185 - Mark Wessels

Mark is a nationally respected clinician, adjudicator and author. He has written numerous method books, including “A Fresh Approach to Snare Drum” and “A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion”, two of the world’s best selling beginning percussion methods. Mark’s teaching experience includes 18 years in the Texas public schools as a percussion instructor and band director at middle and high school levels (Lake Highlands/Richardson ISD, DeSoto/Desoto ISD, Shepton HS/Plano ISD) and as the percussion caption head for the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps (1985-91). Currently, Mark is the Director of Internet Activities for Vic Firth where he produces all web related content for vicfirth.com. 0:00 intro and hello 5:10 Self publishing, Finale, software 16:13 What inspired you to write your method books? 19:15 Getting your stuff out there 29:40 Publishing is interesting and satisfying. 34:33 More or less pencil? 39:10 Beginner books -the text. 41:58 What books do you think are essential for middle-school percussionist? 45:00 A better way of teaching 52:20 This day in music: Napster, Metallica, snare drum sounds. 1:04:06 Common roadblocks students encounter? Rigor vs fun. Watch here. Listen below. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element