Summer 2022 MECA
Continuing Education Courses
The Power of the Percussion Ensemble
Date
June 20-June 24, 2022
Course Code
6212
Credits
3 Graduate Credits
Tuition
$1,065, due in full with registration
Overview
The experience of a percussionist differs greatly in a large ensemble setting compared to that of a wind player, string player or vocalist. It is for this reason that opportunities need to be given to young percussionists to learn pitch, rhythm and ear training in a more inclusive manner. The Power of the Percussion Ensemble is that opportunity.
Guest instructor: Clif Walker
Clif holds a BSE from Missouri Western State University and an MME from the University of Central Florida and is a former member and instructor with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
Clif is proud to endorse Yamaha Musical Instruments, Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, Beetle Percussion and Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets.
Requirements
Chat Session
Prerequisites
Required Text(s)
None
Software/Hardware Requirements
Schoology is a learning management system that allows you to interact directly with your instructors, fellow students, and members of the greater VanderCook community.
Soon after you register, be on the lookout for an email from Schoology with log-in instructions. Once you receive credentials, visit www.online.vandercook.edu to login.
Some courses have specific online chat meeting times (please see course descriptions), while others have a flexible meeting schedule. You can expect all courses to meet together in a live online chat. If a live meeting time doesn’t work, you can work with your instructor to make other arrangements.
More information about Schoology can be found at www.schoology.com
Online course grades are available within two weeks of the course(s) completion. If you need a transcript, please CLICK HERE to access the online transcript request form. For a faster turnaround time, please submit the transcript request to the registrar prior to the end of your course(s).
Instructor
James Yakas
James Yakas is currently the Director of Percussion Studies at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of North Texas, a M.M. in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University as well as a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance degree from the University of North Texas.
Dr. Yakas’ diversity in percussion education and performance has led him to many unique opportunities. He spent a total of twelve summers in the drum corps activity spanning from performing as a snare drummer with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps to eventually becoming their Percussion Coordinator and Arranger in 2003. Dr. Yakas has also studied and performed the music of many world cultures including performances with Northern Illinois University’s Steel Band at the World Steelband Festival in Trinidad/Tobago and the Seoul Drum Festival in Seoul, South Korea; Studying Afro-Cuban Drumming with Orlando Cotto and Studying abroad in Ghana with Ethnomusicologist Dr. Steven Friedson, specifically the Ewe Culture of the Volta region.
Dr. Yakas is an endorser of Yamaha Percussion, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, Remo Drumheads and World Percussion Instruments and Sabian Cymbals.