Ken will demonstrate and explain the different percussion instruments (concert band, orchestra, rudimental drumming, marching percussion, mallet instruments, drum set), demonstrate the different performance techniques relating to the instrument and style, as well as relating his real world experience to give the students an idea of opportunities available to them if they wish to choose a career in music.
| Grade Suitability | 8-12 |
| Maximum Class Size | 30 |
| Time Required | Designed to fit class period 50 to 75 minutes. |
| Material Required | As many percussion instruments as are available or can be borrowed or arranged. Ideally this would be presented in a band room setting with a full selection of percussion instruments. |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Communities | Whitehorse and possibly all based upon interest. |
| Availability | Sept-May |
| Special Notes | *Class size can vary, as this is more of a demonstration based workshop and could be presented to very large group such as a full concert band in a band room. There will also be time for questions. In a smaller group setting there would obviously be more time for questions and more opportunity to try the instruments. is also available to work with percussion sections, individual students or teachers on any aspect of percussion performance and education. **Ken is also available to work with percussion sections, individual students or teachers on any aspect of percussion performance and education. |
Ken Searcy brings a wealth of over 30 years of studies and practical performance experience to his teaching practice. As an in-demand, freelance professional musician in Calgary, Edmonton and the Yukon he has performed with, and learned from, some of the best musicians in the world in a wide variety of genres: rudimental/marching percussion, concert band, orchestral percussion, jazz big band and all styles of drum set performance. He keeps up to date with the latest instructional media and methods and it is not unusual for a student to be introduced to a new method, which Ken is currently studying himself.