On Tuesday September 22, 2015, the drumline at Chestermere High School received quite the treat when percussion legend, Adam Mason, paid them a visit. Adam Mason teaches Applied Percussion, Aural Theory and Music Appreciation while serving as Academic Assistant, Percussion. Adam is an active adjudicator and clinician across the United States and Canada, including a clinic/performance at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2003. He is a former instructor for the Cadets of Bergen County and Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and is an endorser for Vic Firth Sticks, Inc. and Zildjian Cymbals. He previously served as Director of Percussion and Associate Director of the World Music Center at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.
Lael Johnston, music director at Chestermere High School, said, ‘With Adam’s expertise I knew that he would jump start the group, especially the new students. Often, with our busy performance schedule we leap into repertoire quickly and some of the areas of technique get brushed over. Having Adam start us up ensured that the basics were all covered. It was also beneficial for me to observe and take note of areas for improvement that I may not have noticed before”.
Mr. Mason received his Bachelor of Music, Performance and Master of Music, Education at West Virginia University where he studied with Phil Faini and David Satterfield. He also studied with Dr. John Raush at Louisiana State University while serving as Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. While there Adam founded the USL Steel Band, African Ensemble and Taiko Ensemble and looks forward to sharing World Music with students at the University of Lethbridge – quite the impressive resume.
The students at CHS were captivated to learn technique in everything from how to hold their sticks to how to physical stand and hold themselves while drumming. The CHS drumline consists of students’ grade 10-12. Most are members of the High School Concert Band but it is not a prerequisite. They perform at all Music Department Concerts, school athletic events and numerous community venues. Some of their bigger appearances have included the Cenovus Energy Christmas Party and the Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion in Lethbridge and Calgary.
Mr. Mason commented that he was thrilled to be invited to the high school and loves the enthusiasm that he found the students to have. “If you want to have some amazing music at your events, these kids…call Lael as these kids will blow you away. They will make whatever event you are dong incredible. One of the ways that these music programs can survive and thrive is when we get the opportunities to go out and play for folks”.
“We are very fortunate that Adam has taken an interest in what we are doing here at CHS. It allows us to build a direct bridge between the programs we offer at the High School and the opportunities that students can explore at the post-secondary level”, commented Johnston.
If you’re interested in have students from the Chestermere High School music program perform at your event, please contact Lael Johnston at lajohnston@rockyview.ab.ca
