Sabian - Because Sound Matters

PASIC 2008 - Day 4

Austin, TX Nov 08, 2008

 Day four: for those still standing there was plenty to see and hear on the last day of PASIC!

One of Saturday's first performances was the showcase concert given by the Oak Ridge High School Percussion Ensemble. Playing a varied programme they performed at a very high level, not just with their own ensemble pieces but with a number of solo items with guest artists, including SABIAN endorser and xylophone soloist, Bob Becker. Directed by Jerriald Dillard, these youngsters really entertained their audience.

Shortly after Oak Ridge came the showcase concert by the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble. Playing to a large, appreciative audience, this ensemble played an eclectic mix of repertoire that impressed everybody in attendance.

Continuing the Fundamentals series of clinics was Tracy Wiggins with a highly informative keyboard clinic. Working with members of the audience he quickly brought his points across.

Brian Del Signore presented a highly informative symphonic snare drum lab. Brian worked with a high school student and 3 college students on the musicianship and phrasing needed to play excerpts including Lt. Kije and Scheherezade.  As shown in the photos, Brian recorded himself performing excerpts and projected the sound files on a screen so the students and audience could visualize the aural distances between sounds.  Many commented on how his innovative approach helped them to better understand what they are trying to do.

The next Fundamental session was given by Jim Royle. Covering drumset teaching techniques, Jim demonstrated his teaching room set-up which involves both teacher and student sharing one bass-drum. A great space-saving idea, Jim also demonstrated it's positive benefits for student and teacher alike.

One of the most moving and theatrical performances came from the Rainmakers from Trinidad. The work they performed was titled 'A Tropical Journey in Percussion and Steel'. With impeccable playing together with a moving story and theatrical movement their performance moved everybody in attendance. Many commented on the unique textures and levels of playing that they had formerly not thought possible with steel pan music.

The last of SABIAN's endorsers to give a Fundamentals clinic was Tony Edwards. A well known timpanist and teacher in Texas, Tony went through his topic in a thorough and orderly manner. The first etude he demonstrated had the audience trying to mentally note all the orchestral excerpts he had managed to include!

As the day drew to a close many rushed back to the exhibition hall to take in the myriad of instruments for one final time and the SABIAN booth experienced one of its busiest times. If you didn?t manage to get to PASIC this year hopefully we'll see you in Indianapolis in 2009!