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.

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.