Concert Honesty

Sondra is a music teacher in the NYC Public Schools and she is an old friend of mine from The Ohio State University. I broke one of her deck chairs, and lived to tell the story. Sondra is amazing. I know you’ll love her.

Robert van Sice is the professor of percussion at Yale University and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Eric is a member of So Percussion. We talk about Bob’s teaching ethos and how it affected So’s work and approach to chamber music.

Mekka is a DJ based in Miami, Florida. We met on a live show called Soca Passion Live, with our mutual friend Sheldon Hoyte. Mekka lost her brother to police violence and it has been a real joy to get to know her. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Wayne is a member of the Brooklyn Steel Orchestra as well as the captain of Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra in Brooklyn. He works for the NY Fire Department in their emergency response department. I always enjoy talking to Wayne.

Adam and I catch up on all things quarantine and online chaos…I love talking with Adam.

Dr. Snider and Jason and I chat about the history of the University of Akron percussion department and in particular it’s involvement in the growth of the steelband movement in the United States.

Sheldon invited me on his live DJ set to talk more about race in depth. I’m honored and grateful to be part of the discussion in any way.

Roger is a composer and good friend who wrote me my first commissioned steel drum solo. He’s a hero and a mentor of mine. You won’t regret listening to him.

John and Jason and I talk about the development of the Eastman percussion program.

Sheldon is a musician, DJ, and RN from Trinidad who lived in Brooklyn, and now is in Houston. He is one of the original members of the Brooklyn Steel Orchestra, and is someone I’m proud to call a friend. We talk about each of our experiences with race.