Among the many wonderful benefits of being associated with the Eastman School of Music on a regular basis are the periodic visits of guest musicians, especially in the percussion department. In the 2014/15 season alone there have been visits by Leigh Howard Stevens, Lee Vinson, Jake Nisly, Stanley Leonard, and Amadinda. On Jan. 14, Colin… Read more »
When I was growing up everything was pretty black and white. You drove a Ford or a Chevy. You drank a Coke or a Pepsi. You had a choice of NBC, CBS, ABC and (eventually) PBS on TV. We now live in an interesting time where you have a zillion choices. We are offered dozens… Read more »
Bob has shared with us some great photos taken by Lauren Weiss at the Alan Abel birthday concert in Philadelphia.
I have an affinity with Philadelphia. It’s not because I make bells and they have a cracked bell. It’s not because I am a historian, which I am not. Nor am I a Philadelphia sports fan. I like cream cheese, but it’s not that either. I was reminded that my connection to Philadelphia is… Read more »
Xylomusic has recently published Becker’s Best, a collection of Bob’s most effective technique exercises for the xylophone and marimba. All of the studies in the book can be practiced to build speed and accuracy, and after they are learned at tempo they make a great daily warm-up routine. The book is available through Steve Weiss… Read more »
The week of Dec. 1 was a special one at the Eastman School, beginning with a day-long visit by the Hungarian percussion group, Amadinda, on Monday. A 2-1/2-hour morning masterclass with student performances was facilitated by Amadinda members, Zoltan Rácz and Aurél Holló. … Read more »
Russell and Bob and NEXUS received a very nice notice in the the Philadelphia Inquirer. David Patrick Stearns’ entertaining review enjoys covering this “bang-up occasion” – the 85th birthday tribute to Alan Abel on November 16th. The stage was so full of “instrumental hardware”, it was a case of “marimba gridlock”!
This is my first post.
Hard on the heels of NEXUS’ beautiful Toronto concert at Walter Hall and recording session at Noble Street Studios with Sepideh Raissadat, the fab four are now heading to Philadelphia for a busy week of concerts, coachings and clinics.
Thank you to everyone who helped us fill Walter Hall last night, here in Toronto! What a wonderful evening!
NEXUS with Sepideh Raissadat, 7 pm
Iranian singer and setarist, Sepideh Raissadat. is an articulate and talented performer who, in the midst of a busy touring schedule, is currently studying ethnomusicology at the University of Toronto.
