#184 Joshua Simonds- Executive Director of the Percussive Arts Society!
Previous to the Percussive Arts Society, Joshua Simonds was the Executive Director of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. He holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from American University in Washington, DC, and a Bachelor of Arts in Percussion from California State University, Long Beach.
During his tenure, CYSO has more than doubled its programs, built strong relationships with world-class composers resulting in numerous world and local premieres, and initiated groundbreaking artistic collaborations, including performances with Ben Folds, My Morning Jacket, The Second City, My Brightest Diamond, the Chicago Bulls, and multiple performances at the legendary rock festival Lollapalooza.
His passion for percussion has always been at the forefront of his work at CYSO. During his tenure at CYSO, the organization built one of the largest youth steel pan programs in the midwest, performed multiple times with Chicago’s Blue Man Group in Chicago’s Millennium Park, engaged Third Coast Percussion on multiple occasions including a 2014 year-in-residence resulting in a New Music USA grant for a video recording of David T Little’s Radiant Child for Percussion Quartet and Orchestra, and most recently secured Glenn Kotche as CYSO’s 2016-2017 Composer in Residence. These are just a few examples of Joshua’s life-long commitment to percussion performance and education.
While at California State University, Long Beach, Joshua studied percussion with Raynor Carroll, Principal Percussionist of the LA Philharmonic, Dr. Dave Gerhart, and the late Dr. Michael Carney. Joshua is also a proud alumnus of the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
R.I.P.
Joe Porcaro, the legendary session drummer/percussionist and educator died aged 90.
Legendary Chicago drummer Khari Parker passes away at 46. You can listen to his interview on the Working Drummer Podcast.
Broadway actor Nick Cordero passed away at age 41. Both Damon and Marcos had the pleasure of performing with him in different settings.
Happy Birthday
Happy 80th Birthday to Sir Richard Starkey, aka Ringo Starr. You can watch his birthday show below.
Also, friend of the show, Tommy Diehl shares the same birthday as Ringo.
Gig Alerts
Drive-in concerts and movies appear poised to become more popular yet, as Walmart and Tribeca Enterprises have partnered to convert 160 Walmart parking lots into socially distanced venues this summer.
Social Soundbyte
The USAF (United States Air Force Band) percussionists, do a virtual tribute to John S. Pratt. Shout-out to Senior Master Sgt. Randy “Duke” Gorman for tagging the podcast.
The US Army Field Band percussionists also did a tribute a while back and it features friend of the show Sergeant First Class Glenn Robertson as well. The music in the background during this segment is performed by the Hellcats of West Point.
Educational Spotlight
An update on PASIC for this year was released by the Percussive Arts Society. Stay tuned to their channels on social media (or their aforementioned website) to learn more about the virtual convention for this year.
Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - PAS Website (different from the PASIC website)
Product Review
Two companies that have drum and percussion packs for you to use in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
Steven Slate Drums lets you have all sorts of options of drums that were recorded in legendary studios.
If you’re looking for Latin percussion (or drums) you can slide over to Toon Track. Friend of the show, Robby Ameen is featured on some of these drum sounds.
Iconic Recording
This week’s iconic recording is “In The Stone” by Earth Wind and Fire. It is the ninth studio album, ‘I Am’, released in June 1979 on ARC/Columbia Records It features: Phillip Bailey on congas, Maurice White on drums, and Paulinho da Costa and Ralph Johnson on percussion as well as other great musicians.
Music News
The UK government has announced a more than $1.96 billion aid package to help “cultural, arts, and heritage institutions” – including music venues – weather the fiscal fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. - Article
With states continuing to rollback and retool their COVID-19 lockdown measures, some artists are returning to the road and performing live concerts for fans once again. To help these individuals chart their tours, comply with statewide requirements, and, most importantly, keep attendees safe, here’s a one-stop guide to closures in every U.S. state. - Article
(NOTE: This information is subject to change based on how the Coronavirus is handled. Make sure to check with your state’s representatives for current info).
The song leading into the interview is “Tom Sawyer” by the Canadian rock band Rush off of the Moving Pictures album, released in 1981.
Joshua Simonds Interview
Joshua isn’t the only Joshua Simonds out there. There is also a Psycic Medium and a cyclist.
Joshua talks about how PAS works with the board of directors vs the Executive director. PAS is a non profit organization, classified as a 501 (c)(3).
PAS has several chapters if you are interested in joining one nearby you.
As far as working for PAS, here is the link to the JOB BOARD and also the VOLUNTEER areas. This Is where you can find the CURRENT STAFF MEMBERS.
If you would like to know more about, or join a committee, CLICK HERE. Joshua also talks about the Diversity Alliance and what that is all about.
See the above Educational Spotlight for information about PASIC for 2020. It will be a two-day virtual event held on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14. Registration will open in early September, and Early Bird prices will be $50 for student members, $100 for non-student members, and $175 for non-members. Stay tuned to their social media channels and PASIC.org (listed above) as they’ll be releasing additional details in the coming weeks.
Joshua talks about the existing technology to run a virtual convention already being available. Here is one example of that type of tech that PASIC may utilize. There’s also the issue of the expo hall with all the exhibitors premiering new products. They may use some software like this.
Joshua got his undergraduate degree in music from Long Beach State University in California. He studied with Dr. Michael Carney as well as the Late great Raynor Carroll.
Joshua was a member of the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
He also started as an intern with the Long Beach Symphony. He got an opportunity to have JoAnn Falletta as a mentor.
He then moved to Washington D.C. to get his masters degree in Non-Profit Arts Management from American University.
After getting his masters, Joshua ended up at the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Damon mentions (friend of the show) Leigh Howard Stevens and his love for tinkering with things to make them better.
If you haven’t become a member of the Percussive Arts Society yet, you can do that now by CLICKING THIS LINK.
Damon also mentions the Rhythm Discovery Center in Indianapolis, IN.
You can follow Joshua on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also follow the Percussive Arts Society on YouTube.
The song leading out of the interview is “Symphony No. 9 From the New World, IV. Allegro con Fuoco” by Antonín Dvořák.
