want to be a teacher so why do I have to learn all this other stuff?" 3:30 The improvments you've made a SFA? 13:45 Visit to the Sweetwater shop 17:17 Neuroscience Says Listening to This Song Reduces Anxiety by Up to 65 Percent (total BS) (Rights marches too). 36:33 Jacob TV 47:40 Quote
077 - Brad Meyer
January 26, 2017 13:00Joining us is Director of Percussion at SFA: Dr. Brad Meyer. He's also the chair of the Health and Wellness Committee. Naturally, we talk about some of Brad's articles and clinics, as well as the tips and traps for those first college teaching jobs. We're also joined by a host from the Sublist - Brandon Arvay, and two Tag-Along Hosts: Ana Provo (with Megan) and Caleb Pickering (with Casey). Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the ...
075 - Tracy Wiggins
January 19, 2017 15:12Joining us this week is Tracy Wiggins, coordinator of the percussion program at The University of North Alabama. His interests and experiences are varied, ranging from principle timpanist for several orchestras, to a tuba-percussion duo called Peruba, to playing in the pit for numerous operas and musicals. Topics: Mariah Carey's year-ending performance, hearing protection and decibel results from PASIC 2016, music programming debates, and John Cage's Third Construction Watch here. Listen...
076 - Brian Zator
January 19, 2017 15:08Joining us this is new PAS President and Director of Percussion at Texas A&M Univ.-Commerce: Brian Zator. Naturally, PAS is a big topic of discussion, as well as his experience in Japan with Keiko Abe. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 2:47 What are you most excited about, being the new PAS President? 4:35 Are there significant changes with different PAS Presidents? 8:30 What do you h...
074 - Tom Burritt
January 05, 2017 16:00Hello, 2017! To start off this new year we are joined by Tom Burritt, Director of Percussion Studies at UT, Austin. Tom is known as a marimba soloist and percussionist for the twice GRAMMY-nominated choir Conspirare. Additionally, his video-based episodic Axiom TV was one of the first dives into the combination of classical percussion and new technology. We talk about the details of his IP mallets, Joseph Schwantner, the "10,000 hour rule" of mastery, being a student for life, and "grit...
073 - Steven Schick
December 31, 2016 16:13The illustrious and profound Steven Schick needs no introduction from us; we were all too eager to sit with him for an hour or so. In this episode Steven answers several Facebook questions (Thanks to Fernando, Caleb, Diego, Theo, and Shaun for submissions!), his relationship with longtime friend David Lang, learning Ferneyhough and Xenakis, commissioning, our increasingly specialized field, and the pitfalls of "overtraining." Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls...
072 - Elisabeth Blair
December 31, 2016 16:06And now for something completely different! Casey came across the podcast Listening to Ladies in November 2016 and was curious to know more about it - and we're so glad its founder and host, Elisabeth Blair, could find the time to record an episode with us. With Elisabeth we chat about her reasons and work for the Listening to Ladies podcast and how to balance its demands with the rest of life. Women-specific composition festivals and opportunities are mentioned, as well as the current...
071 - Brandon Arvay
December 31, 2016 16:04Joining us for Episode 71 is Brandon Arvay: educator, percussionist, and curator of an active blog and website. We talk about blogging strategies, skills musicians need besides just playing, the cross-discipline tradition and why on earth we don't do it anymore, and Ben presents on drummer Steve Gadd. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 hello 2:04 Brandon Arvay and Blogging 14:28 Steve Gadd 21:18 Cross...
070 - Steven Snowden
December 31, 2016 16:04We were stoked to hang out with composer Steven Snowden for this episode. We cover a variety of topics, including his compositional inspiration and practice, including electronics, and focus on specific works, such as Looner Eclipse. Megan presents an article called "Decolonizing Our Music," and Laurel starts a new, quick weekly segment which highlights one musically relevant quote and its speaker. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not sup...
069 - Ricardo Flores
December 31, 2016 16:03Joining us this week is one of Ben's former teachers: Ricardo Flores. Ricardo regularly plays various styles of music and was gracious enough to chat with us about So Percussion's new A Gun Show and its director, Ain Gordon, as well as the topic of mindful self-motivation, an ever-present issue in the minds of today's teachers and mentors. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 0:58 PASIC rec...
068 - Kenyon Williams and Larnell Lewis
December 31, 2016 16:01Larnell Lewis Kenyon Williams A quick interview with Larnell Lewis (drummer of Snarky Puppy) and Kenyon Williams (Minnesota State University - Moorhead) during the MSUS Day of Percussion hosted by Kenyon Williams. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:03 What is a Day of Percussion? 1:42 How to procure artists 3:10 Larnell’s clinic / session work / backing tracks 6:46 Shane Shanahan’s ...
067 - Andy Bliss
December 31, 2016 16:00This week we're joined by the professor of percussion at the University of Tennessee and co-founder of Nief Norf, Andy Bliss. Andy was the curator for Focus Day 2016, and he gives us some insight into the entire process. Megan tells us about ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) and founder Claire Chase's recent decision to step out of her administrative role. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro...
066 - Pedro Fernandez guest interview
December 31, 2016 15:59In this episode, Casey shares a recorded interview with Pedro Fernandez, the organizer of Portugal's Groove Alentejo festival. He also talks about the Chapel of Bones in Evora, made of exactly what it sounds like. We also chat about Wonder Woman being named an Honorary Ambassador to the UN, as well as the creation story behind the comic books. Megan quizzes our ears with a recording of an Alpine cattle descent, and into about almglocken. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the a...
065 - Matthew Henry
December 31, 2016 15:05Matthew Henry, creator of the community outreach program Specdrum, joined us for this episode. He opens up about the inspiration for creating the organization. Other topics include the oldest man-made instrument ever found and artist Mark Rooker's project of sending art to the moon. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:43 Current projects 5:14 Upcoming PASIC clinic: Side-by-side compar...
064 - Julia Gaines
December 31, 2016 14:49For this episode, Megan invited her department director, percussionist Dr. Julia Gaines, to join us. Julia and Megan were both willing to give us an insider's perspective on last year's Mizzou protests. Julia also talks about the transition from percussion professor to administration, as well as the process of creating her marimba method book and 4-mallet level system. We also talk about our experiences teaching Percussion Methods classes, as graduate assistants and professors. Watch her...
063 - Tony Cirone
October 20, 2016 11:11Tony Cirone was kind enough to join us for this episode of @ percussion. He's not only the author of Portraits in Rhythm and its many "sequels," but also a distinguished orchestral player, performing with the San Francisco Symphony for nearly 40 years. We were particularly excited to hear his take on the orchestra strikes in Pennsylvania, which began just before taping this episode. Topics: his new book, Buster Bailey, inner workings of being in an orchestra, the PA strikes Watch here. ...
062 - Jeremy Smith
October 13, 2016 11:42Laurel and this week's guest, Jeremy Smith, were once studio-mates at the University of Tennessee before moving up north to continue musical studies. Now a graduate of Juilliard, Jeremy has made a name for himself as a specialist in hand percussion from many cultures. You can find him on Instagram at jpsnyc Topics: 2016 International Percussion Festival in Seoul, Korea; ideas of pedagogy for maraca playing, Laurel's discovery of research in the field of embodiment theories of emotion Wa...
061 - Ed Smith
October 07, 2016 23:18We had a great chat with jazz vibraphonist Ed Smith, faculty member at the University of North Texas and SMU. Ben was able to meet with him in person for this interview. Topics: Gamelan, jazz vibes, the Malletech Love vibe, John Cage, Gamelan Wanita Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:40 Ed’s current projects and relationship with Ben 4:46 Malletech Love Vibe and pedaling technique 13...
060 - Pius Cheung and Eriko Daimo
September 29, 2016 23:30They're the marimba power couple of Schumann-ian proportions: Pius Chueng and Eriko Daimo. In addition to being teachers (in Oregon and NY) and internationally known performers, they are also our dear friends. Their dog, Partita, makes a few cameo appearances in this episode. Topics: Nancy Zeltsman and her teaching style, finding satisfaction in playing, Facebook questions Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element ...
058 - Mike Cerreto
September 22, 2016 13:36This week certified sports psychologist and rehabilitation specialist Mike Cerreto joined us from his A Talented Mind clinic in Richmond, VA. Recently, Mike has also started working with classical musicians, and has confirmed and debunked some of the lines drawn between the two domains. Mike and Laurel are now collaborating on an exciting new resource for percussionists about our own mental styles, which will release in 2017. Topics: mental styles, musicians' myths about performance anxi...
059 - Mike Rosen, part 2
September 22, 2016 13:34Since our last conversation with Mike was cut short, we gathered again to finish topics and have Mike answer our remaining questions. Topics: memorization, how to practice, Joshua Drake Jones viral video, Keiko Abe's music arriving in the US Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:23 James Wood’s “Cloud Polyphonies” 4:13 Eli Gerschat: The Oberlin Percussion Group premieres at least one new ...
057 - Mike Rosen
September 08, 2016 12:27From Oberlin Conservatory, this week we are joined by Mike Rosen. Many former students of his have gone on to successful careers in different avenues of percussion. Topics: pedagogy, Ballet mecanique and George Antheil, Hedy Lamarr Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:55 Percussion at Oberlin / double degree or major 8:12 Eli Gerschat: Helping a student find their path can seem very dau...
056 - Gwendolyn Dease
September 01, 2016 11:29Michigan State professor Gwendolyn Dease joined us for this episode. We asked her about her upcoming CD, Ben told us about Robert van Sice, Laurel gives a book review of The Social Psychology of Musicianship, and Megan fills us in on the DCI Finals results. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:37 Gwen’s cd projects 3:36 Ted Jackson: Can you please describe the process of arranging the Ce...
055 - Jeff Irving
August 25, 2016 12:45During her tenure at Interlochen, Megan sat down with Jeff Irving, another percussion faculty member. Jeff resides in NYC, freelances as a contemporary, orchestral, and Broadway player, and co-owns New York Percussion Service, a percussion instrument rental company. Topics: Interlochen, freelancing, blogging, Jan Williams Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 2:27 Interlochen Arts Camp 5:0...
054 - Nanae Mimura, Theo Milkov, and Andrei Puskarev
August 18, 2016 12:43While in Lombardy, Italy for the International Percussion Festival, Casey sat down with fellow judges Nanae Mimura, Theo Milkov, and Andrei Puskarev for an interview. They talk about many things, one being their affinity (or lack there of) for the judging process. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 0:35 Theodore Milkov’s fundraiser to play PASIC concert 6:34 Nanae Mimura’s influences of...
053 - TAPS in Long Beach
August 17, 2016 03:00Casey was again part of the faculty for TAPS, this time in Long Beach. He sat down with the other faculty: John Parks, Nick Mancini, Ted Atkatz, Shaun Tilburg, and Tim Jones, as well as students for this episode. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 0:49 Comments on Don Greene’s class 5:24 Bailey: What is the most important skill to have as a professional musician that’s not directly relate...
052 - George Barrett
August 12, 2016 02:01George Barrett, CEO of Innovative Percussion and First Vice President of PAS, joined us this week from his office in Nashville, TN. We're so glad he was able to make room for us in his busy schedule. Topics: PAS, mentor example of UT Women's Head Coach Pat Summit, history of Innovative Percussion, industry Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:27 Current events at IP and leadership restru...
A Quick Minute with Jennifer Higdon
July 31, 2016 18:43Our excitement and enjoyment of sitting down for a 90-minute interview with composer Jennifer Higdon was cut short when we realized that, after signing off, a technical error caused us to lose the bulk of the interview. We managed to save the last few minutes, and have her permission to release them. In this short clip, Jennifer speaks about her piece, Blue Cathedral. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element
051 - Mike Compitello
July 28, 2016 13:08During her residence at Avaloch Farm, Megan sat down with Mike Compitello, part of New Morse Code, the cello/perc duo that coordinates Avaloch Farm's New Music Initiative. Mike is an active chamber and orchestral player, and teaches at the University of Kansas. Topics: artist retreats, scientific research about the "chills" when you listen to music Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 1:0...
050 - Fernando Meza
July 21, 2016 14:05Here's the milestone 50th episode! Who else to showcase but someone like Fernando Meza, whose passion for percussion is surpassed only by the great energy and warmth he brings to every project and person lucky enough to cross his path. At the time of this interview, we caught him at home in Minnesota between international engagements. Topics: YOA, Keiko Abe, maintaining high energy, plagiarism in pop music, Biolley instruments, Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, 2010 Marimba Festival Watch here. Li...
049 - Ben Fraley
July 14, 2016 12:14Ben Fraley, part of the faculty at Troy University, joined us this week. What could have been a pessimistic chat about the rise of adjunct positions proved more positive than anything. His passions for frame drumming and John Luther Adams' Inuksuit are bookends to this episode. Topics: Inuksuit, various viewpoints on adjunct teaching, frame drumming, MakeMusic.org, from Walking in This World: allocating and budgeting your creative energy Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the a...
048 - Rob Knopper
July 07, 2016 12:53Joining us this week is Rob Knopper: creator of auditionhacker and percussionhacker, as well as percussionist with the Met Opera Orchestra. We talk a lot about auditions and the meaning of "perfect time." Topics: Delecluse, auditions, blogging, Alan Abel, symphony vs opera playing Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 2:12 Current projects and the upcoming Met season 6:05 Ted Jackson: Woul...
047 - TAPS at New England Music Camp
June 30, 2016 12:50This episode was recorded during TAPS East Coast held at Snow Pond - the facilities of the New England Music Camp (NEMC). We managed to include everyone, both faculty and participants, in this episode. Ted Atkatz and Shaun Tilburg are familiar faces, and we're lucky that Fiona Bryan, Director of Outreach and Communications of Snow Pond, could join us too. She's a trained violinist, and with all of our Bach conversation, she had some really interesting points to make. Topics: NEMC, TAPS, J...
046 - Baljinder Sekhon
June 23, 2016 12:01Composer Baljinder Sekhon joined us from Tampa, FL for this episode. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Composition at the University of South Florida. Baljinder's music has been performed worldwide, and there's even a special link on his website that directs straight to the percussion works. Topics: Baljinder's music, "The Next Rembrandt" replication project, David Cope's music replication projects, and the sound/art installation Gamelatron Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot ...
045 - Amy Garapic
June 16, 2016 17:50Megan snagged NY percussionist Amy Garapic for this week's episode. The two share similar experiences, and Amy is known for her involvement in the TIGUE Percussion Trio and organization of large-scale performances like John Luther Adams' Inuksuit. We talk about her recent concerts, community/inner city drumlines, Brooklyn United, PICK (Pushing Inner City Kids), ORCHKids. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:...
044 - Terry Longshore
June 12, 2016 17:00In addition to teaching at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Terry Longshore currently heads up three chamber groups: Left Edge, Caballito Negro, and Duo Flamenco. He's equal parts contemporary and world music. Topics: passing of Remo Belli, percussion music of Mark Applebaum including Composition Machine no.1 (Terry's commission) Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element 0:00 Intro and hello 2:30 Current proj...
043 - Poovalur Sriji
June 02, 2016 16:41While traveling in Texas this spring, Ben sat with a previous teacher from UNT: Poovalur Sriji. Sriji specializes in the Indian drum mrindangam, which he began studying at a young age. At UNT he teaches a course that introduces Indian music traditions to students, culminating in a concert of new compositions created throughout the course. We really enjoyed chatting with Sriji, and would love to chat with him again soon. Topics: Indian music, thoughts on teaching, "Are you too Hard on Yo...