This week’s guest is Megan Arns. Dr. Megan Arns is a percussionist, ethnomusicologist, and educator with a diverse set of skills and a driven passion for her craft. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO where she has served as Director of Percussion Studies since 2014. Recent past faculty positions include Mansfield University in Pennsylvania and the National Music Conservatory in Amman, Jordan where she was also the Principal Timpanist of the Amman Symphony Orchestra. She is a section member of the New Hampshire Music Festival during the summers and has also performed with the St. Louis, Tallahassee, Sarasota, Missouri, Northwest Florida, Albany, Southern Tier and Macon Symphony Orchestras.

Active as a contemporary chamber percussionist, Megan’s recent highlights include collaborative performances in Spain, France, India, Jordan, Costa Rica, Ghana, and the United States at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Millennium Park, Smithsonian Institution, and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Megan regularly performs with three contemporary chamber groups: the [Switch~ Ensemble] – an electroacoustic ensemble based out of New York, Clocks in Motion – a percussion quartet based in Madison, WI, and DRAX – a saxophone and percussion duo in residence at Mizzou.

Megan received her D.M.A. in Percussion Performance & Literature and M.A. in Ethnomusicology at the Eastman School of Music. She was also awarded performance degrees from Florida State University (M.M.) and Truman State University (B.M.), where she was recognized as a Presser Scholar. Her primary teachers include Michael Burritt, John W. Parks IV, Michael Bump, Musekiwa Chingodza, Nani Agbeli, and Nyoman Suadin. Megan endorses Vic Firth Sticks & Mallets, Pearl/Adams Musical Instruments, Black Swamp Percussion, Remo Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to James Williams! He is an experienced drummer with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. Skilled in Drum Set, Studio Recording, Music, Music Production, and Ableton Live. Strong arts and design professional with a Master of Arts - MA focused in Jazz/Jazz Studies from AP Hogeschool Antwerpen.

Happy Birthday to Ji Su Jung! Born in South Korea, she is a rarity in the world of percussion having begun her studies at the age of four. Her exceptional talent was recognized early on and led to recitals and concerto performances at such a young age that she needed a small platform to stand upon just to reach the keyboard of the instrument. That platform was soon left behind as her stature and musical voice matured and numerous solo performances ensued. In 2011, she came to the United States where she completed her undergraduate studies at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, thanks to a generous grant from The Brookby Foundation in Wisconsin, and later received her Masters and Artist Diploma from the Yale School of Music under the tutelage of famed percussionist Robert van Sice.

Her exceptional potential quickly blossomed into professional success leading to concerto performances including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with Marin Alsop, Colorado Springs Philharmonic with JoAnn Falletta, Houston Symphony with Daniel Hege, the Aspen Festival Orchestra with Michael Stern, Grand Rapids Symphony with Marchelo Lehninger, the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra with Peter Oundjian, Boise Philharmonic with Eric Garcia, the Windsor Symphony in Canada with Robert Franz and the Romanian Symphony Orchestra. Miss Jung made her commercial recording debut this season at the invitation of Pulitzer prize winning composer, Kevin Puts performing his spectacular marimba concerto with Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony for the Naxos label. Her recitals across America have also won over new audiences for the marimba and her appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C resulted in an unexpected invitation to join the faculty at The Peabody Institute. Ji Su has garnered numerous prizes in national and international competitions. She was the first percussionist in twenty six years to win the First Prize and the Audience Choice Award at the 2018 Ima Hogg Competition of the Houston Symphony and was a laureate in the International Marimba Competition in Linz, Austria in 2015. NPR radio host Fred Childs welcomed her as an artist in residence for his nationally syndicated program, Performance Today. During her week with him in Minneapolis, she performed many of the seminal pieces in the marimba repertoire introducing the instrument to listeners in every corner of the country. While in Minnesota, Jung’s concerts for children were highly successful reflecting her love for bringing classical music to young audiences. Ji Su has presented master classes at numerous conservatories and universities around the world including the Curtis Institute of Music, New York University’s Stienhardt School, The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, and the Beijing Central Conservatory in China and she serves on the faculties of the Curtis Institute of Music as well as the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.

As the repertoire for marimba in mixed ensemble is growing rapidly, Miss Jung has become an active chamber musician alongside her solo concerts. Her first commercial chamber CD of Garth Neustadter’s Seaborne with The Percussion Collective is due for release in 2023. This all-star collection of young percussionists performs recitals and concertos in major concert venues around the world and she has been a core member since its inception. She has also appeared at the Yellow Barn and Norfolk Chamber Music Festivals where she performed with many of today’s greatest chamber musicians including legendary pianist Gilbert Kalish and Roger Tapping, formerly of the Takács String Quartet. Starting in the 2022-2023 season, Ji Su will join forces with luminary flutist Marina Piccinini to form a duo performing in both North America and Europe.

Happy Birthday to Pablo Batista! Master percussionist Pablo Batista has performed, recorded and toured internationally for 30 years with some of the biggest stars in rhythm and blues, jazz, Latin, pop and gospel.

Artists with whom he has worked with include Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diane Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, and Musiq. A drummer of unusually diverse talents, Pablo is highly regarded for his professionalism, tireless work ethic and ability to listen. He can integrate his playing into almost any style at the highest level of musicianship, holds the rare distinction of having performed on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R & B and gospel, and has also been a guest with the Philadelphia Orchestra Percussion Ensemble.

Pablo has also taught friends of the show, Aaron Draper and Dominique Thomas among many other people.

Happy Birthday to Jason Ihnat! Jason holds concurrent careers as an educator, performer, composer and arranger. He currently serves as the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Boston Crusaders. Prior to coming to Boston, he was a part of The Cadets organization from 2004-2016 as a front ensemble staff member and from 1998-1999 as a member of the corps. During his time with the Cadets, the corps won three DCI World Championships and two Fred Sanford High-Percussion Trophies.

Ihnat is also involved in the Winter Guard International (WGI) activity, where he currently serves on the front ensemble staff for Spirit Winter Percussion. Previously, he served as the Director and Co-Founder of the Eastside Fury Percussion Ensemble from 2000-2014, winning two World Championships in 2000 (A Class) and 2004 (Open Class).

In addition to his involvement with the DCI and WGI activities, Ihnat is the Director of the Detroit Lions "Honolulu Boom" Drumline. This ensemble performs at every Detroit Lion’s home game in front of 65,000 fans, as well as in parades and celebrations in the Detroit area.

Academically, Ihnat has served as a part-time Lecturer of Music Theory at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) since 2012. He has also been the Percussion Arranger and Instructor for the EMU Marching Band for over a decade. Ihnat performs frequently with the Dearborn, Flint, Macomb and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestras as well as the Michigan Philharmonic. His compositions and arrangements have been performed at the top universities and high schools in Michigan and throughout the country.

Jason’s education includes a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wayne State University, where he studied percussion under Keith Claeys and a Master of Music in Composition from Eastern Michigan University, where he studied with renowned composer Dr. Anthony Iannaccone and percussionist John Dorsey.

Jason also performs frequently with the Dearborn, Flint, Macomb and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestras as well as the Michigan Philharmonic. His compositions and arrangements have been performed at the top universities and high schools in Michigan and throughout the country.

When he is not pursuing his percussion interests, Ihnat enjoys spending time with his wife Laura and their two children.

Happy Birthday to Alex Beltran! Alex is an active writer, performer, teacher, and clinician based in New England. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he also received an undergraduate degree in Percussion Performance. Alex is currently the Battery Caption Manager for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle corps, where he handles the daily teaching, equipment, and logistical needs of the battery and coordinate the staff. He is also the Battery Arranger and Caption Manager for consistent WGI Independent World Finalist United Percussion, as well as the battery arranger for 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.

Happy Birthday to Markus Schwartz! Born in Copenhagen Denmark, Markus grew up in an American household surrounded by Jazz, and has devoted more than twenty-five years to learning the wealth and complexity of traditional Haitian religious music. Moving in and out of Haiti since the early 1990s, Markus followed the lead of Haitian percussionists on pilgrimages into the countryside to learn the intricate and powerful drumming styles of the various lakou—historic religious compounds—such as Badjo, Soukri and Souvenance.

Settling in Brooklyn in the late 1990's, Markus became a sought-after drummer at Haitian religious ceremonies, and was instrumental in creating the ground-breaking Haitian Jazz quintet Mozayik, bringing his informed arrangements of Vodou rhythms to jazz standards, Haitian traditional songs and Mozayik’s original compositions. He has since become a first-call percussionist on the NYC Haitian music scene, performing and recording with a diverse array of artists across many genres.

With an extensive discography as a featured artist on myriad projects, Markus has released four seminal recordings as a leader thus far; Tanbou nan Lakou Brooklyn (2008), Equinox (2011), Vo-Duo Nou La (w/ Monvelyno Alexis, 2013), and most recently Kay Sa (2019), the second Lakou Brooklyn Quartet recording on the audiophile Soundkeeper Recordings label. Current projects include his own ongoing band Lakou Brooklyn Quartet, as well as membership in Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sanchez' Carib project, and We All Break, led by the iconic drummer Ches Smith, along with pianist Matt Mitchell and Haitian master drummer Daniel Brevil. Markus maintains an active freelance schedule as well, appearing locally and abroad with a host of talented artists from the Haitian community.

Happy Birthday to Keith Rousu! Keith Rousu is the Director of the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline. Beginning at the age of 12, drumming and sports have been his passions. Spending 4 years in the renowned University of Washington Husky Marching Band Drumline, Keith also played around Seattle in various rock bands before deciding upon a career change. He went back to school for a degree in Sports Management and that led to where it all began with the Seahawks. He has arranged music and instructed clinics for a few high schools in Washington. Blue Thunder has performed with guest drummers: Alan White (YES), Jason Finn (Presidents of the USA), Mike Derosier (Heart), Steve Smith (yes, thee Steve Smith!) and Scott Rockenfield and all members of Queesnryche. Blue Thunder also has the biggest bass drum in the world, built by Dynasty in spring of 2006, sitting at 100” in diameter. Blue Thunder proudly uses and abuses Dynasty Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and mallets, and Remo drumheads.

Contact seahawksbluethunder@gmail.com for more info or to be a guest drummer at a game if you’re traveling through Seattle during football season.

Happy Birthday to Carol Steele! Carol has been traveling to Cuba for 30 years, and introducing the island to fellow travelers for 20. Carol developed her love of travel as a professional musician, but it was going to Cuba in 1987 when she knew she had found her spiritual home. Carol’s enthusiasm is contagious, as is her love of Cuba, its culture, its history, and most of all, its people. Carol’s professional résumé reads like a Who’s Who of popular music. She has performed or recorded with Peter Gabriel, Steve Winwood, Joan Baez, Tears for Fears, Bette Midler, and many other well-known artists. Carol was the first American woman to play with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, one of Cuba’s iconic folklore groups, and she toured the United States with Lazaro Ros and Amelia Pedroso, two of Cuba’s most popular and beloved Folkloric singers. Carol’s second passion, besides music, is the study of Cuban Religions of African Origin. She loves to share her knowledge of the history of these spiritual practices, of their survival through music and art, and of how deeply entwined they are into the fabric of everyday Cuban life.

Happy Birthday to Lenny Castro! Born in N.Y.C., N.Y on Sept. 19th. 1956 Son of musician, Hector L. Castro, who was pianist and Musical Director for Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz as well as having his own group, Conjunto Candela. His first conga and drum set were given to him by his stepfather, George Cordero. Lenny went to the same high school his father attended, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. Lenny also attended Mannes College Of Music, Third Street Music School, All-Boro Band and Orchestra, All High School Band and Orchestra as well as playing in Salsa bands like Johnny Colon, Eddie Palmieri and other local NY bands at the age of 14. At age 19 he was discovered by Melissa Manchester working at the Frank Ippolioto’s Pro Drum Shop. Shortly after that Melissa and the band moved to L.A. where he met musicians like Steve Lukather, David Garfield, Carlos Vega, as well as The Porcaro Family, Chuck Delmonico, and many other. Soon becoming a part of the L.A. scene himself. He Started to work for many producers in L.A. like Richard Perry, Leon Ware, John Stronach, Vini Poncia, James Newton Howard, Bill Schnee, Tommy Lipuma, Russ Tittleman and Lenny Worenker, John Stroud and others. He has toured and recorded with countless artists.

Gig Alerts!

Jazz Fest expands to 8 days in 2024, adding a new opening day — Thursday, April 25!
Jazz Fest 2024: April 25 – 28 & May 2 – 5.

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The NFL has announced that Usher will perform during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. Here’s the latest.

The performance will air on February 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing on CBS. “It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” adds Usher about the upcoming performance. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.” -Article

The Austin City Limits Festival is happening OCT 6-8 & 13-15, 2023 in Zilker Park in Austin, TX

Damon is playing at the Brooklyn Bowl with the Atomic Funk Project on Wednesday September 27th.

Educational Spotlight

The educational spotlight is an article in the New York Times that talks about how to teach music better.

If you are not subscribed to the Times and want to get around the paywall, here are some options.

Iconic Recording

The artist was chosen by Megan. The song was chosen by Damon. The iconic recording is, “Mukana” by Oliver Mtukudzi from the ‘Rudaviro’ album.

Music News

Ticket resellers could be in for some tax surprises from the IRS because of new reporting requirements going into effect. Here’s the latest.

The American Rescue Plan of 2021 changed the reporting threshold for third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs). The previous threshold of more than 200 transactions per year and exceeding an aggregate amount of $20,000 is now just $600. That means ticket resellers who sold one Taylor Swift or Beyonce ticket are likely in for some surprises on their 2023 taxes. The reporting requirement is also triggered by the sale price, not the seller’s profit. -Article

Jann Wenner has been removed from the board of directors of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. The removal follows Wenner’s comments in a New York Times interview.

The Cleveland mainstay issued a terse statement over the weekend on the matter. “Jann Wenner has been removed from the board of directors of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation,” the organization relayed without any specific reasons given. But the removal comes just a day after The New York Times published a piece in which Wenner made comments that were widely criticized as racist and sexist against black people and women. -Article

Chris Mead, one of Austin's most hardworking drummers, was in a bad car accident on Wednesday 9/13. The roads were slick from Austin's first rain in a while, and his car slid into a head on collision with a truck, totaling his car.

When his car made impact, his left hand slammed into the windshield, shattering the glass and slicing his hand and arm pretty badly. Luckily there are no broken bones or cut tendons, but there may be some tendon damage. He will be seeing a hand specialist soon to find out.

With that said, he is facing, at minimum, several weeks without playing any gigs - right as the busiest time of year is getting going. He will be dealing with several thousand dollars in lost wages from missing gigs as well as currently unknown cost of medical bills and replacing his car.

Chris is in good spirits and feeling good, all things considered, but he's got an uphill battle ahead of him.

If you would like to help out, here is the Go Fund Me page.

Megan Arns Interview

The song leading into the interview is, “We Don’t Have Enough Time” performed by the DRAX Duo (Leo Saguiguit and Megan Arns) featuring Steven Snowden. This song is from the ‘Chaos + Contemplation’ album.

Megan was a host and a guest on the @Percussion Podcast.

Megan talks about podcasting. Shout-out to Pete Zambito of Pete’s Percussion Podcast.

Damon and Megan talk about being a mom, planning, and maternity/paternity leave.

Shout out to Bill Kalinkos.

Megan teaches at the University of Missouri and talks about her duties there.

Megan studied in Ghana with friend of the show Royal Hartigan.

Megan marched the Santa Clara Vanguard under Murray Gusseck.

Megan also marched The Colts and taught the Boston Crusaders. Shout-out to DCI.

Megan is from St. Louis, MO.

Megan talks about some other jobs she had and logistics during drum corps and college.

Shout-out to WGI.

Megan uses the Pomodoro App for scheduling and organization. She also uses a bullet journal.

Megan is the secretary for the Percussive Arts Society and talks about being on the executive committee.

Damon mentions the World Percussion Committee just created social media pages @PASWPC.

Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - YouTube

Megan attended Truman State University for her undergrad, Florida State University for her masters and Eastman School of Music for her doctorate.

Shout-out to three of Megan’s teachers: Dr. Michael Bump, John Will Parks IV, and Michael Burritt.

Megan talks about how she chose the particular schools she attended.

Shout-out to friend of the show Kyle Acuncius and Tim Brosius.

Megan mentions the JOrchestra.

Shout-out to Wannapha Yannavut.

Megan continues to play with the Switch Ensemble and the Drax Duo (which just released a new album).

Megan picks out the iconic recording for the week.
Shout-out to Othnell “Mangoma” Moyo

Megan uses Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Black Swamp Percussion, Pearl Drums and Adams Percussion.

Shout-out to Julia Gaines and friend of the show, Julie Davila.

Shout-out to Tom Tom Magazine and the Hit Like A Girl contest, as well as Girls March.

You can follow Megan on her Website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The song leading out of the interview is, “Do Your Best, Never Say Can't, and Love One Another” by Zachary James Watkins, performed by the Switch Ensemble.