Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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New CSULB Percussion Program Website
At the beginning of the month, I created a new website for the CSULB Percussion Program. I wanted a place where I could post photos, videos and stories about the percussion program. I also wanted a place to reach out to our community and let people know about all of the great concerts and events…
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Tumblr Update
I am not sure if I am the only one still using a RSS reader to consume content on the web. For me, it is the easiest way to read new content. If you have no idea what I am talking about, head over to Wikipedia for a quick recap. Once you find some RSS…
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Technology in the Modern Percussion Studio
We are all bombarded with technology everyday. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and recording devises have had a positive impact on the way I teach lessons. It seems like everyday there is a new app, device or service that promises to change the world. Without going into a debate about which platforms are better, I am going…
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PASIC 2013 – Thursday Recap
My morning started off with a visit to the exhibits. I can’t imagine a PASIC without a trip to the exhibits and the Steve Weiss booth. After a quick visit to the booths, I went to see the Michigan State Percussion Ensemble. They preformed the entire program from memory including Rain Tree and Xenakis’ Peaux. (For…
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PASIC 2013 – Wednesday Recap
It is Wednesday night and PASIC is in full swing. Today was a travel day and I arrived in Indy around 6pm. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the Technology Focus Day hosted by Blair Helsing. The evening concert featured performances by “Emerging Artists.” Some of the highlights included: Stop Speaking by Andy Akiho Performed…
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Snare Drum Warm Ups
As an educator and professional performer, I have noticed that over the years, my practice time has decreased for one reason or another. I have also noticed that the older I get, the harder it is for me start playing without first warming up. This summer, I decided to sit down and write out a…
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Teaching Musicality to Percussionists
Am I the only one who doesn’t understand why young percussionists are not being taught musicality? Why is this and how can we fix it? My wife is a flute teacher and she teaches musicality to kids in 6 grade. So why is that percussionists get to college and don’t know the basics about shaping…
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Weekly Twitter Updates – May 2013
May came and went so fast! It was the end of my first full year of the running the CSULB Percussion Program and I am proud of all of the accomplishments that my students achieved throughout the year. (More on this topic in a percussion recap). I didn’t post much on Twitter this month, but I know…
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Biden enjoyed the sweet sound of the Steel Pan
On May 28, US Vice President Joe Biden “applauded the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force which serenaded him and his family with the sweet sound of the steel pan upon his arrival in Trinidad last night.” (StabroekNews.com). Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar presented a steel pan to the Vice President that was made at Gill’s Pan…
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Composers Circle
On Sunday, my new triangle solo Pitch Drop was featured on Composers Circle. If you are unfamiliar with this site, it features one composer a day and has been around for about a year. You can easily lose a lot of time listening to all of the music that is featured on the site. Thanks…
Got any book recommendations?