WVU Percussion Camp 2013
June 17-21, 2013
WVU College of Creative Arts
Director: George Willis
Available for ages 14 through 21
Register online now through WVU Continuing Education
Guest artists:
Allison Miller – Drum Set Artist
Raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Miller began playing the drums at the age of ten, studying with Walter Salb, and was soon thereafter featured in Downbeat magazine’s “Up and Coming” section in 1991. Five years later, after graduating from West Virginia University she moved to New York City to study with Michael Carvin and Lenny White and pursue what has become a fruitful career as a freelance drummer, composer, producer, and teacher. Miller’s talents have landed her gigs with artists like Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco, and most recently, singer Brandi Carlile; and her jazz skills have been embraced by everyone from avant-garde saxophonist Marty Ehrlich to organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith, with a wide range of leaders in between, including Steven Bernstein, Ben Allison, Kenny Barron, Erik Friedlander, Mark Helias, Ellery Eskelin, Ray Drummond, Peter Bernstein, Sheila Jordan, George Garzone, Mike Stern, Rachel Z, Kevin Mahogany, Bruce Barth, Mark Soskin, and Harvie S.
Allison is currently celebrating the release of her second solo leader album, BOOM TIC BOOM (Foxhaven Records, March 2010), named one of the “Top 10 Jazz Albums of 2010” by the LA Times. She also co-leads several other bands, including EMMA, with singer/songwriter Erin McKeown; Honey Ear Trio with Rene Hart on bass and Erik Lawrence on reeds; and Eskelin/Deutsch/Miller featuring Ellery Eskelin on tenor and Erik Deutsch on organ. Miller has also been recognized by the US State Department when she was chosen to tour East Africa, Eurasia and Southeast Asia as a Jazz Ambassador.
Kevin Zackiewicz – Percussion Specialist
Kevin Zackiewicz holds Bachelors degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance and his Masters degree from West Virginia University. During his time at WVU, he performed in virtually every WVU major ensemble including four years in the WVU Drumline. He has performed marimba concertos at both the 2004 WVU World Music Concert as well as the 2006 WVU Percussion Ensemble Concert. Zackiewicz has also instructed many area High School Marching Bands, served as percussion clinician for the West Virginia Honor Band, and maintained a private percussion studio. He has toured with groups such as the West Virginia Public Theatre and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. He has also been an instructor for the WVU Drumline.
Zackiewicz currently holds the Director of Bands position at Parkside High School in Salisbury, MD. He also instructs the Wicomico County Visual and performing Arts program, a college preparatory course for Juniors and Seniors that plan to major in music. Zackiewicz has received numerous awards during his tenure at Parkside High School including the Maryland Music Educator Association’s Outstanding New Music Teacher of the year.
George Willis – Director of the Percussion Department at WVU
Founder of the WVU Percussion Camp, Professor George Willis has been the director of the WVU percussion department since 2004. He performs and presents master classes and workshops throughout the country. He is very active in The Willis Duo performing at universities and high schools throughout the year. He has toured the US, Europe, and Asia with the Pittsburgh Symphony and continues to be very active with other groups in the region. He holds performance degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Temple University. He has recorded with the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble and the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Kris Grant – Percussion Specialist
Kris Grant is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Percussion at West Virginia University. He holds a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Music Education with Performance Honors degree from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. He has appeared as a marimba soloist at numerous concerts, clinics, and camps.
As a steel drummer, he has performed in Sweden, Germany, and Israel for festivals and concerts as part of Delaware Steel. The ensemble is very active, performing concerts and clinics in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Students will be able to learn from and perform with the incredible guest artists. All students will perform in the percussion ensemble featured concert. This event is sure to educate every level of percussionist. Attending students will remember this camp for the rest of their lives.
Housing
Those who attend camp will be staying in Lincoln Hall. The residence hall is located on Evansdale campus and is a short PRT ride or walk from the Creative Arts Center.
Cost
Registration fee: $350
Housing Cost: $236
Housing cost includes all meals.
Contact
Contact George Willis to reserve your spot at camp.
Email: george.willis@mail.wvu.edu
304 – 293 – 5274