We were lucky to have Erik Hetzel from the Sin Brothers in the studio recently to work with our students not only on performance related matters but also to answer their questions about working at a professional level: specifically auditioning and networking were big topics of conversation.
The students got an opportunity to get their questions answered and also record audio with Erik as well.
The Groove Performance Lab is a concept that provides our students with a way to hone their performance skills, and increase their understanding of what working professionals look for when hiring a drummer or percussionist. This is the educational series that I wish I had when I was just starting out!
The GPL is going to accomplish these objectives in a few different ways:
Small ensemble workshops such as the Jazz Trio Workshop and others like it;
Workshops led by working professional singer-songwriters; and
Student led bands coached by studio faculty or other working professional musicians.
The GPL will follow the academic year, with a Fall Session, a winter break over the holidays, a Spring Session, followed by a summer break.
Our next GPL experience will be Sunday, October 13th from 5pm - 7pm. There will be a separate announcement as to the guest instructor coming tomorrow!
Very glad to announce that Dan Ciccone has joined the studio’s staff as a drumset instructor. Dan is one of our own: he studied drumset with Bryan Tuk here from 2020 to 2023.
Dan performs with his own band, Cicco, which gigs in the region and has recorded and released several singles that are streaming on all major platforms.
Dan also performs locally with The Sermon! and the Eight Hands Quartet as well as his own jazz/funk trio. Dan will work with the studio’s beginner drumset students. Dan is attending Temple University School of Music and is majoring in Jazz Performance.
WELL…. what an amazing turnout this afternoon for our end of summer party! Thank you to all who could attend. The students have been working hard on their material and it showed today with some really terrific (and rocking!) individual performances. There were quite a few students that came out to enjoy the afternoon and support their peers and that was also great to see.
In addition, we had a powerful djembe performance from our djembe teacher, Paco Samb, who gave us a preview of what the studio’s monthly djembe sessions are.
Finally, we had the debut performance of Ten N’ a Half, led by grooveKSQ student Evan R.
Thank you to Blondes and Brewnettes Brewing Co. for working with us on this event.
Our Fall programming announcements will be following soon!
Yesterday’s Jazz Trio Workshop was a GREAT afternoon. We were joined by Kyle Hancock (guitar) and Sarah Renz (bass), who gave the students their perspectives on small ensemble playing and specifically what they look for in drummers.
There is no faster way to improve than by playing with working professionals.
Be sure to subscribe to the studio’s YouTube channel as the videos from this event will be posted this week. Below is a quick video featuring longtime member Thomas Linderman working out a version of John Coltrane’s Giant Steps with a 5/4 twist on it.
One of the rudiments which does not get as much attention as it should is the Triple Stroke Roll (this is Rudiment #5 on the Percussive Arts Society list). I wrote Magic 3s to help a student who is working on the skill. Be patient with this one and start slowly (i.e. 85bpm), then increase as you are able. Good luck!
