Percussion Interviews

Percussion

A.I.RE. (Artificial Intelligence Rhythm Evolution)

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A.I.RE. (Artificial Intelligence Rhythm Evolution) is a pioneering program that I, Lisa Pegher, developed in collaboration with the IceBerg New Music Collective and visual artist Kat Zhang. This program integrates artificial intelligence with live percussion and electronic music, featuring eleven distinct compositions that explore the symbiotic relationship between human and machine. The program aims to evolve the percussion instrument’s role from its traditional roots to its contemporary integration with AI and generative music. Each composition uniquely incorporates AI, ranging from subtle, reactive electronics to complex, interactive systems that respond to the performer’s movements. This study investigates the conceptualization, execution, and challenges of blending AI with live performance, offering insights into the future directions of AI in music.

A.I.RE. (Artificial Intelligence Rhythm Evolution) Open »

Percussion

John Lawless: “No One Wants to Hear You Say How Good You Are; Just Play!”

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John Lawless is the principal timpanist for the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, Georgia Symphony, Columbus (GA) Symphony, and the Johns Creek Symphony. He held this position in the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Orchestra for 21 seasons. John started subbing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1978 and still plays, tours, and records with them to this day. This year marks John’s 25th year as Director of Percussion Studies at Kennesaw State University.

John Lawless: “No One Wants to Hear You Say How Good You Are; Just Play!” Open »

Percussion

Alessandra Belloni: “When We Played This Music for People, It Wasn’t Only Healing for Us; It Was Healing for the Communities”

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We sit down with Italian singer, teacher, ethnomusicologist, and percussionist Alessandra Belloni to discuss her experiences learning tambourine from the people of Southern Italy and the role in bringing the music associated with the Black Madonna to people all over the world.

Alessandra Belloni: “When We Played This Music for People, It Wasn’t Only Healing for Us; It Was Healing for the Communities” Open »

Percussion

Cynthia Yeh: “I Didn’t Know How Hard Some Things Were Supposed to Be. I Still Tell My Students That to This Day; The Things You Think Are Hard Are Only That Way Because Someone Told You They Were”

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Principal percussion of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cynthia Yeh, talks about her path to becoming a professional musician, how the CSO creatively handled the pandemic, and gives advice for taking orchestral auditions.

Cynthia Yeh: “I Didn’t Know How Hard Some Things Were Supposed to Be. I Still Tell My Students That to This Day; The Things You Think Are Hard Are Only That Way Because Someone Told You They Were” Open »

Percussion

Edward Harrison: “The Vibraphone Is an Instrument That Has Been Close to My Heart for Many Years”

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Percussionist Edward Harrison is the Principal Timpanist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and an outstanding maraca player for whom the first concerto for solo maraca and orchestra has been written. In this exclusive interview, he talks about his current and future projects.

Edward Harrison: “The Vibraphone Is an Instrument That Has Been Close to My Heart for Many Years” Open »

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