Other Events

On Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13, The Meadows School and band director, Jenny Tolen, hosted the 2009 Las Vegas Drum Camp. More than eighty middle school and high school students attended the event. Nevada PAS members Brett Barnes (Nevada PAS Chapter - President), Conrad Csogi, Steve Ferradino, Rachel Julian (Nevada PAS Chapter - Secretary), Richele Panther, Kirk Rustman, Ryan Simm and Alex Stopa performed and presented clinics on drumset, rudimental snare drum, steel pans, percussion ensemble, marimba and concert percussion. Adam Dunson and Jadin Tredup recounted their high school experiences and audition procedures at the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts. Raven Hill performed and demonstrated techniques of playing in a country music band. George Durkin (Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular) gave a clinic on timpani performance. Beth Mullaney and Killian’s Angels presented a workshop on playing the spoons as well as performing on the bodhran and tin whistle in an Irish band setting. Kurt Rasmussen (Cirque du Soleil) gave a hands-on Brazilian drumming ensemble clinic utilizing authentic Brazilian instruments and traditional samba rhythms. The camp culminated with an exciting performance and clinic presented by Luis Conte.

The drum camp was sponsored by Nevada PAS, Aquarian, Evans, LP, Meinl, MRP, Promark, Remo, Sabian, Yamaha and Zildjian.

Drum Camp ’07 a big hit

     August 15 and 16,  2007 the Meadows School in Las Vegas played host to Drum Camp ’07.  Middle School and High School students from all over the Vegas Valley came together for two days of workshops, clinics, performances, and drum circles.  Each day began with Kurt Rasmussen “Cirque du Soleil” leading 40 kids in a Brazilian Samba line playing and learning about Brazilian culture.  Local drummers Conrad Csogi and Tom Mears gave clinics on brush playing and 4 way independence.  Tom Mears also played the Sultan’s Strut solo for drumset and dancer. 

     Nevada Percussive Arts Society members Brett Barnes and  Kirk Rustman gave drumset clinics, show drumming, and auxiliary percussion clinics.  Pan Chat with Nevada PAS members Rachel Julian-Jones and Richele Panther gave students hands on experience with steel drums.  Daniel de los Reyes surprised campers by coming in and sharing Afro Cuban drumming in a hands-on session.  The spirit of Drumming and team work was demonstrated in a joint Drumset performance featuring Pepe Jimenez “Mamma Mia” and Larry Aberman “Zumanity” playing with hands, sticks, brushes, and mallets in a duet that was both musical and captivating. 

     The event was hosted by Jenny Tolen Band Director at the Meadows School and was sponsored by Remo, Evans, Sabian, Zildjian,

Meadows School Music Department held its 2^nd annual Drum Camp in Las Vegas Nevada August 17^th and 18^th.  This two day event featured a wide range of percussion topics as well as a chance for 30 middle school/high school age kids to hang out, play music, and participate in drum circles.

Presenters included Tom Mears, Brett Barnes, Kirk Rustman, John Freixas, Bob Ego, and Ed Grell and the event was organized by Jenny Tolen.

Tom Mears presented rudimental snare drum solos and a drumset performance piece complete with dancers.  Brett Barnes presented a hands on drumset fundamental clinic and facilitated drum circles.  Kirk Rustman covered snare drum, mallet percussion basics and practice techniques.  John Freixas performed on drumset and demonstrated rudiments.  Bob Ego and Ed Grell from Family Music gave an informative presentation on equipment maintenance.  Las Vegas Drummer John Plows was on hand to help students and answer there questions about working as a professional musician.  For many kids in Las Vegas, two days of drumming way a great way to beat the summer heat.

The event was sponsored by Yamaha Drums, Family Music, Promark sticks