By Danilynn Welniak/ne news editor
To raise student awareness about TCC’s percussion program and performance ensemble, Drum Circle, the NE music department will sponsor two workshops by a professional percussionist March 24.
Bob Becker, a founding member of the internationally acclaimed NEXUS Percussion Ensemble, will conduct both sessions.
The first will be on African drumming, an element of the drum circle class, and will incorporate a lot of hands-on experience for the participating percussion students.
This is an informative clinic on authentic West African rhythms.
World renown for his ragtime xylophone style, Becker will hold a second workshop on the xylophone, demonstrating the music styles of George Hamilton Green, the innovator and virtuoso of ragtime xylophone.
Warren Dewey, NE music instructor, is excited about the opportunities this program presents for percussion students.
“Students of all levels will appreciate Becker’s knowledge, his incredible talent and witty presentation,” he said.
Dewey called Becker one of the world’s leading percussionists and said he has appeared at SMU, TCU and UNT.
TCC has promoted this clinic throughout the Northeast Tarrant County music community. Public and private school music programs, community centers with recreational drumming programs and many others will promote and have their students attend this seminar, Dewey said.
“We are fortunate to have [Becker] on our campus, and all students can benefit from [his] seminars,” he said. “ Many percussion band directors have been influenced by Bob Becker in past collegiate music studies.”
Becker will present his free workshops 4-6 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the NSTU Center Corner.
