Prominent Percussionists to Participate in Clinics and Concert in The Garden State
Slammin’ ’09 Percussion Symposium clinicians include legendary drummer, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie and Chester Thompson of Genesis.
Wayne, NJ – When Jason Taylor transferred to Marlboro Central High School in upstate New York in 1978, he honed his skills on the xylophone and vibraphone over the next two years under the tutelage of his music teacher, Henry Ketterer, a dedicated instructor who taught Taylor how to sharpen his jazz technique on the vibraphone. After previously being taught through private lessons, Taylor enjoyed the music program offerings at the public high school. The vibraphonist, now known as Jason “Malletman” Taylor, went on to study, live and tour with the late, legendary Lionel Hampton during the early eighties. Now Taylor, a Yamaha keyboard percussion clinician since 1991, honors both Hampton and Ketterer by teaching at schools, churches and music stores. However, it doesn’t end there.
Out of his concern for the music programs being eliminated or underfunded in public schools throughout the country, Taylor decided to create an event where kids, teens and young adults interested in percussion could be taught by leading professionals for a day. He and other top percussionists will be presenting an extensive series of youth-oriented clinics, followed by a mini concert as part of the second annual Slammin’ ’09 Percussion Symposium, being held at the Grand Chalet in Wayne, NJ on Saturday, September 26th. Last year’s inaugural event, the Slammin’ ’08 Percussion Symposium was held in Cape Charles, VA.
Joining Taylor on the panel of clinicians will be drummers Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Chester Thompson and Jeff “Jeff-Lo” Davis. Purdie, who participated in last year’s event, is known as the world’s most recorded drummer and has played with many artists, including Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis and Steely Dan. Thompson is best known as the drummer for Genesis and Phil Collins. Davis is an accomplished drummer in the world of Gospel music, playing with the likes of Fred Hammond and Richard Smallwood. Taylor himself has opened for such greats as Earth Wind & Fire, Diana Reeves and Pieces of a Dream.
The symposium will literally end on a high note when the clinicians come together to put on a mini concert for the attendees.
“All of us – me, Bernard, Chester and Jeff believe that teaching music is just as important as playing music. I didn’t have to twist anyone’s arm to do this. We all want to give back to the community and encourage the ones who will be taking over when we hang up our drumsticks and mallets.” said Taylor, whose enthusiasm and love for music is quite contagious.
While the event was developed for youth, musicians of all ages are welcome. Those interested in attending Slammin’ ’09 can register and get additional information online at www.malletsplace.com or by calling (973) 686-0231. The cost of registration is $75.00 before August 31st and $85.00 after. Students pay just $45.00 from now through the day of the event. The price of registration includes breakfast and lunch.
Co
mpanies supporting Slammin’ ’09 include Modern Drummer Magazine, DW Drums, Mike Balter Mallets, Blockbuster, La Quinta Inns and Suites and Guitar Center in Totowa, NJ.
