MARCHING.COM: Jeff Queen percussion clinic set for day after WGI Percussion Championships

April 18 event is free and open to the public

DAYTON, OH, February 26, 2010 — WGI Sport of the Arts is introducing its "Day After" educational series to the 2010 WGI Percussion World Championships. Four-time world snare drum champion Jeff Queen will present an educational session that focuses performers on improving their skills for their next WGI experience.

The event — which is free and open to the public — will be held Sunday, April 18 at 10:00 AM at the Trent Arena in Dayton, Ohio.

The session provides an opportunity for percussionists to learn from one of the best technicians in the business. Queen will present "Next Level Rudimental Drumming Techniques" where he will reveal his secrets on ways to play faster along with various tricks, proper practice techniques, audition preparation and solo construction. He will also draw on his experience with the Broadway show BLAST! and cover ways to become a better and more confident performer.

"Jeff Queen's reputation in the marching percussion arts makes him the perfect choice for our inaugural clinic this year," said Ron Nankervis, Executive Director for WGI. "Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we can offer this clinic at no charge to anyone wishing to attend so we hope to have a large turnout."

Sponsors of the event include Pearl Drums, Vic Firth Inc., Evans Drumheads and Zildjian Inc.

About Jeff Queen

Jeff Queen has been involved with percussion since the age of 10. At 15, Jeff began his drum corps career with the Canton Bluecoats and continued on to perform with the Velvet Knights, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Knights and the University of North Texas. Jeff was the Drum Corps International Individual and Ensemble Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995 as well as the Percussive Arts Society Individual Snare Drum Champion in 1994 and 1995. Jeff has taught in the drum corps activity for many years, including being the caption head for the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps from 2003-2004 and percussion arranger for the Colts Drum & Bugle corps from 2006-2008.

WGI Sport of the Arts

Jeff is an original cast member of the Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway Show "BLAST" where he was a solo performer and battery instructor from 1999-2003. Jeff has performed on stages across the country and Europe, including Broadway and London. In addition Jeff has appeared on and composed for numerous television shows including: The Late Show with David Letterman, The 2000 Kennedy Center Honors, 2001 NBA All-Star Game, 2007 CFL's Grey Cup, "BLAST", and "The Making of Blast" on PBS DVD and Video.

Queen is the author of "The Next Level: Rudimental Snare Drum Techniques" available through Mark Wessels Publications and "Playing With Sticks," an instructional DVD through Hudson Music. More of Jeff's compositions are available through Drop6 Media Inc. and TapSpace Publications. Jeff is a signature artist for Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets as well as proudly endorses Pearl Drums, Evans Drumheads and Zildjian Cymbals.

Jeff lives in Indianapolis, Indiana and holds his BA in Music from Butler University and is a percussion director for the BOA Grand National and WGI World Champion Avon HS Band program and Drum Line. A highly sought after performer, clinician, arranger, composer, and judge, Jeff has traveled around the globe sharing his passion for music and percussion.

About WGI: WGI Sport of the Arts is the governing body for the indoor color guard and percussion activities. Hosting regionals, culminating with World Championships in April, WGI is the premier organization for pageantry and education. The Sport of the Arts brings music to life through competitive performance, creating a positive and exhilarating experience for everyone involved.

Source material and image courtesy of WGI.

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Jeff Queen percussion clinic set for day after WGI Percussion Championships