Grant Braddock

As a drummer and percussionist for Broadway's Lion King, Grant is obviously very knowledgeable about World Percussion. However, his expertise extends far beyond that into drum set, keyboard, and everything percussion. He is one of the coolest, hippest guys out there – and he can play the shekere like no-one else – it's insane how cool it is!

Day of Percussion - Nov 18th - Check out the Insanity

Eduardo Leandro

Eduardo Leandro is a native of Brazil. He is currently the  Artist-in-Residence at the State University of New York-Stony Brook, as well as clinician for Vic Firth. He has performed in music festivals throughout the world. A killer keyboard artist and a licensed pilot – he is also an accomplished conductor who shares his talents everywhere. A brilliant musican who generously shares his passion for percussion.

Day of Percussion – Nov 18 – Don't Miss It!

Keith Aleo

Don't let the Zildjian affiliation lull you into thinking that Keith is just a "cymbal guy". He is an accomplished percussionist in every sense of the word. He earned his BM from Eastman and his Masters from the University of Miami. He was a member of the Florida Philharmonic ('89-'03) and performed with the BSO under the direction of James Levine.  He has recorded several orchestral works and conducted countless workshops and masterclasses both nationally and abroad.  His excitement for the medium is contagious- and orchestral percussion suddenly takes on a whole new "coolness" when you work with him.

Day of Percussion - Nov 18 - Please Join Us

Colin McNutt

Colin has his roots right here on Cape Cod where he graduated from Barnstable High School. He earned his stripes, working his way up the DCI ranks, as a player ('92 tenor solo champion), tech , and instructor. He is presently the Percussion Caption Supervisor and Arranger for the ten-time DCI World Champion Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. Colin has served on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he is an alumnus with a double-degree in Classics and Music Education. He is a sought-after clinician with Yamaha, Zildjian, REMO, and Vic Firth.
He is also a friend. I have known him for over 16 years – and his untiring devotion to the art of percussion never ceases to amaze me. Sure, he is a great instructor – but his care for the player, the "student" holding the sticks, is what impresses me most.  He finds your very best - and you'll surprised by the discovery.

Day of Percussion –November 18th – experience it for yourself.

Thom Hannum

Thom Hannum has been teaching at UMASS/Amherst since 1984 - establishing a program which continues to produce quality players and instructors who have shaped the face of Drum Corp. He has long been regarded as one of the nations foremost percussion arrangers, instructors, and clinicians. His pedigree is unparalleled: a member of the DCI Hall of Fame, coach of the '87 Cadets drum line that scored the sports only “perfect 20”, and a charter member of the design team for the Tony Award-winning show BLAST!.

I have attended Thom's workshops: they are uplifting and encouraging. Excellence can be intimidating – but when excellence is a way of life - it becomes inspiring. Day of Percussion - don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by Thom.

Day of Percussion - Nov 18th

As a new blogger on the Spirit of America site my first order of business is to bring some fresh perspective to the fast approaching Day of Percussion.  The cast of percussionist is unbelievable - Thom Hannum, Colin McNutt, Keith Aleo,  Eduardo Leandro, and Grant Braddock.  It just doesn't get much better than this. So whether you are an accomplished percussionist - a basement drum-kit wannabee - or anywhere in between there is something for you at this event.  Please, do not feel intimidated - they are all very approachable and encouraging clinicians and teachers. In addition to all that - it's free! Please click on the poster for more information - and stay-tuned to this blog for more detailed information on each of the clinicians. And by all means - Save the date!