"March" from the Nutcracker Suite

Performed by drumfill junior

"drumfill" is a community percussion ensemble based in Sydney, Australia. They are directed by Tim Ferrier and all taught by Tessa Gutierrez.
 

The drumfill junior percussion ensemble comprises students aged 6 to 11 years old and in grades 1 to 6 in primary school.
This is their award winning performance from the 2012 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, which is run by Optimum Percussion and was hosted by Scotch College in Hawthorn, Victoria.

"March" from the Nutcracker Suite was composed by Tchaikovsky and arranged for percussion ensemble by Tim Ferrier. We hope you enjoy this performance!

2012 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod Results

2012 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod Results

Last weekend my students and I traveled to Melbourne for the 2012 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod. This is an annual event organized by Optimum Percussion (in Burwood, NSW Australia) and was kindly hosted this year by Scotch College in Hawthorn.

Both days were extremely exciting with fantastically musical performances from young, school-aged percussionists from all over Australia. I am very proud to report that all my students played to the best of their abilities and were awarded with the following:

Intermediate Drum Kit
Encouragement Award = Alistair H.

Junior 2-mallets
Encouragement Award = Alistair H.

Primary Solos

1st Place = Ruby S.

2nd Place = Catherine P.
3rd Place = Patrick S.

Primary Percussion Ensemble
1st Place = drumfill junior

Junior High School Percussion Ensemble

2nd Place = drumfill intermediate

I am very proud of the efforts of all my students and commend every competitor that entered an event, their teachers for encouraging and instructing them and the conductors who were able to shape young percussionists into such fantastic musicians. 

It is always fabulous to see students of varying ages performing with such musicality and promising technique. 

The future of percussion in Australia is secure.

I will be uploading video footage of my students in performance. Stay tuned if you are interested.

Thank you :)

2011 Tessa's drumfill students at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod

In 2011 Tessa's drumfill percussion ensembles participated in the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod sponsored by Optimum Percussion and held at MLC Girl's School in Burwood, NSW.

Tessa's drumfill students won their two sections, Primary-aged Percussion Ensemble and Junior High School Percussion Ensemble in a field of very exciting performances from schools around Australia.

The drumfill primary percussion ensemble group performed:
"Under the Big Top" by Chris Crockarell
and
"Brazil" by Ary Barroso and arranged by Diane Downs and Rick Mattingly

Chris Crockarell is a co-founder of the popular Row-Loff Publishing company.

Diane Downs is the driving force behind the very successful Louisville Leopard Percussionists.

The drumfill junior high school percussion ensemble performed:
A selection of movements from The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens:
"The Lion" arranged by Tim Ferrier
"Aquarium" arranged by Tim Ferrier
"Fossils" arranged by Tim Ferrier
and
"Caravan" by Duke Ellington, Duke Irving and Juan Tizol, arranged by Diane Downs and Rick Mattingly

Their performances can be seen in this drumfill video compiled by the father of one of the drumfill students:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01ORRS2SpII

Please enjoy and stay tuned for more exciting performances :)

Meet the Wind Orchestra: Sound & Space - Events Calendar - The Big Diary - ABC Online

Meet the Wind Orchestra: Sound & Space - Events Calendar - The Big Diary - ABC Online

This is my next concert, performing with the award winning Open A-Grade Australian and NSW State Champion Castle Hill RSL North West Wind Ensemble.

It is an event aimed at primary- aged school children and includes an interactive performance of many popular movie, television and classical themes. Each section of the wind ensemble will be featured and there is a chance to conduct the band!

Sunday October 30th at Dural near Sydney Australia.
Hope to see you there :)

My newest video - please vote for me!

If you enjoy my video please cast a vote on the official YouTube voting page:

http://www.youtube.com/user/OpenUniversitiesAu

and look for my video in the ones listed under the "Vote" TAB.
Click the green "thumbs up" for "like".

Many thanks :)

C-Jam Blues Arr. Diane Downs Performed by drumfill

"Oye Como Va" performed by drumfill 2009

Here is a video from 2009 of my youngest students performing at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod. They were 6, 7, 8 and 9 years of age at the time and came first place in their section.

C-JAM BLUES
Arranged by Diane Downs
Conducted by Tim Ferrier



The second piece performed at the 2009 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, is "Oye Como Va" and was performed by students aged from 5 to 11 years.

My 2011 students are competing again this year and are aged between 5 and 11 years of age for the Primary-aged section (Kindergarten to Year 6 grade school).

The older group of students is aged between 12 and 15 years of age and are entered in the Junior High School-aged section.

If you are in Sydney Australia the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod sponsored by Optimum Percussion is being held on the weekend of August 27 and 28 at MLC Girl's School Burwood NSW.

Enjoy the video :)

2009 drumfill percussion ensemble 1st Place
Australian Percussion Eisteddfod

2011 Winners of Australian Open A-Grade Concert Band Championships

Last Easter I joined the concert band I perform with: North West Wind Ensemble in Adelaide SA for the 2011 Australian National Band Championships.

We were one of four bands in Open A-Grade which is the highest level of performance for a concert band in Australia.

I am happy to let you all know that we won under the superb direction of our Musical Director James Brice.

Here is the test piece which all bands in Open A-Grade had to perform.
It is called Year of the Dragon by Phillip Sparke:



We achieved 198 out of a possible 200 points!
If you listen carefully you will hear the glockenspiel (high pitched metallic sound).
I play all the glockenspiel parts except for 4 notes at the start of the 2nd movement (which were written on a different part).

Hope you enjoy it!

Jamie Castrisos - new website

The inaugural drummer interviewed for this blog was Jamie Castrisos, who started learning drums and percussion at the age of 9 in Sydney.

Jamie is currently one of Australia's best drummer/percussionist exports and currently resides in Singapore.

His most recent Sydney performance was as the drummer for the musical "Wicked".

All the best for your bright future Jamie and thanks for giving your time for the interview!

Rowan Atkinson Live - Star of Mr.Bean - Funny invisible drum

Who said you need a drum kit to play drums?
My favourite clip from Mr Bean.
Enjoy :)

Introduction to Percussion Instruments

Take a walk through my percussion teaching room with me.

Thank you to my niece Ruby for her demonstrations
and to Tim for his assistance with camera angles and the
use of an excerpt of his music.

Enjoy!

Great Percussion Sites across the Web - Drumdojo

As I was traveling across the Internet today, I found a site called "Drumdojo" which had quite a lot of fantastic information and links.

It would be well worth a visit. Whether your interest is in orchestral percussion, drumming or world percussion, there will be an article, review or video which will be interesting.

An example of how comprehensive the Drumdojo articles are, is the one I read about Drum equipment and maintenance.

Well worth a visit!

2010 Billy Hyde Drummers Playoff

Are you a drummer?
Making headlines within the Australian drumming community in the last few weeks is the competition previously known as the "Billy Hyde Drummers Playoff".

Do you live in NSW?
Due to the merger of Allans Music and Billy Hyde Drumcraft earlier this year the event is now known as the "2010 Allans Music + Billy Hyde Drummers Playoff".
IMPORTANT: entrants must reside in NSW.

The "Drummers Playoff" is an annual event, which provides drummers with an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment. It has been running since 1990.

The most promising applicants from each age perform in the inspirational Finals, which is also a celebration of the art of drumming. Finalists performing in the showcase will be adjudicated by some of Australia's top drumming talent. Previous adjudicators have even included overseas artists such as Eric Singer (left in the photo below) the drummer from legendary band "KISS", in 1998.

2010 Finals Showcase details:
Sunday November 28 at
Allans Music + Billy Hyde, 108 Botany Road Alexandria.

Who can enter?
If you live in NSW and are a drummer:
PRIMARY 5 to 11 years
JUNIOR SECONDARY 12 to 14 years
SENIOR SECONDARY 15 to 17 years
OPEN DIVISION any age
then you can enter.

Audition Process
All entrants must play along with a backing track in their audition.
Backing tracks used must have no drums in the recording.
Senior secondary and open division entrants must also perform an unaccompanied solo. The pieces played in the audition are to be performed if the entrant achieves a spot in the 'Showcase Finals'.

Prizes!!
Winners will receive:
PRIMARY: PDP Exotic Red Tiger Ash Snare. RRP $579.99
JUNIOR SECONDARY: Pearl Mahogany Snare RRP. $799
SENIOR SECONDARY: Zildjian A Custom Cymbal Pack. RRP $1369
OPEN DIVISION: PDP MXR Rock Kit. RRP $2499.99

Registrations can be completed online,
or by posting the registration form from the information page, to:
Allans Music + Billy Hyde
31 Eastern Rd South Melbourne VIC 3205.
or by dropping the form into your local Allans Music + Billy Hyde store.

Registrations close Saturday October 30, 2010.
Good Luck!

2009 Drummers Playoff Finals Showcase Performers

Ruby S. aged 7 years
Finalist "Primary Section"
Performing "Funk One" by Dave Hassell


Shai H. aged 8 years
Winner "Primary Section"
Peforming "Real Life" by COG


Aaron P. aged 14 years
Finalist "Junior Secondary Section"
Performing "Jazz Police" by Gordon Goodwin Phat Band

Swiss Top Secret Drum Corps

A precision marching drumline with amazingly synchronized moves, the Swiss Top Secret Drumline from Basel are truly amazing!

This video is from YouTube user Gelkoid and was uploaded in 2007 from their 2006 Edinburgh Tattoo performance. Since that time there have been many more performances but this video is one of my favourites as there is clear sound and no commentary.
[Image from:
http://lotpatrol.com/percussion/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/top_secret.jpg]

Here is a link to a website which has the many Swiss Top Secret Drumline videos.

Enjoy :)

Feast of Indian Drumming!!!

The 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony
was a feast of Indian Drumming and a superb display of how
9,000 performers can work synchronously.

Look out for the 7-year-old Tabla prodigy at about the
8:00 minute mark.

Congratulations India - magnificent!!!

Jamie Castrisos

This is the first post in a new category called "Inspirational Percussionists".
Look for the new TAB above.

Jamie Castrisos is a Sydney percussionist who has performed all over the world with professional musical productions, some of the finest musicians and bands.

After studying at North Sydney Boys HS and the NSW Conservatorium of Music, Jamie was accepted into the RAAF Band before leaving to pursue his solo career.
Listed below are the answers to set questions I gave Jamie.
His career and playing are an inspiration - enjoy :)

Jamie performing at The Basement

What age did you start playing drums?

Age 9 - I was in Year 4 at Belrose Public School

Did you learn any other instruments?

I learned piano for a few years and actually took up the trumpet first for two weeks, but had to get an orthodontic plate so changed to drums!!! A wise move!!

Who are your influences?

Wow, so many. All my teachers (who are listed below).

Jamie playing on a DW drum kit

Here are just a few of my playing influences:

Philly Joe Jones, Buddy Rich, Bernard Purdie, Tony Williams, John Blackwell, Aaron Spears, Gerald Heyward, Carl Allen, Joe Farnsworth, Matt Cameron,

Jimmy Cobb, Bill Stewart, Roy Spanky McCurdy, Art Blakey, Jeff Ballard, Brian Blade, Ben Perowsky, Jeff Porcaro, Roy Haynes, Danny Carey, Al Foster, Eric Harland, Kendrick Scott, Clarence Penn, Steve Jordan - too many to mention, and they're just the drummers!!!

Australian Drummers: Hamish Stuart, Andrew Dickeson, Gordon Rytmeister, Tim Firth, Felix Bloxsom, Evan Mannell, Michael Iveson.

My teachers were: Andrew Dickeson, Milan Troha, Graham Hilgendorf, Don Osborne, Daryl Pratt, Rick Miller.

Do you have a favourite brand of drums/cymbals/sticks/accessories?

DW Drums (above and beyond anything else in my humble opinion!)

Zildjian cymbals or Istanbul cymbals

Vic Firth Sticks

LP percussion

DW Hardware and pedals

SKB Cases

Protection racket Bags

TreeWorks Chimes

Grover or Black swamp orchestral percussion

Malletech or Inaki Sebastian mallets

Jamie with his set-up for the Sydney season of Wicked

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to make drumming their career?

Be prepared to listen alot! Practice, especially with others. Make music, not technique! Technique is essential but when it comes to making music it should come from what you're hearing not from what technical exercises you've been doing! Most importantly, enjoy what you're doing otherwise there's not much point! Also make sure you have good reading skills!

What are your career highs?

James Morrison sextet, Dan Barnett Big Band (SWINGS!!!,) RAAF Big Band (played with Doug Parkinson, Grace Knight, Glenn Shorrock, The McClymonts), Sydney season of Wicked. Musical Director and drummer for the Australian tour of Candy Man. Lion King in Singapore 2011!!!

What was your worst experience as a drummer?

Forgetting my cymbals on a gig!!! John Morrison came to the rescue!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My other influences and inspirations are the musicians I work with on a day to day basis. I feel very lucky to work with such talented and generous people.

Do you have a website?

I'm in the process of building my website.

However, my profile and original songs can be found on MySpace:

http://www.myspace.com/jamiecastrisos

Thank you Jamie and all the best for the 2011 Lion King production in Singapore!!!

Thomas Lang chair solo!

Thomas Lang backstage and playing on chairs.
He's crazy!

Holiday Video no. 3: DRUMSTICK SPINNING!!!

HOLIDAY VIDEO No. 3: Drumstick Spinning!!!
All you need is one drumstick :)

Holiday Video No. 2 Paradiddle-diddle Fills!!!

Here's a cool video by a guy called Mike.
It shows you how to use paradiddle-diddle's as drum fills.
Have fun :)

2010 NSW State Band Championships

Yesterday I participated in the NSW State Band Championships with the concert band I perform with: NWWE (North West Wind Ensemble).

I play mostly glockenspiel.
This is an excerpt of one of the pieces we played yesterday.
It is called "Armenian Dances".
The original recoding goes for about 19 minutes.
This video is 10 minutes long.

We won the Open A-Grade section playing Armenian Dances, Fantasy Variations, and Shenendoah. I hope you enjoy it :)

HOLIDAY COMPETITION!!!

If you are one of Tessa's current students, pay close attention.

Some of you participated in the last competition to find the fastest single paradiddle player.

Unfortunately, many of you forgot to comment back with your fastest speed and missed out on the preliminary prize (a chocolate bar) and a chance to win a pair of hot rod thunder or lightning sticks. The successful winners of that competition will be known by the end of Term 4 week 1.

Here is a second chance to win a prize!!!

How fast can you play your single-stroke roll?

All you need is a pair of drumsticks, a drum pad, and a metronome.
Don't have a metronome?
Easily fixed :)
Go to Metronome Online for free access to a metronome.

To find your fastest speed, choose a metronome marking.
For example, if you choose 100:
play one note with each click,
OR two notes per click
OR four notes per click
...choose the way that is easiest for you.

If 100 is too slow, set it to 104.
Keep moving the number higher until you have reached your top speed.
Try as many times over the next two weeks as you can, to get a higher number.

On or before Sunday October 10, 2010 comment on this post with the following information:

Your FIRST name e.g. Chris D.
Your fastest speed e.g. 108 b.p.m [beats per minute]

[make sure you choose "anonymous" for your ID,
and wait for the special curly letter field.
Go online with Mum or Dad to make sure you have commented properly.
Don't move away from the computer
until it states "Your comment is currently awaiting moderation"]

Make sure you can play your submitted speed for a whole minute - or you will be disqualified. Winners will be announced after times have been checked at lessons.

Enjoy your holidays and have fun playing!!!

Tessa :)