FANTASTIC ILLINOIS DAY OF PERCUSSION

Okay, I might be biased since my colleague Greg Beyer here at Northern Illinois University hosted the event, but today was one fantastic Day of Percussion for the Illinois chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. For most of the day we had 250 attendees, and for the evening concert the attendance was over 300.

The day began with an "uncontest" for middle school and high school players to play their solo and ensemble pieces for a judge to get comments on improvement so that they're more prepared in a few weeks when the state solo and ensemble contest takes place. Several dozen students took advantage of that great opportunity. We then had a terrific clinic by Vadim Karpinos of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, an amazing masterclass by She-e Wu, a truly unique and engaging performance by Aiyun Huang, and then several of the universities in the state performed individually and then together in a wonderful "summit" of Illinois percussionists.

Vadim Karpinos

She-e Wu

Aiyun Huang

The evening concert featured So Percussion, who played beautifully. (We were fortunate have had So in residence here at NIU for the past 3 days - the students were incredibly happy to have them here and are even more motivated than usual.)

So Percussion

In addition to how musical and inspiring all the clinics and performances were, what always impresses me the most is that the finest artists in our field are some of the most wonderful people you'll ever meet. And, as these things always go, it was great to see so many former students as well as colleagues from all over the state here and to have a chance to catch up on what they're doing.

Greg did an amazing job marketing the event and organizing the event. Everyone I spoke with had a really great time and was really grateful to be able to be here for the day.

Greg Beyer

EIGHT GREAT YEARS

Yesterday was the official end of my time as an officer of the Percussive Arts Society. I spent 2 years each as Vice President, President-elect, President, and Immediate Past President, and it's hard to believe the eight years went by this quickly. These were eight, not just great, but fantastic years of teamwork that helped raise the Society to the next level. I'm indebted to the other officers with whom I worked during this time: Bob Breithaupt, Jim Campbell, Mark Ford, Michael Balter, Kristen Shiner McGuire, Gary Cook, Steve Houghton, John R. Beck, Lisa Rogers, and Steve Beck. In particular I want to thank Michael Kenyon, the Executive Director of PAS, for his partnership, support, guidance and friendship.

I'm especially pleased we were able to move the PAS headquarters, museum and library to Indianapolis during my presidency. Already we are seeing positive results of that move that would not have been possible without the move, and I'm excited about the upcoming opening of our permanent space in downtown Indy, which should be completed summer 2009. We're working with an amazing architect (who designed several of Epcot Center's pavilions) and the space will be tremendous when completed.

Thanks, too, to the many PAS members with whom I've corresponded the past eight years, for your support and encouragement. And I really appreciate the many, many friends I've gained the world over through my work with PAS.

Starting today Steve Houghton is the new PAS President, and I know PAS is in good hands. As a Past President, I am a member of the Board of Directors for life (no rest for the wicked!), so I greatly look forward to staying involved.

Happy New Year, everyone!