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!