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!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, October 15, 2010
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
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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 :)
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