An Experience of A Lifetime!

This past Sunday, Spirit hosted the Day of Percussion- what a phenomenal experience! How often is it that you get so many brilliant, famous, and pioneering percussionists in the same room, teaching young people about what makes them passionate?  Not very frequently. This was an extraordinary opportunity and the students that attended were blown away. Percussion is basically about hitting things. It was so interesting how each clinician brought their own unique approach and vision of that concept to what they were playing! We talked a lot about how drumming was the second voice of music, preceded in history only by the human voice.  And how fundamental concepts, like rhythm and story telling, apply to every style of percussion - whether it be African or Brazilian Drumming, Orchestral percussion, Drum set, Front Ensemble or Drum line. The clinicians brought us a fresh outlook on percussion, and inspiration that makes me determined to keep fighting for every note and every new thing I can learn! Special Thanks to Colin McNutt, Thom Hannum, Keith Aleo, Grant Braddock, Eduardo Leandro, and Ian Hale. We are so grateful!

We Enjoy Because They Sacrificed!

We had a terrific WP rehearsal this past weekend. It was definitely a long one- 6:30 am- 11:30 pm! We got so much accomplished including learning the beginning of Book 3- New Life. The layering of all the mixed-meters makes for a fantastic effect! It's super challenging, but will be so cool once we get it.
The rest of the day was sub-sectionals cleaning parts of the show as well as polishing exercises that we will perform for the upcoming Day of Percussion. We ended the day in ensemble - putting together Books 1 and 3,and playing the "Batucada" (A full participation Brazilian drum circle). Being Veterans Day, I realized I couldn't do any of these activities I love so much (including winter percussion) without those, past and present, who have fought for our country. Thank you Veterans!

On the Floor

Spirit of America WP just voted on the design for the 2013 floor! We met on Election Day and cast our own ballots choosing between two designs that depict themes of eternity and the circle of life in South American culture. The design we all chose is in process, so we can’t show you yet…but you can be sure it will be a different look for Spirit Winter Percussion. It stands in stark contrast to the luminous palette of color we have played with until now, and yet it will still capture the energy and strength of our show concept.