Blog
So many exciting Spring projects!
We have set the clocks ahead, so it is officially Spring, and NEXUS has a busy season ahead with a number of exciting projects. This month began with a recording session with Sepideh Raissadat for VOA Persia. The video program is to be broadcast over Voice of America throughout Iran. Follow us on Facebook for… Read more »
Part 7 to 10 of Robin Engelman’s NEXUS World Tour Diary 1984
Robin has posted Part 7 to 10 of his NEXUS World Tour Diary from 1984 on his blog. Shanghai, buying instruments and silk, and Kwang Chao.Here are the links: Part 7 Click here Part 8 Click here Part 9 Click here Part 10 Click here
Great article on Alan Abel “Once In A Lifetime” event!
Check out this wonderful article in the February issue of Rhythm! Scene written by Lauren Vogel Weiss on the Philadelphia celebration of percussion for Alan Abel’s 85th Birthday! Great photos too. Read all about it by clicking here: Abel_85_Bday_Concert-RS
Woodstock Chimes: Drumming to a Different Beat
Drum circles in the broadest sense have been around since the first caveman started beating on a log. There is something about drumming that is both primal and cathartic. Unlike most other instruments, it is possible for anyone – including non-musicians – to play rhythms on a drum (or any percussion instrument) immediately and join… Read more »
Nothing could be finer than NEXUS in Carolina
NEXUS is in residence at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC today and tomorrow and will be participating in North Carolina’s Days of Percussion on Saturday and Sunday.
Colin Currie at Eastman – January 14, 2015
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 »
Freedom or Restriction?
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 »
Some great photos of the Alan Abel performance!
Bob has shared with us some great photos taken by Lauren Weiss at the Alan Abel birthday concert in Philadelphia.
Bells, History, Phillies, Cheese and Drumming
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 »
Becker’s Best now available
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 »
An Inspiring week at the Eastman School – Dec. 1 to 4, 2014
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 »
More Phabulous Philly Photos
Philadelphia review: “a bang-up occasion”!
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”!
NEXUS in Philadelphia – November 2014
