Category Archives: Uncategorized

Anthony J. Cirone

A member of the prestigious Percussive Arts Society, and Modern Drummer Magazine Halls of Fame, Anthony J. Cirone is equally renowned for his work as a performer, educator, composer, and editor.  He received his Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science degrees from The Juilliard School where he studied with the legendary Saul Goodman. Upon…

Dr. James L. Moore

Recipient of the prestigious Percussive Arts Society’s (PAS) LifeTime Achievement Award in Education, Dr. James L. Moore was born on May 2, 1934, and died on June 12, 2014.  Raised in Jackson, Michigan, he began his musical studies in the Jackson Public School Music Program, and it was at the University of Michigan where he…

Murray Houllif

Performer, educator, and twice winner of the prestigious Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest, Murray Houllif is renowned for his hundreds of compositions and pedagogical publications.  Born in 1948, and a native of Woodbourne, New York, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Potsdam, and…

Paul Price

Paul Price was born on May 15, 1921, and raised in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  In 1939 he was awarded a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), and earned a Diploma in Percussion in 1942. It was during these formative years at NEC that he was exposed to the works of Edgard Varese, and…

Dave Mancini

Dave Mancini has had a prolific career as a composer, performer, author, and educator.  Having been awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, Mr. Mancini has performed and/or toured with such luminaries in the music industry as: Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Maureen McGovern, Eddie Daniels, Urbie Green, Marvin Stamm, Jeff Tyzik,…

William J. Schinstine

The life of William J. Schinstine is one that can only be deemed as inspiring. He was born on December 16, 1922 and raised in Eaton, Pennsylvania. After high school, he attended the Eastman School of Music. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the army and suffered a terrible accident. During a training exercise, a grenade…

Dr. Guy Gauthreaux

Retired principal timpanist of the United States Navy Band, Dr. Guy Gauthreaux, has performed at the White House, and in five Inaugural parades for every United States president from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush.  Moreover, he has been a part of countless military ceremonies and concerts at the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb…

Dr. Stephen Crawford

Dr. Stephen Crawford is the Principal Timpanist of the Temple Symphony Orchestra.  He is also a Professor of Music History and the Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.  Dr. Crawford earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Minot State University, a Master of Music Degree…

John S. Pratt

On April 6, 2020 the percussion world lost John Pratt.  In honor of his memory, below is an interview I conducted with him on July 13, 2009 at his Hawthorne, New Jersey home. This was the first, and only time, I met with Mr. Pratt in person, and I found him to be a very…

John R. Beck

Former President of the Percussive Arts Society, John R. Beck is a Professor of Percussion at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and an Instructor at Wake Forest University.  He is also the Principal Percussionist of the Winston-Salem Symphony, as well as a member of the Greensboro Symphony, the Brass Band of…