KoSA NYC 2014 & PAS ROCK THE BIG APPLE!
The atmosphere was electric, intense, and inspiring at the 2014 PAS KoSA NYU “Weekend of Percussion,” February 15 – 16th 2014. With 20 hours of FREE clinics, concerts, and competitions, the th full-weekend Percussive Arts Society/KoSA event in New York City was a smashing success. Hosted by Andrew Beall (President, PAS NY Chapter), Jonathan Haas (Director, NYU Percussion Studies Program), and Aldo Mazza (Director, KoSA), the 2013 PAS KoSA NYU “Weekend of Percussion” again brought a unique collaboration from two of the largest percussion organizations in the world (PAS and KoSA).
KoSA NYC 2014 & PAS ROCK THE BIG APPLE!
The atmosphere was electric, intense, and inspiring at the 2014 PAS KoSA NYU “Weekend of Percussion,” February 15 – 16th 2014. With 20 hours of FREE clinics, concerts, and competitions, the th full-weekend Percussive Arts Society/KoSA event in New York City was a smashing success. Hosted by Andrew Beall (President, PAS NY Chapter), Jonathan Haas (Director, NYU Percussion Studies Program), and Aldo Mazza (Director, KoSA), the 2013 PAS KoSA NYU “Weekend of Percussion” again brought a unique collaboration from two of the largest percussion organizations in the world (PAS and KoSA).
Clinics began early Saturday, February 15th with John Hadfield and Shane Shanahan, teaching all about the world of frame drums both traditional and modern applications.
Javier Diaz followed with a “how to build the book” of a broadway show masterclass taking participants through the process from audition to collaborating in the creation of the final book. The morning concluded with the Youth Percussion Showcase, which featured Juilliard Pre-College (Jonathan Haas, Director), Rutgers Youth Percussion Ensemble (Peter Saleh,director), and special guests percussion ensemble from Siberia (Edward Kurguz,director). The afternoon continued with a panel discussion on Music Business and Entrepreneurship moderated by Aldo Mazza featuring Jim Neglia (New Jersey Symphony) and Steve Maxwell (Owner, Maxwell Drum Shop).
KoSA Faculty alumni, Eriko Daimo and Marimba artist, Pius Cheung headed up a Marimba Masterclass, discussing their ideas of “Between the Notes”, and coaching participants on musical interpretations of compositions. The final clinic of the day featuring Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, Toto) had our complete attention, as he took us through building grooves and musical technique ideas for musical drumming. The day concluded with a Showcase Concert, featuring the Siberian Percussion Ensemble, NYU African Ensemble, Synchronicity/Jonathan Haas/Steve Beck/Pius Chung, Eriko Daimo, Lisa Pehger, Iktus Percussion, Excelsis (Women’s Percussion Ensemble), NYU African Gyil and Percussion Ensemble, Sister City Percussion and Snare drum competition winners.
Sunday was kicked off with Jason Haaheim, principal timpanist. Met Orchestra who gave a novel clinic on his concept of “Deliberate Practice”-How to do it and Why we do it explaing his own path from working full time in the tech industry to preparing and winning the Met timpani audition. Next on was Percussionist/DJ John Donovan who wowed the full room with his stimulating percussion/DJ ensemble.John covered the topic of how the DJ industry benefits the percussion world and some new directions. Joining him were Chris Triola, Jotan Atanador, Jimmy Topez, Chris Scherer, Mike Eagle, Andrew Barlow, Jay O’Brien and Nymm Drummers.
Next was a triple-threat of Aldo Mazza, Anders Astrand, Ian Cas giving us another great performance and highlighting the concept of instant on-stage performance with total unprepared improvisation.Then all attendees were treated to another electric Brazilian performance/clinic on “Brazil’s Bahia and Beyond “ by Marcus Santos, Nanny Assis and Memo Acevedo.
Near the end of the day, we had another fascinating audience-participation clinic entitled “Application of Indian Rhythms through Percussion and Dance” given by Pradhanica & the Taalim School of Indian Music.
The weekend concluded with a special highly electric finale concert featuring the ensemble “Clozeshave” featuring Jonathan Haas (Rockin Kettles), Ian Finkel(Worlds Greatest Xylophonist), Scott Thomas(vocals), Ken Hadfield (bas) and Abbot Finkel (Drums).
