Innovative Percussion welcomes the Boston Crusaders
Innovative Percussion is very excited to welcome the Boston
Crusaders to its family of drum corps!
Founded in 1940 under the original name “The Most Precious Blood
Crusaders”, the Boston Crusaders are the 3rd oldest drum and bugle
corps in the United States. As a
founding member of Drum Corps International, they are a 13-time world class
finalist. Founder and President of
Innovative Percussion, Erik Johnson, stated “We pride ourselves on building
long-lasting relationships, and to have the opportunity to develop such a
relationship with one of the oldest and most tradition-enriched drum corps
organizations in the United States is a tremendous honor.”
“We’re truly excited
to begin our relationship with Innovative Percussion,” says Tom Spataro,
executive director of the Boston Crusaders.
“Erik and his team are great to work with – the care and quality that
goes into their products is only matched by one thing: the care they give their
artists. Together with Ellis Hampton and
his team, IP will help create the sound of the next generation of Crusaders
Percussion for years to come.” For more
information on the Boston Crusaders, please visit http://www.bostoncrusaders.com/.
IP Artists shine at PASIC 2011
PASIC 2011 featured a high number of Innovative Percussion artists as clinicians and performers. Here are just a few of this year’s highlights - Click here!
2011 IP Drumset Activity
2011 has proven to be yet another busy year for our great Combo artists. Here's an update on what our artists have been up to...
Gordy Knudtson, drummer for the iconic Steve Miller Band since 1987, has been busy with Miller's infamous summer tour. This celebrated tour sells out every year and is considered by many to be the ultimate outdoor summer concert party! This year's tour also featured the great Joseph Wooten on keyboards, Kenny Lee Lewis on bass and Blues great Sonny Charles on vocals. In November, the band traveled to Brazil and recently taped a performance on Austin City Limits. Miller's most recent CD, featuring Gordy's great playing, entitled Let Your Hair Down, shows Miller re-living his love for the Blues - the style most influential of his music. Gordy, a well-respected educator and author, announces his new book, Morphing Double-Strokes With The Open/Close Technique, and it is due out later this year. Keep an eye on www.gk-music.com for announcements!
Mark Beckett, House Drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, (a position he shares with Eddie Bayers),recently played with Michael W. Smith, Ronnie Milsap, Alison Krauss, Keb Mo, Tommy Shaw, Paul Williams, and Vince Gill. Mark has also worked recently on upcoming releases by Ashton Shepard, Uncle Kracker, Charlie Pride, Josh Thompson, David Frizzell, and Kenny Chesney for an ESPN spot. Mark also just performed on an Academy of Country Music (ACM) special for Tom T. Hall, backed up 18 artists for the recent CMA Music Fest and also found time to drum for 4-time Grammy winner Steve Wariner on some road dates in Texas, Oklahoma, and Carolina! This December, Mark is spending some time out on the road with Olivia Newton-John.
Dirt Drifters drummer Nick Diamond finished his work on their new album This Is My Blood, which was debuted in July and climbed to #13 on the iTunes country albums charts! This album is a kind of rarity in Nashville in that all of the band members actually played on the album. These guys are constantly on the road.
John Spittle was out all summer, on tour with the great Trace Adkins. Trace's new CD entitled Proud To Be Here was released on August 2nd. Target stores will feature a limited edition release with some bonus live tracks on which you can hear John playing. John says he LOVES his IP-RK "Rock" sticks!
Jeff Pegues is currently touring with country artist Laura Bell Bundy, as well as doing shows with Love & Theft and steel guitarist Aubrey Ghent. Jeff has also been in the studio working with Gospel Artist Kenny Springs and is currently writing and working on his own album.
Doni Washington recently played on the new K'Nann Album (yet to be titled) and rehearsals began in August for a fall tour. This tour was co-billed w/Bruno Mars. Doni tells us to check YouTube for K-Nann’s latest video - "Skee", where he's prominently featured.
Dave Mahurin was busy touring with Jerrod Niemann (shows with Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton). This tour saw 25-35,000 seat houses and lasted through September. Jerrod then embarked on another tour co-billing w/Dierks Bentley. Dave says he LOVES his IP-RK Rocks! In his words, "I can't break 'em and love their durability!"
"Big Tez" Sherard played on Edwin McCain's new album Mercy Bound, on 429 Records which was due out end of summer. A fall tour followed. Big Tez is also staying busy with several projects including three house gigs in home his town. He loves his BB-1s and says, "They have great balance with just the right thickness".
John McTigue has been touring a lot with Mavericks' great front-man Raul Malo. In April, they did a tour of Australia which included the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival. June saw a small run in Texas & Canada, and in July, they spent 2 weeks in Europe. In addition, the group spent some time in the UK for a couple of weeks doing shows in England & Scotland. A live recording with the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra in Newcastle was a recent highlight, featuring Paul Gambill of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra as the conductor. This recording will be released in the spring of 2012. John also performed on a new recording with Raul and Seth Walker that should be out sometime next year. In between touring with Raul, he's been playing the Grand Ole Opry and also doing a few road dates with Elizabeth Cook.
Kirjuan Freeman is touring with Jordan Knight, co-billing with New Kids On The Block and also just got back from Los Angeles where Knight was featured on the George Lopez show. In September, they prepared for a 12-city tour in Canada, followed by a national tour in the States. More TV appearances are to be announced soon, as well. Kirjuan says, "I thank Innovative Percussion for being a tremendous company to me!"
Frank "Knuckles" Walker, percussionist for The Roots announced that they have been working on their 13th album, which was due out sometime around October/November. Known as the highly-visible band for the hit TV show, "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon", they're enjoying being part of what is now a 3-time Emmy nominated show! On weekends, when off from the grueling TV schedule, The Roots still remain busy performing all over the place. Recently, they were featured at a Democratic Convention in New York and have proudly performed for President Barack Obama.
IP's own Rich Mangicaro is enjoying his new affiliation as Innovative Percussion's new Artist Relations Manager for Combo Products. An endorsee himself, Rich has been using IP's tools for many years. His schedule remains busy as the percussionist/background vocalist for the Glenn Frey/Joe Walsh Band, performing shows with the duo when the Eagles are on their rare down-time. Two new recordings that feature Rich on drums and percussion are debut releases from Los Angeles artists Jonathan Clark (entitled "I'm Just Sayin") and James Paige Morrison (entitled "Son To The Boy"). Clark & Mangicaro are currently doing shows in California to promote the new release. Actor/Musician James Morrison is known for his starring role as Bill Buchanan on the hit TV series, 24, as well as current roles on HawthoRNe and Private Practice and has also appeared on Six Feet Under, X-Files, Frasier and Steven Spielberg's hit film, Catch Me If You Can.
DCA Championship Wrap up
Congratulations go to Open Class Winner Minnesota Brass Inc. for their DCA World Championship win on September 4th in Rochester, New York. Honorable mention goes to San Francisco Renegades for their Open Class Finals placement.
In Class A Finals, Congratulations go to Carolina Gold celebrated a 1st place victory in percussion, placing 3rd overall while Fusion Corps captured 2nd place in percussion and 2nd overall.
Sacramento Freelancers Mini corps placed 5th in the Mini Corps Finals competition, making it their 4th appearance at DCA Championships.
Percussion Victory for The Cavaliers at DCI Championships
World
Class Finalist, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, won 1st place in
percussion receiving the coveted Fred Sanford High Percussion Award at the 2011
Drum Corps International World Championships, August 14th. It is the first
Cavalier percussion trophy in 11 years. Says Michael McIntosh, IP artist
and percussion designer for The Cavaliers, "I was teaching here with Bret
Kuhn 11 years ago when we won. This year, we had amazing membership and a
fantastic staff that brought the show to life. Working with fellow
percussion designer Alan Miller, we were able to design a show that brought new
sounds and colors to the activity. It is an awesome and humbling
experience to be a part of such an exclusive community of past winners and an
honor to bring the trophy back to The Cavaliers."
Brian Zator presents the Texas All-State Audition Materials
The All-State audition process for high school winds and percussion students leads ultimately to qualification in one of seven All-State Bands that perform at the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention: ATSSB Jazz Ensemble, ATSSB Concert Band, ATSSB Symphonic Band, TMEA Jazz Ensemble, 4A Symphonic Band, 5A Concert Band, and 5A Symphonic Band.
Innovative Percussion artist, Dr. Brian Zator has compiled a series of video clips that outlines preparation techniques of the Texas All-State audition materials. Zator is the Director of Percussion and Associate Professor of Music at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Innovative Percussion is extremely pleased to welcome Gordy Knudtson, long-time drummer for the legendary Steve Miller Band, to its family of artists!Knudtson is also the founder and head of the Percussion Department at McNallySmithCollege in St. Paul, Minnesota.Prior to Steve Miller, Gordy toured and recorded with jazz artist Ben Sidran and toured with blues guitar legend Roy Buchanan.In addition, he has authored many drum instruction method books including the forthcoming book demonstrating his Open/Close Technique.IP's Rich Mangicaro, manager of Artist Relations, Combo Products says, "The depth of experience and talent Gordy Knudtson brings to Innovative Percussion is extremely inspiring. Not only a fantastic, all-around player and respected teacher, Gordy's approach to the "Open/Close" technique is revolutionary and is changing the way drummer's play. As the long-time drummer for the Steve Miller Band, Gordy's groove is seriously deep and rock solid. We're all very excited to have Gordy joining our family of great artists!".You can read more information on Gordy here or by visiting www.gk-music.com.
Innovative Percussion welcomes Ike Jackson
Innovative Percussion proudly welcomes Ike Jackson and the Ayala High School band to its family of artists. Ike has been working with the Ayala High School band program in Chino Hills, CA, since 1991. In his twenty-two years as a percussion instructor, he has worked with more than 45 different percussion programs at the high school, college, and drum corps levels. A prolific percussion arranger and drill designer, Ike has worked with various percussion ensembles all across the Southwest.
Ike is currently Vice President of the Southern California Percussion Alliance and was also a founding member of SCPA. In addition, he is a member of the Winter Guard International Percussion Advisory Board and Steering Committee and the President of Pulse Independent World Percussion Ensemble.
Ike has helped his percussion ensembles win 7 WGI World Championship medals, 20 WGI World Championship Finalist placements, 40 Regional Finalist placements, 14 Regional Championship titles, and a Bands of America Grand National Finalist appearance in 2004. He was the Corps Director of the 2006 Division III World Champion Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps and the founder of Pulse Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Locally, his ensembles have won 10 SCPA Championship medals and over 60 first place awards.
Ike currently lives in Ontario, California with his four children.
Drum Corps at the Movies: 2011 DCI Tour Premiere MOVIE THEATER EVENT
Can’t make it to Texas for the opening weekend of the Drum Corps International 2011 season? Then join DCI fans in movie theaters nationwide on Monday, June 20th and experience Drum Corps at the Movies: 2011 DCI Tour Premiere captured Live the previous day in Round Rock, TX featuring outstanding performances from the top eight finishers from last year’s Drum Corps International World Championships.
The scores from the first show of the season in Saginaw, TX and the second show in Round Rock, TX, featured in this event, will be revealed during the broadcast in movie theaters. This is the perfect way to kick off the 2011 season of Marching Music’s Major League™!
Visit www.fathomevents.com to purchase your tickets. Limited seats are available so get your tickets today!
Innovative Percussion becomes the Official Drumstick of The GRAMMY Museum
Innovative Percussion is
now the exclusive provider of drumsticks for The GRAMMY Museum.Located in downtown Los Angeles, The GRAMMY Museum provides visitors with a
combination of exhibits, public events, and educational programming to explore,
celebrate, and experience the power of music.Throughout the museum, visitors are able to take part in exciting,
interactive exhibits, allowing for a one of a kind musical experience.
About The GRAMMY Museum:
Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, this
one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring
legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of
the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence
in recorded music - the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY
Museum features 30,000 square feet of
interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A.
LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles
sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and
dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests will experience
music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum
can deliver.
Music City Mystique, from Nashville, TN, captured their 7th Independent World Gold Medal on Saturday April 16, 2011 in Dayton, OH. Other IP medalist groups included Center Grove High School (PSW bronze), Vanguard (PIO gold), Fountain Valley High School (PSO bronze), Chattanooga Independent (PIA silver), Andrew High School (PSA silver), New Philadelphia High School (PSA bronze), North Gwinnett High School (PSCO bronze), and James Logan High School (PSCW silver). Please keep checking www.innovativepercussion.com in the coming days for our media coverage of all IP groups from the entire WGI finals week.
INNOVATIVE PERCUSSION SIGNS NASHVILLE AND L.A. SESSION MASTERS, STEVE BREWSTER AND BRIAN MACLEOD!
Many times when we hear a hit record, it makes a mark in our life that can last for years. We know the melody, we memorize the lyrics, and we love the artist. Often unrecognized though, are the musicians who play on those records. Innovative Percussion is proud to announce the endorsement signings of two such amazing players, and we are happy to sing their praises!
Steve Brewster has lived and worked in Nashville as a session player for over 20 years. A native Tennessean, Steve attended MTSU on a full music scholarship and studied jazz at UT-Knoxville. After touring with country artist Janie Fricke and Contemporary Christian music artist, Michael W. Smith, Brewster moved to Nashville in 1988. Shortly thereafter, Steve was embraced by the Nashville studio community and developed a steady, high profile studio career, which he maintains to this day. His creative musical approach, combined with his diverse, eclectic taste has afforded him the opportunity to contribute in a wide range of musical situations. Steve has recorded with music icons including Bob Seger, Jewel, Big & Rich, Art Garfunkel, Chicago, Michael W. Smith, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Amy Grant, Richard Marx, Kenny Loggins, The Neville Brothers, Dierks Bently and many more. Known for his infectious groove and welcoming feel, major artists worldwide look to Steve for that just-right drum part. Brewster recently developed and runs his own studio, "Brewbeat", and offers a wide range of sounds, styles, and top-notch equipment. For more information, visit stevebrewsterdrums.com.
Brian MacLeod currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. He has sustained a busy session career for over 25 years and has performed on some of the biggest hit records in music. He is the ideal recording drummer and songwriter with huge credits to his name, but has somehow managed to remain somewhat under the radar. Along with his recognition within the session scene, Brian was a member of the Tuesday Music Club collective along with Sheryl Crow and helped create the genesis of her album "Tuesday Night Music Club". In addition to being the perfect song-drummer, his songwriting credits include "Everyday Is A Winding Road", "Strong Enough", "A Change Would Do You Good", and "Shine Over Babylon" with Sheryl Crow, "Waiting for Love" with Pink and "Supermodel", from the film Clueless. He has been a member of Wire Train, Toy Matinee, Tears For Fears and has performed with Madonna, Seal, Chris Isaak, Melissa Etheridge, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Kevin Gilbert, Jewel, Stevie Nicks, Ziggy Marley, Rosanne Cash, Sara Bareilles, The The, John Hiatt, and Joanna Wang. Brian is also a member of The Scrantones, the group credited for performing the theme to the American version of the TV show The Office.
We at Innovative Percussion proudly welcome these two respected, incredible drummers to our family of artists!
Innovative Percussion welcomes Rich Mangicaro
Innovative Percussion, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of industry veteran Rich Mangicaro to our family as manager of Artist Relations, Combo Products. Mangicaro brings a tremendous wealth of experience, having served as Artist Relations Director for Paiste America from 1988 – 2006. At Paiste, he increased the overall visibility of the company by securing internationally recognizable artists for product promotions. As one of the company's Marketing Directors, he produced and art directed campaigns that not only increased overall company sales figures but also helped the overall visibility of each artist featured. He has also written several articles and interviews which have been published in leading industry trades such as Modern Drummer, Drumhead, and Percussive Notes. Innovative Percussion CEO George Barrett stated, “We are extremely excited about the addition of Rich to the great staff here at IP. Rich’s vast experience and expertise in the percussion industry will greatly assist our company’s growth and expansion into the combo accessory market”.
As a professional musician, Rich Mangicaro has performed and/or recorded with Jeff Bridges, Venice, Michael McDonald, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Christopher Cross, Billy Idol, The Tubes, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and, for the past 12 years, has been a member of the Glenn Frey/Joe Walsh Band...an off-shoot project of The Eagles.
Rich Mangicaro currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Innovative Percussion welcomes back Santa Clara Vanguard
Innovative Percussion is proud to announce the addition of the Santa Clara Vanguard to its family of drum corps. George Barrett, CEO of Innovative Percussion stated, “Everyone at Innovative Percussion is extremely pleased to have the Santa Clara Vanguard organization back in our family of elite drum corps. The Vanguard organization was a key partner in the birth of Innovative Percussion as a small keyboard mallet manufacturer, being one of the first drum corps to use our first outdoor keyboard mallets, the Field Series. Vanguard and IP have a long history together and we look forward to working with the organization for many years to come.” SCV, along with the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets and the Vanguard Winter Percussion, will begin using Innovative Percussion products exclusively during the 2011 season. Jeff Fiedler, CEO of the Santa Clara Vanguard says "I'm very proud to announce the return of Innovative Percussion to the Vanguard family as one of our esteemed partners. Re-establishing the Santa Clara percussion program on the leading edge of the activity's multiple musical presentations will require hard work, consistency and creativity, all of which are complimented by the sticks and mallets created for Paul Rennick and the Vanguard by Innovative Percussion."
In addition, Innovative Percussion signature artist Paul Rennick was recently named Percussion Arranger and Caption Manager for the Santa Clara Vanguard, while Sandi Rennick was named Front Ensemble Arranger. Paul and Sandi have most recently been co-arranging for the Phantom Regiment percussion section, where they received the DCI Fred Sanford High Percussion Award in 2006, 2008, and 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.scvanguard.org/.
(pictured L to R: George Barrett, Innovative Percussion CEO; Paul Rennick; Sandi Rennick; and Erik Johnson, Innovative Percussion Founder and President)
Congratulations to all the Grammy Nominated IP artists
The nominations for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards were announced on Wednesday, December 1. Several Innovative Percussion artists are a part of groups who have been nominated. The Grammys will be broadcast live on CBS on February 13, 2011. For more information please visit www.grammy.com.
Lady Antebellum – all nods for Need You Now
Album of the Year
Record of the Year
Song of the Year
Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
Country Song of the Year
Country Album of the Year Matt Billingslea - Tour Drummer
Chris Young
Male Country Vocal Performance – Gettin’ You Home Kevin Newberry - Tour Drummer
Trace Adkins
Country Collaboration with Vocals - Hillbilly Bone John Spittle - Tour Drummer
Fela!
Best Music Show Album Andy Blanco - Broadway Percussionist
Daugherty: Metropolis Symphony; Deus Ex Machina (Nashville Symphony Orchestra)
Engineered Album, Classical
Classical Album
Best Orchestral Performance
Best Instrumental Soloist (with Orchestra) Rich Graber - Section Percussionist
Rhythm X 2011 presents: STAND BY ME
Inspired by the Playing for Change Project and based on the original Ben E. King song of the same name, in 2011 Rhythm X will bring ‘Stand by Me’ to life.
Look for themes from the classic coming of age movie Stand by Me, updated for the new millennium with Rhythm X’s trademark athleticism, musicality and innovation.
Rhythm X will be performing locally in the Mid-East Performance Association and nationally at the WGI Dayton Regional, Mid-South Percussion Championship and World Championships.
Rhythm X was founded in 2002 and is under the direction of Tim Jackson and Craig Dunn. In their inaugural season in WGI Independent Open Class, Rhythm X was the PIO Champion and since joining World Class has medaled six times, winning the PIW Championship in 2008 and 2009. Designing together since 2008, Tim Fairbanks and Tim Jackson all return to the design team to bring you Rhythm X 2011... Stand by Me.
“No matter who you are... No matter where you go, in your life... at some point, you’re gonna need somebody... to Stand by You.”
Innovative Percussion welcomes back Santa Clara Vanguard
Innovative Percussion is proud to announce the addition of the Santa Clara Vanguard to its family of drum corps. George Barrett, CEO of Innovative Percussion stated, “Everyone at Innovative Percussion is extremely pleased to have the Santa Clara Vanguard organization back in our family of elite drum corps. The Vanguard organization was a key partner in the birth of Innovative Percussion as a small keyboard mallet manufacturer, being one of the first drum corps to use our first outdoor keyboard mallets, the Field Series. Vanguard and IP have a long history together and we look forward to working with the organization for many years to come.” SCV, along with the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets and the Vanguard Winter Percussion, will begin using Innovative Percussion products exclusively during the 2011 season. Jeff Fiedler, CEO of the Santa Clara Vanguard says "I'm very proud to announce the return of Innovative Percussion to the Vanguard family as one of our esteemed partners. Re-establishing the Santa Clara percussion program on the leading edge of the activity's multiple musical presentations will require hard work, consistency and creativity, all of which are complimented by the sticks and mallets created for Paul Rennick and the Vanguard by Innovative Percussion."
In addition, Innovative Percussion signature artist Paul Rennick was recently named Percussion Arranger and Caption Manager for the Santa Clara Vanguard, while Sandi Rennick was named Front Ensemble Arranger. Paul and Sandi have most recently been co-arranging for the Phantom Regiment percussion section, where they received the DCI Fred Sanford High Percussion Award in 2006, 2008, and 2010. For more information, please visit www.scvanguard.org.
NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2011
Below you will find information for the new Innovative Percussion products for 2011. These were recently debuted at PASIC and will soon be readily available!
Brian Zator presents Texas All-State Audition Etudes
Dr. Brian Zator, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce, presents the 2010 Texas All-State Percussion Audition materials. This video series includes a preparation techniques, a performance of each etude, and a downloadable outline. Even if you don’t live in Texas this lesson series is a valuable resource for every percussionist. Innovative Percussion would like to thank Dr. Zator for compiling this series! Click Here to Learn More!
Minnesota Brass Inc. Wins Percussion at DCA
Open Class Finalist Minnesota Brass Inc. celebrated a 1st place win in percussion with 2nd place overall at the 2010 DCA Championships, September 4, in Rochester, New York. In addition, Fusion Core won the 2010 Class A Finals placing 1st overall. Honorable mention goes to San Francisco Renegades for their Open Class Finals placement. The Freelancer Mini Corps from Sacramento, CA made its 2nd appearance at DCA Championships placing 5th in Mini Corps Finals competition. Congratulations also go to the following performers for their accomplishments and support of Innovative Percussion products: Renegades Percussion Mixed Ensemble – 1st place, Timpani Individuals: Wendy Tan – 2nd place, Quad Individuals: Joe Pfarr and Eric Propson – 1st and 3rd place respectively, Mallet Individuals: Stephanie Webster – 3rd place.
Phantom Regiment wins High Percussion at DCI Finals
The Phantom Regiment, who finished 6th place overall, captured the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award with an average caption score of 19.6 as the 2010 DCI season wrapped up at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. The Cavaliers finished in 2nd place with a score of 97.75, while the Bluecoats earned the 3rd place spot with a score of 96.40. Both corps finished 2nd and 3rd in the percussion caption, proving that the best percussion sections in DCI choose Innovative Percussion over any other brand. Other world class corps included the Glassmen, Colts, Troopers, Crossmen, and Spirit.
Innovative Percussion would also like to congratulate the following Open Class corps, and thank them for choosing IP as their stick and mallet of choice: Raiders, Music City, Legends, Colt Cadets, Forte, and the Blue Saints. Congratulations to everyone on an outstanding 2010 season, and stay tuned for all of our media coverage from this year’s event!
Innovative Percussion welcomes David Friedman
Innovative Percussion is pleased to announce the addition of David Friedman to the IP family of signature artists. Friedman, a world renowned vibraphonist, marimbist, composer, and jazz educator, currently heads the Jazz Department at Hochschule der Künste in Berlin, Germany. Innovative Percussion is currently working in conjunction with David Friedman to develop a series of marimba and vibraphone mallets, which will be available at PASIC in November, 2010.
UNT Marimba Workshop
The 2010 University of North Texas Marimba Workshop was held at the UNT College of Music on June 21-25, 2011. Guest faculty for the workshop included Prof. She-e Wu from Northwestern University, Dr. Brian Zator from Texas A & M University at Commerce, and Dr. Scott Herring from the University of South Carolina. Prof. Mark Ford, UNT's Coordinator of Percussion, hosted the event and also served on the workshop faculty. Thirty-four high school and college students from the United States and Canada attended the workshop. All of the students attended many sessions including marimba master classes, technique and sight reading classes, a Baroque performance clinic by Prof. Wu, and a composition session by Prof. Ford. Each of the students also received private lessons and performed in an ensemble. Additionally there was a faculty recital, two student recitals and an ensemble concert. The UNT Marimba Workshop was sponsored in part by Innovative Percussion.
Ludwig Albert Int'l Marimba Academy 2011
The fifth edition of the Ludwig Albert International Marimba Academy will take place in the historic city of Sint-Truiden from April 11-21, 2011 in the beautifully sounding Academic Hall. In the past, this academy has welcomed over 100 students from abroad, all praising the academy for the daily individual classes by lecturers, plenty of practice time, rooms and instruments, and a wonderful atmosphere. Admittance is on a first come-first served basis. For more information and applications, please visit www.ludwigalbert.com.
Congratulations John Spittle!
Innovative Percussion would like to send their congratulations to artist John Spittle who placed 5th in the Best Country Drummer category for the 2010 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll. Also, check out the latest installment of IP's "Life on the Road" featuring John Spittle, of Trace Adkins: Life on the Road.
Ed Soph's Summer Clinic Appearances
IP Signature Artist Ed Soph has been on the move. Aside from his responsibilities as Professor in the Jazz Studies and Performance Divisions of the College of Music at the University of North Texas, Ed recently gave clinics and concerts in Sweden and Finland, appeared at the 19th Annual Central California Day of Percussion hosted by Dr. Matt Darling, gave concerts and clinics with pianist Stefan Karlsson and bassist Eddie Gomez at the Conservatory of Music in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was featured artist in the "Jazz at Wolfson" series at Miami Dade College in Miami, FL, was guest artist at the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival, was featured clinician and performer at Music Fest Canada in Ottawa, and gave performances at the Rochester Jazz Festival in Rochester, New York. Next, Ed will be teaching and playing at Jamey Aebersold's Summer Jazz Workshop held at the University of Louisville, July 4-9 and July 11-16. The Workshops have earned a reputation for producing the best intensive programs for learning jazz improvisation. Ed will also be teaching and performing at the UNT Jazz Combo Workshop July 18-23.
The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps choose Innovative Percussion
Innovative Percussion welcomes The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps, from Dubuque, IA, to its family of drum corps. Beginning in 2010, the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps and its affiliate programs will be proudly playing Innovative Percussion products exclusively. For more information on the Colts, please visit www.colts.org
Freelancers Partner with Innovative Percussion
Innovative Percussion would like to announce their partnership with eight time world class finalist Freelancers Winter Drum Line. As a member of WGI since 1997, Freelancers were PIO Class Champions in 1998 and are 5 time medalists for Open and World Class. Known for their unique programming style, Freelancers were the only group to utilize “Jazz Choir” with the drum line. After a one year hiatus from the activity, Freelancers are coming out strong this competitive season with plans to return to WGI Championships in Dayton, OH. Don Silva, director for the organization says, “The Freelancer's Indoor Ensemble is pleased to be using Innovative's line of sticks and mallets for the 2010 season. The company's emphasis on quality of workmanship, quality of sound, and designing sticks and mallets to keep up with changing demands, makes them the best at what they do”.
Mark Ford presents Texas All-State Audition Materials
Innovative Percussion artist Mark Ford has compiled video lessons for this year's Texas All-State audition music. Even if you do not live in Texas this lesson series is a valuable resource for every percussionist. Click here to view!
Marimba: Technique Through Music now includes DVD
Mark Ford’s Marimba: Technique Through Music has quickly become a standard four-mallet method book. This resource is now expanded with the inclusion of an instructional DVD. Click here to see previews.
Maraca2 Embarks On Debut US Tour
The talented UK percussion duo Maraca2 featuring IP artists Jason Huxtable and Tim Palmer will kick off their US tour starting September 17th encompassing stops at 15 universities across the country. As a tour highlight, Maraca2 will give an ensemble clinic at PASIC 2009 on November 12th to include a premier performance of the concerto Espiritu Libre with the University of Southern Mississippi percussion ensemble. Please visit IP clinic and concert calendar for more on Maraca2's upcoming tour dates, or you may visit their website at www.maraca2.com.
University of Southern Cal performs with Radiohead at Grammys!
On February 8, 32 members from the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band performed live on stage at the 51st annual Grammy Awards with the band, Radiohead. Joining lead singer Thom Yorke and guitarist Johnny Greenwood, USC performed a version of the song 15 Step from Radiohead’s latest album In Rainbows. The percussion music was arranged by Innovative Percussion artist Tad Carpenter, and Entertainment Weekly magazine hailed it as “the best Grammy performance ever” as it received one of the biggest ovations of the entire evening.
Marching Band Bontang Pupuk Kaltim wins 9th Grand Prix Title!
Marching Band Bontang Pupuk Kaltim (MB Bontang PKT), from Bontang, Indonesia, recently captured their 9th Indonesian Grand Prix Championship title. Under the direction of IP artist Rene Conway, the group performed their show entitled “Vincero! The Best of PKT”. The program was based on a selection of some the MBPK’s favorite charts from the past 14 years. Selections included: Nessun Dorma from the Puccini opera, Turandot; Pagliacci based on the Aria Vesti La Giubba; Eric Whitacre’s Water Night; Yanni’s Santorini; a percussion feature entitled Downwind; and closing the show with Pat Metheny’s First Circle.
Marching Band Bontang Pupuk Kaltim is a community-based organization comprised of mainly Junior High and High School students from more than 20 area schools. Based in the city of Bontang, they are sponsored by the Pupuk Kaltim fertilizer company, as well as the local community.
The Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps choose Innovative Percussion!
Innovative Percussion welcomes The Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, TX, to its family of drum corps. Beginning in 2009 The Crossmen will use IP products exclusively in the battery and front ensemble. “The Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps organization has a highly respected and long standing tradition in the DCI activity. We are very happy to welcome them to the Innovative Percussion family and look forward to a rewarding partnership for many years to come,” stated Erik Johnson, President of Innovative Percussion, Inc. Executive Director of The Crossmen, Fred Morrison, said “Crossmen endorsement relationships mean so much more than the products we use as they allow us to offer a world class experience for all of our members. Innovative Percussion’s personal touch and willingness to help The Crossmen improve is a priceless key to our future. They are a world class organization whose quality of product speaks for itself. The Crossmen feel very fortunate to be joining forces with IP.” For more information on The Crossmen please visit their website at www.crossmen.org.
Mat Britain visits Taiwan
Mat Britain, Innovative Percussion endorser since 1996, recently returned from teaching Steel Drums at the Taipei International Percussion Summer Camp (TIPSC) held at the Taipei National University School of the Arts in Taiwan. The ten day percussion intensive camp has grown over the past nine years to include 200+ students ranging from 10 to 21 years of age.
Multiculturalism and diversity is the theme of TIPSC with classes in marimba, vibraphone/improvisation, marching percussion, steel drums, drum set, and three forms of traditional Chinese percussion. Founder of the TIPSC and President of the Taipei National University School of the Arts, Professor Tzong-Ching, Ju says “It is our goal with the camp to expose our students to the differences between Eastern and Western percussion techniques and to introduce them to the percussive skills utilized in other cultures. The international faculty we bring together allows us to present a truly international curriculum to the students attending the camp”. The Taipei National University also has the only set of Steel Drums on the island of Taiwan so it was a new and exciting experience for the students to experience the Steel Band art form and the rhythms of Calypso music.
Many of the 200 students were given the opportunity to try some of the Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets. “My Innovative stick bag was open and available to all of the students to check out”, said Britain. “The favorite drum set sticks were the Ed Soph-2 (ES-2 Hickory) and the new Hybrid stick (IP-HB). The steel pan mallets at the camp were in pretty bad shape so many of the students used my Innovative pan sticks which I left behind for the University to use.” Many of the TIPSC students were new to the Innovative line and were very impressed with the products.
About his experiences at the camp Britain says, “It was my first trip to Asia and I was a bit nervous about teaching through an interpreter and also the food! “Everything worked out great! My interpreter, Yu-Rong, Wang, is from Taiwan but is studying for her Masters in Percussion Performance at Michigan State University so she was able to talk in musical terms with the students. By the end of the first day she was used to my teaching style and we developed a nice rhythm with the classes. As for the food, I loved everything but a dish they call “Stinky Tofu”!
Asked what he liked best about his first trip to Taiwan, without hesitation Britain says, “The people. The students were respectful, attentive, and very good musicians, and everyone associated with the Taipei International Percussion Summer Camp treated the visiting faculty like royalty. I would go back in a heartbeat”.
To see pictures of the TIPSC visit www.myspace.com/matbritain
James Campbell elected to DCI Hall of Fame
Innovative Percussion signature artist James Campbell, currently a Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor and Director of Percussion Studies in the University of Kentucky School of Music, has been elected into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame. Campbell is responsible for much of the modern look and sound of today’s drum corps percussion ensembles. With a legendary background as an instructor and arranger for the Guardsmen (Schaumburg, IL) and Cavaliers (Rosemont, IL) from the ‘70s through the ‘90s, Campbell’s credits include winning three High Percussion Awards and two World Championships in the process. He is also credited with helping to introduce World music concepts and contemporary performance practice into marching percussion arranging. As an equipment designer, he also helped design the modern tenor drum array, holds two patents for drum head design, and pioneered the use of the front ensemble (pit) percussion. Campbell, along with three others, will be inducted this upcoming August during DCI finals week, held in Bloomington, IN. For more information please visit www.dci.org.
IP Artist Booth Appearances at WGI Finals
If you are attending this year’s WGI Finals in Dayton, Ohio, be sure to stop by the Innovative Percussion booth to meet some of the marching activity’s most influential figures. Artists include Jim Ancona, Jim Casella, Julie Davila, Tim Fairbanks, Shane Gwaltney, Bret Kuhn, Mike McIntosh, Tom Rarick, and Paul Rennick. Appearances will take place on Friday from 1:30 – 2:30 and 5:00 – 6:00, and again on Saturday from 12:00 – 1:00. In addition, Tim Jackson will give a booth clinic on Friday from 3:00 – 4:00. Please stop by the booth to meet everyone and to check out all of the great products offered by Innovative Percussion.
Keep checking the website for videos and photos from WGI Finals!
NorthCoast Academy joins the Innovative Percussion family of ensembles
Innovative Percussion is proud to announce that the NorthCoast Academy Percussion Ensemble has joined the IP family of ensembles. Beginning in 2008, NorthCoast Academy will use Innovative Percussion products exclusively.
“The NorthCoast Academy Percussion Ensemble is synonymous with excellence and they continue to set new standards in performance and design in the WGI activity,” stated Erik Johnson, president of Innovative Percussion Inc. “We are extremely excited to be working with this ensemble and we are looking forward to their 2008 production.”
NorthCoast Academy director Diane King says "NorthCoast Academy is very excited about our new relationship with Innovative Percussion. We can't wait to experience the quality and leadership that has become a trademark of the IP product and personnel."
About North Coast Academy
NorthCoast Academy's history begins in 1965 with the founding of the Saginaires Drum & Bugle Corps, part of the Saginaires Youth Organization. The organization also contained the Saginaires Youth Band, and the Saginaires Eagles, a feeder corps. Starting as a parade corps, the Saginaires moved into competition in the early seventies, achieving rapid success and eventually becoming Michigan's highest-ranked drum corps, a title they still retain to this day. Throughout the years the organization evolved and in 2002 the NorthCoast Academy Percussion Ensemble was founded as an Independent Open class competing group. By the 2004 season the ensemble was competing in Independent World class at WGI events and since then, has maintained a status as Michigan’s highest ranking indoor percussion ensemble.
Innovative Percussion Inc. wishes to congratulate the Senators Drum & Bugle Corps and DrumSpirit on capturing the 2007 open class and percussion class titles at this year’s Drum Corps Europe Championships. Being the first UK drum corps to win a DCE title, the Senators won the Percussion, Music Effect, Ensemble Music, and Ensemble Visual captions. Congratulations also go to open class finalists Juliana and Wölper Löwen. A special thank you goes out to the 6th Hove Scouts, Black Knights, and Federatieband for choosing to support Innovative Percussion and congratulations to everyone on a successful weekend at the Drum Corps Europe Championships!
Woelper Loewen Capture Drum Corps Germany Title
On Saturday September 15, the Woelper Loewen Drum and Bugle Corps captured its third consecutive Drum Corps Germany title. In addition, the corps captured its first high percussion caption award since 2004, along with high visual, general effect, and brass captions. Innovative Percussion is very thankful for the support from Woelper Loewen and congratulates them on their championship victory!
Marching Drumstick Practice Tips
Why buy a brand new pair of sticks that you’re only going to use simply to practice? Why not practice with your favorite sticks whenever and wherever you can? Innovative Percussion now offers removable rubber practice tips designed to fit any marching drumstick. Each package of RPT-1s contains one pair each of the three sizes, thin, medium, and thick, so the player can choose the thickness to best suits their feel and sound needs. The tips can be easily added to any marching drumstick for individual practice or to create another unique color effect within a marching percussion ensemble.
Senators Percussion Ensemble clips now available in the IP media vault
Now available in the Innovative Percussion media vault – video clips of the Senators Percussion Ensemble from Hampshire, England. An affiliate of the Senators Drum & Bugle Corps, the Senators Percussion Ensemble is under the direction of John McNamara. Their 2007 production, entitled “WIRED”, was designed by Tim Fairbanks and Mark Reynolds, and featured arrangements by Andrew Markworth. For more information on the Senators please click here to visit their website.
New Products for 2007
Below are the newest products from Innovative Percussion. Please contact your local dealer for pricing information. Click on a product below for more information!
Innovative Percussion artist Julie Davila is the founder and director of a brand new youth program that provides a unique experience for local students. Percussion XS was created to give High School students in the Middle Tennessee area who come from varying backgrounds and band programs an opportunity to participate in a percussion ensemble or drum line that enhances their already existing percussion education. This percussion program focuses on achieving excellence in both skill development and performance. The Percussion XS experience strives to provide students with diverse musical training in all areas of percussion study. Students are encouraged to set high standards, maintain a strong work ethic and work together as a team to reach their full potential as a contributing musician. Please visit the Percussion XS website for more information.
Come by the Innovative Percussion booth at WGI this Friday and Saturday to meet and greet several IP artists in person! Autograph sessions will be held on Friday from 12:30 – 1:30 and on Saturday from 12:00 – 1:00 and will feature Jim Ancona, Jim Casella, Julie Davila, Tim Fairbanks, Shane Gwaltney, Bret Kuhn, Mike McIntosh, and Paul Rennick. On Friday at 3:30 and on Saturday at 11:00 stop by to see special appearances and pad drumming duets with Tim Jackson and Dave Ellis. This talented duo recently completed a tour of Japan and will be showcasing their talents in the IP booth this weekend. Stop by booths 46 & 47 to see all of these artists and much more!
Congratulations to Aimachi on capturing the AJMBA Title
The Aimachi marching band, under the direction of Mr. Kiyokazu Sekine, recently won the All Japanese Marching Band Association championship. In addition to winning with a score of 96.55, Aimachi also had the highest average percussion score of 97.5. Innovative Percussion wishes to congratulate Aimachi on another successful season and would also like to thank them for supporting our products.
Innovative Percussion is pleased to welcome marimba/percussion artist, educator and composer, She-e Wu as a new signature artist. Ms. Wu is Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Performance and Jazz Faculties at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey where she directs the Rutgers Percussion Ensemble and coordinates the Percussion Program. She-e is currently working with Innovative Percussion designers on a series of solo marimba mallets due to be released in 2007. “She-e is an incredibly talented performer and educator”, stated George Barrett, Innovative Percussion CEO. “We are extremely excited to have her as part of the Innovative Percussion family and look forward to developing a unique and innovative series of marimba mallets, to further expand our marimba mallet options.” To learn more about She-e Wu, click here to view her full biography.
Nebojša Zivkovic joins Innovative Percussion
Innovative Percussion is pleased to announce the addition of international marimba/percussion artist and composer, Nebojša Zivkovic as a new signature artist. Nebojša is currently working with Innovative Percussion designers on a series of solo marimba mallets due to be released in 2007. “We are extremely excited to be working with such a highly recognized international percussion artist”, stated George Barrett, Innovative Percussion CEO. “Nebojša's designs will offer percussionists worldwide an even greater, more unique and diverse marimba mallet series to expand their marimba mallet options.” To learn more about Nebojša Zivkovic, click here to view his extensive biography.
Congratulations to Woelper Loewen Drum and Bugle Corps
On September 16, the Woelper Loewen Drum and Bugle Corps repeated as the Drum Corps Germany champions. With a score of 78.45 Woelper Loewen also won the general effect, visual, and brass caption awards. Best of luck to everyone on the upcoming DCE championships!
IP artist Julie Davila recently interviewed Japanese marimba artist Momoko Kamiya
Innovative Percussion is pleased to announce the latest addition to our media vault. IP artist Julie Davila recently interviewed Japanese marimba artist Momoko Kamiya for a podcast in conjunction with the Percussive Arts Society. Click here to listen to the entire podcast interview and to read Momoko’s bio.
Rhythm X to Tour Europe in 2007
On March 23, 2007 Rhythm X in conjunction with Muremo Music (European Distributor for Innovative Percussion) and Dynasty USA, will make history by being the first independent indoor drumline to tour Europe! Rhythm X will embark on an experience that will take the indoor drumline activity to a new level. "We are honored and excited for this opportunity. This tour will promote the indoor percussion activity in Europe and open doors for future international growth", said Craig Dunn the executive director and founder of Rhythm X. Rhythm X will embark on a 10 day European tour that will begin in London, England and will conclude in Gent, Belgium. While in Europe Rhythm X will visit London and Crawley England, St Quentin and Paris France, Brussels and Bruges, Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Gent Belgium. During this historic tour Rhythm X will be hosting clinics and competing on the European circuit CGN.
WGI Championships Media Coverage
Please visit the media section to view all the media coverage from WGI Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Click on the "featured media" icon above to view pictures from finals performances and video clips from the parking lot.
Innovative Percussion at WGI
Innovative Percussion will once again be covering WGI finals in Dayton, Ohio. Keep an eye on our website for photos and parking lot video clips from the weekend’s events. For those of you in attendance, please visit the IP booth and check out a DVD of performance clips from the Nashville regional, and autograph sessions with artists such as Jim Casella, Paul Rennick, Jim Ancona, Mike McIntosh, Bret Kuhn, Tim Fairbanks, and Shane Gwaltney. Please check the website for updated times.
Best of luck to everyone competing in Dayton!
Kennan Wylie publishes educational DVD entitled ‘The Beginner’s Guide to the World of Percussion.
This DVD should be in every percussion instructor and band director's library. It is an outstanding collection of information and instruction geared for the beginning percussionist.
Over twenty-five percussion instruments are demonstrated.
Accurate and specific instruction concerning technique, stroke production, mallet/stick selection, instrument setup, and more.
Featuring Kennan Wylie, Christopher Deane, Jorge Ginorio, and Dan Wojocieowski.
A must have resource material for any beginner percussionist and music teacher.
K. Wylie Publications has a full line of beginning percussionist instructional books, solos, and ensembles. "Simple Steps" is the instructional series written by Kennan Wylie, instructor of the acclaimed Marcus High School Percussion Program.
The Marcus group has received national recognition both on and off the field including nine P.A.S.I.C. Marching championships and winner of the P.A.S. "Call for Tapes" in 1999 and 2003.
Visit www.kwylie.com for additional publications for the young percussionist.
Mark Ford Introduces New Method Book for Marimba
Introducing the newest publication from Innovative Percussion Inc: Marimba: Technique Through Music by Mark Ford. This method book is designed to teach proper four-mallet technique through original etudes, each composed by Mark Ford. Techniques discussed include single independent, single alternating, double lateral, and double vertical strokes. According to James Campbell of the University of Kentucky, Technique Through Music “is a powerful tool to help young musicians understand technique and musicality.” Please contact your local music retailer for more information.
Raiders and IP continue long-time partnership in 2006
The Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps, who are the reigning 2005 DCI Division III Champions, are very excited about the upcoming season and the continued relationship with Innovative Percussion. Hailing from Wayne, NJ, the Raiders are under the direction of Phillip C. Melius, Thomas Maiello, and Christopher DeSenzo. Percussion caption head Steve Rodriguez states, "Innovative continues to provide us with some the finest sticks in the industry today. The quality of their marching sticks and front ensemble mallets gives us the chance to provide our members with the right tools to perform at the highest levels." For more information on the Raiders please visit www.raidersdbc.org.
Educational Materials
Our family of artists continues to lead the percussion industry in education. We have many educational materials from them available right here on our website. Click here for a list of our educational resources!
IP Wearables
Innovative Percussion has a great line of wearables.
Below are the newest products from Innovative Percussion. Please contact your local dealer for pricing information. Click on a product below for more information!
Innovative Percussion announces partnership with Yamaha Canada
Innovative Percussion is pleased to announce a new partnership with Yamaha Canada for product distribution to dealers throughout all of Canada. According to Innovative Percussion CEO, George Barrett, “Innovative Percussion is extremely excited about our new partnership with Yamaha Canada and feel confident that Yamaha’s commitment and resources in the school market will allow Innovative Percussion to better service the Canadian percussion market.” Pictured here are (L to R) Steve Butterworth of Yamaha, Lowell Layne of Innovative Percussion, George Barrett of Innovative Percussion, and Chris Reesor of Yamaha.
Gordy Knudtson, drummer for the iconic Steve Miller Band since 1987, has been busy with Miller's infamous summer tour. This celebrated tour sells out every year and is considered by many to be the ultimate outdoor summer concert party! This year's tour also featured the great Joseph Wooten on keyboards, Kenny Lee Lewis on bass and Blues great Sonny Charles on vocals. In November, the band traveled to Brazil and recently taped a performance on Austin City Limits. Miller's most recent CD, featuring Gordy's great playing, entitled Let Your Hair Down, shows Miller re-living his love for the Blues - the style most influential of his music. Gordy, a well-respected educator and author, announces his new book, Morphing Double-Strokes With The Open/Close Technique, and it is due out later this year. Keep an eye on www.gk-music.com for announcements!
John Spittle was out all summer, on tour with the great Trace Adkins. Trace's new CD entitled Proud To Be Here was released on August 2nd. Target stores will feature a limited edition release with some bonus live tracks on which you can hear John playing. John says he LOVES his IP-RK "Rock" sticks!
"Big Tez" Sherard played on Edwin McCain's new album Mercy Bound, on 429 Records which was due out end of summer. A fall tour followed. Big Tez is also staying busy with several projects including three house gigs in home his town. He loves his BB-1s and says, "They have great balance with just the right thickness". 
Congratulations go to Open Class Winner Minnesota Brass Inc. for their DCA World Championship win on September 4th in Rochester, New York. Honorable mention goes to San Francisco Renegades for their Open Class Finals placement. 
World
Class Finalist, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, won 1st place in
percussion receiving the coveted Fred Sanford High Percussion Award at the 2011
Drum Corps International World Championships, August 14th. It is the first
Cavalier percussion trophy in 11 years. Says Michael McIntosh, IP artist
and percussion designer for The Cavaliers, "I was teaching here with Bret
Kuhn 11 years ago when we won. This year, we had amazing membership and a
fantastic staff that brought the show to life. Working with fellow
percussion designer Alan Miller, we were able to design a show that brought new
sounds and colors to the activity. It is an awesome and humbling
experience to be a part of such an exclusive community of past winners and an
honor to bring the trophy back to The Cavaliers."
The All-State audition process for high school winds and percussion students leads ultimately to qualification in one of seven All-State Bands that perform at the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention: ATSSB Jazz Ensemble, ATSSB Concert Band, ATSSB Symphonic Band, TMEA Jazz Ensemble, 4A Symphonic Band, 5A Concert Band, and 5A Symphonic Band.
Innovative Percussion is extremely pleased to welcome Gordy Knudtson, long-time drummer for the legendary Steve Miller Band, to its family of artists!
Innovative Percussion proudly welcomes Ike Jackson and the Ayala High School band to its family of artists. Ike has been working with the Ayala High School band program in Chino Hills, CA, since 1991. In his twenty-two years as a percussion instructor, he has worked with more than 45 different percussion programs at the high school, college, and drum corps levels. A prolific percussion arranger and drill designer, Ike has worked with various percussion ensembles all across the Southwest. 
Steve Brewster has lived and worked in Nashville as a session player for over 20 years. A native Tennessean, Steve attended MTSU on a full music scholarship and studied jazz at UT-Knoxville. After touring with country artist Janie Fricke and Contemporary Christian music artist, Michael W. Smith, Brewster moved to Nashville in 1988. Shortly thereafter, Steve was embraced by the Nashville studio community and developed a steady, high profile studio career, which he maintains to this day. His creative musical approach, combined with his diverse, eclectic taste has afforded him the opportunity to contribute in a wide range of musical situations. Steve has recorded with music icons including Bob Seger, Jewel, Big & Rich, Art Garfunkel, Chicago, Michael W. Smith, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Amy Grant, Richard Marx, Kenny Loggins, The Neville Brothers, Dierks Bently and many more. Known for his infectious groove and welcoming feel, major artists worldwide look to Steve for that just-right drum part. Brewster recently developed and runs his own studio, "Brewbeat", and offers a wide range of sounds, styles, and top-notch equipment. For more information, visit stevebrewsterdrums.com.
Brian MacLeod currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. He has sustained a busy session career for over 25 years and has performed on some of the biggest hit records in music. He is the ideal recording drummer and songwriter with huge credits to his name, but has somehow managed to remain somewhat under the radar. Along with his recognition within the session scene, Brian was a member of the Tuesday Music Club collective along with Sheryl Crow and helped create the genesis of her album "Tuesday Night Music Club". In addition to being the perfect song-drummer, his songwriting credits include "Everyday Is A Winding Road", "Strong Enough", "A Change Would Do You Good", and "Shine Over Babylon" with Sheryl Crow, "Waiting for Love" with Pink and "Supermodel", from the film Clueless. He has been a member of Wire Train, Toy Matinee, Tears For Fears and has performed with Madonna, Seal, Chris Isaak, Melissa Etheridge, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Kevin Gilbert, Jewel, Stevie Nicks, Ziggy Marley, Rosanne Cash, Sara Bareilles, The The, John Hiatt, and Joanna Wang. Brian is also a member of The Scrantones, the group credited for performing the theme to the American version of the TV show The Office. 
