Maine Day of Percussion March 20, 2002 University of Maine

Percussion enthusiasts of Maine were treated to a wonderful day of first-class presentations on a wide variety of percussion topics. The day began with a Brazilian samba presentation by Maine's own Norm Bergeron, who with extensive formal training in ethnomusicology, brought "the real thing" to those in attendance.

Second on the agenda was internationally famous jazz vibes player and faculty member of Berklee College of Music, Victor Mendoza. He approached the topic of Latin Jazz with just the right mix of explanation, demonstration and some wonderful playing which included one of his own compositions, Tica Linda. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my gratitude to those who helped out with the presentation as rhythm section members: John Cooper on piano and sax, faculty member at College of the Atlantic on Mount Desert Island; Jim Frick on guitar, editor of UMaine Alumni publications; Josh Guthrie on bass guitar and Tom Schmidt on drums, both students in the Music Division of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Maine; Robby Rosario on congas, a Puerto Rican student of Victor's at Berklee who made the trip up from Boston with Victor, and Norm Bergeron who sat in on bongos. Massive thanks to Yamaha for making it possible for us to have such an artist as Victor Mendoza.

A highlight of each Maine Day of Percussion is the FUNdamentals hour. This time, all in attendance could benefit from hands-on sessions on Jazz vibes, Brazilian samba, and concert Timpani technique.

After lunch, the audience was treated to a beautifully presented master class on preparing a championship marching percussion ensemble by master clinician and Vic Firth education director, Neil Larrivee. Neil was assisted by a championship ensemble: The Southern Maine Youth Percussion Ensemble, Phil Verrill, Director. Thank you to Vic Firth, Inc. for supporting Neil for this event. The Vic Firth factory is a good neighbor, just down the road in Newport.

The Southern Maine Youth Percussion Ensemble then gave a stunning performance of this season's program. They put together a truly remarkable package of technique, musicality and discipline that left all in the audience inspired and ready to hit the practice pad!

The day concluded with induction of the first Maine Percussion Hall of Fame honoree: Phil "Blackie" Marston. Please see the section of this website dedicated to the Maine Percussion Hall of Fame.

Finally, we would like to thank all of the fine percussion manufacturing companies that donated door prizes and auction items to support this event.

Dr. Stuart Marrs, President
Maine Chapter of the PAS

Yamaha www.yamaha.com/band/
Vic Firth www.vicfirth.com
Pearl www.pearldrum.com
Mapex www.mapexdrums.com
Rhythm Fusion www.rhythmfusion.com
Sabian www.sabian.com
Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
Innovative Percussion Inc. www.innovativepercussion.com
Cooperman www.cooperman.com
Evans www.daddario.com
Mike Balter www.mikebalter.com
Grover www.groverpro.com
Audex
Perkins Music House