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Percussion Studies | |
Clinics and Master Classes
at the
Instituto Nacional de Música
de
Costa Rica
During the week
of October 9-13, 2000, I gave a series of clinics, workshops and master
classes at the Instituto Nacional de Música (former Programa
Juvenil de la Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional) where I taught from
1971-82. (For an article describing that decade of Costa Rican
percussion history, see my article, "Percussion in Costa
Rica, 1972-82." Percussive Notes 37:3 (June 1999)
30-32.) Time and the hard work of my former students have been
good to the institution. The Percussion Program is now directed
by my former student, Bismarck Fernández (pictured with me) who
is also Timpanist in the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa
Rica. He is doing a fine job. His students are performing at a
very high level, are motivated, and have a good sense of
professionalism. In addition to Bismarck's students, percussion
students from other music education institutions in Costa Rica
were invited to attend the workshops. Working with daily sessions
of 4-5 hours, we never seemed to have enough time to thoroughly
cover all of the good questions and points of discussion that
interested the group. It was a delight to work at a high level
and cover advanced topics such as would be discussed between any
two professionals at a get-together. Congratulations are in order
for Bismarck and for the administration of the institution that
has the foresight to invest in programs that bring international
artists to their school.
I would like to thank the fine people at the following percussion manufacturing companies for their support in these important international educational endeavors.
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Last updated 25.6.2004