Pete's Percussion Podcast - Pete Zambito

West Virginia University Director of the School of Music and Director of the World Music Performance Center Mike Vercelli stops by to talk about his work at WVU along with their incredible percussion inventory (03:10), his work navigating the new financial reality for colleges and the importance of developing entrepreneurship in students (18:00), growing up in New Hampshire, his percussion and music background, his unusual lessons background, and playing in rock bands and youth orchestra (29:50), attending UConn for undergrad, his various teachers at the program, and the growth of men’s and women’s college basketball there (38:30), his master’s degree at Bowling Green State (OH) and his first prominent experiences in world percussion, including his first trip to Ghana (45:05), taking time away from school, teaching and freelancing in Ohio and Arizona, heading to the University of Arizona for his doctorate, and his 6 months of study in Ghana (54:05), and finishing with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on the inclusion of world percussion in a western arts curriculum, making hot sauce and spicy foods, travel writer Paul Theroux, New England seafood, bad jobs, wild performance situations, and the Smithsonian African American History Museum (01:19:15).Finishing with a Rave on the 2026 film Project: Hail Mary (01:52:15).Mike Vercelli Links:Mike Vercelli’s WVU pageLearning Gyil - Mike VercelliPrevious Podcast Guests Mentioned:Jason Baker in 2020Alex Weir in 2026Norman Weinberg in 2017Josh Armstrong in 2018Daniel Smithiger in 2017Megan Arns in 2017Other Links:WVU’s World Music pagePhil FainiEllie MannettePaschal YoungeTim PetermanMantle HoodAlexander LepakPeter CoutsouridisRoger SchuppSteven CorneliusAbraham AdzenyahEmmanuel AgbeliGary CookTeaching Percussion - Gary CookJonathan LattaScott ShinbaraErick SaoudLord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring trailerThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey trailerCaptain America: The First Avenger trailerOn the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey - Paul TherouxRaves:Project: Hail Mary trailer

Minneapolis-based musician, educator, percussionist, recording artist, and visual artist Jenny Klukken stops by to talk about her portfolio career and the challenges of playing marimba in small rooms (04:50), her recording and compositional process, her new album Marimba Standard, and the importance of entrepreneurship in the arts (24:30), growing up in rural Minnesota, her enjoyment of jazz and early country music, Spotify Wrapped, and focusing on listening to albums (43:25), attending the University of Minnesota for undergrad, working through 4-mallet grips, her experiences attending the Zeltsman Marimba Festival, her puppetry career as “Jenny and the Pets”, and combining musical artistry with her visual artistry (01:05:45), and finishing with the Random Ass Questions, including her experiences as a woman in the arts, cooking stories, movies that inspire and/or infuriate, pet names and their backstories, living on a dairy farm, and Pat Metheny (01:35:25).Finishing with a remembrance on the passing of an important living being (02:00:00).Jenny Klukken Links:Jenny Klukken’s websiteJenny Klukken’s new album Marimba StandardPrevious Podcast Guests Mentioned:Fernando Meza in 2020Eri Isomura in 2024Josh Graham in 2025Marco Schirripa in 2022Abby Fisher in 2021Lynn Vartan in 2019Other Links:Steve YeagerEric SammutPete’s Marimba album“Shadows of the Night” - Pat BenatarAngela Myles Beeching“Don’t Fence Me In” - Gene Autry“Crowded Table” - The HighwomenNickel Creek’s NPR Music Tiny Desk ConcertNancy ZeltsmanJack van GeemIvana BilicMaurice’sKatarzyna MyckaKeiko AbeThe Emperor’s New Groove trailerThe Devil Wears Prada trailerThe Little Mermaid trailerRebecca trailerRebecca - Daphne du MaurierJane Eyre - Charlotte BrontëJames - Percival Everett“Kin” - Pat Metheny

Sandbox Percussion Group member, as well as freelancer, percussionist, and educator Jonny Allen stops by to talk about all things Sandbox Percussion, including the beginnings of the band, member responsibility to each other, and getting to teach (03:20), their work with Andy Akiho on Seven Pillars (29:05), Jonny’s work with the American Modern Opera Company (40:45), growing up in Connecticut, his drumset and marching band beginnings, and his sports background (44:55), going to Eastman (NY) for undergrad and studying with Michael Burritt and John H. Beck (54:00), going to Yale (CT) for grad school and studying with Robert Van Sice (01:06:05), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including sections on percussion logistics, problems using Zoom, New Haven pizza, great books and podcasts, New England Patriots Football, and Dutch Minimalism (01:21:30).Finishing with a Rave on the 2026 Oscars Telecast (01:51:00).Jonny Allen links:Jonny’s Sandbox Percussion pageSeven Pillars - Andy AkihoAmerican Modern Opera CompanyPrevious Podcast Guests Mentioned:Victor Caccese in 2019Ian Rosenbaum in 2025David Skidmore in 2025Sean Connors in 2025Peter Martin in 2025Robert Dillon in 2025Todd Meehan in 2017Megan Arns in 2017Other links:NEXUSSo PercussionAmadindaPercussions de StrasbourgRobert van SiceBang on a Can“to wALk Or ruN in wEst harlem” - Andy AkihoTime Travelers percussionMichael McQuilkenMatthew Aucoin“Purple Haze” - Jimi Hendrix ExperienceJohn H. BeckMichael BurrittLeigh Howard StevensSteve GaddYale Percussion Group“Third Construction” - John CageModern ApizzaPepe’s PizzeriaSally’s ApizzaBAR New HavenCatch Me If You Can trailerStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailerThe Love Guru trailerHoles - Louis SacharThe Three-Body Problem - Liu CixinPatriots UnfilteredPatriots - Seahawks Super Bowl LXThe Telepathy TapesJacob CollierCinque terre ItalyCanto Ostinato - Simeon Ten HoltRaves:2026 Oscars

McGill University (QB) Percussion Professor and co-founder of the Percussion Group Sixtrum Fabrice Marandola stops by to talk about his job at McGill, his teaching career in France prior to moving to Canada, the nature of entrepreneurship, and supervising the new percussion space at the University (04:05), all things Sixtrum, along with the importance of applying for grants and being a nonprofit (27:10), growing up in central France and an overview of his career (42:30), the city of Paris and its relationship with the rest of the country, as well as his time as a French folk dancer (53:20), his undergrad years at the Superior National Conservatory of France, and his studies in music theory and harmony (01:09:30), his ethnomusicological background and his studies in Cameroon (01:17:50), and stays around for the Random Ass Questions, including discussions of sound production and musical re-creation, working and performing with his spouse, Kristie Ibrahim, great French authors, adventures in food, and inspiring art (01:29:30).Finishing with a Rave on the best films of the 2026 True/False Documentary Film Festival (02:02:40).Fabrice Marandola links:Fabrice’s McGill pageSixtrumPrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Kristie Ibrahim in 2024Aiyun Huang in 2023Gina Ryan in 2026Megan Arns in 2017Other Links:TorQ Percussion QuartetPercussions de StrasbourgFrederic MacarezJacques Delécluse“Psappha” - Iannis XenakisApocalypse Now trailerRed Grass - Boris VianClaude Levi-StraussVictor HugoDiscourse on the Method - Rene DescartesRaves:True/False 2026

Principal Percussionist with the San Francisco Symphony and Director of Percussion Studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Jake Nissly stops by to talk about both of his positions, the orchestral auditions process, his mentors, being versatile in many genres of percussion, and his experiences with the Detroit and Cleveland Symphonies (03:30), specifics about the Principal Percussion Duties and the excellence of Davies Symphony Hall (28:30), his teaching position and his recent commissioning projects (35:15), growing up in Iowa, having family in the arts, being a highly motivated young person, making early connections to Northwestern (IL) and percussion versatility (45:50), his undergrad years at Northwestern and studying with Michael Burritt (01:04:10), going to Juilliard (NYC), freelancing in New York, and eventually earning a spot in the New World Symphony (01:14:00), and finishing with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on working with young composers, his personal commitment to physical and mental health and long-distance running all over the world, lots of great books, memorable Chicago Cubs moments in his life, coaching his son’s baseball team, and the excellence of Steve Reich (01:20:15).Finishing with a Rave on the 2026 Oscar Nominated Animated Short Films (01:58:40).Jake Nissly links:Jake’s SFSO pageJake’s SFCM pageJake’s Vic Firth pageJake’s Aspen Music Festival pageLosing Earth - Adam SchoenbergPrevious Podcast Guests Mentioned:Will James in 2017Steven Schick in 2025Patti Niemi in 2018Matthew Coley in 2021Eric Hollenbeck in 2025David Skidmore in 2025Sean Connors in 2025Peter Martin in 2025Robert Dillon in 2025Other Links:Percussion Concerto - Andy AkihoKatherine SiochiRene OrthPEAUX from Pleades - Iannis XenakisDoug PerkinsMichael Tilson Thomas“Suire for Violin and American Gamelan” - Lou HarrisonSan Francisco Symphony MusiciansMichael BurrittPaul WerticoJames RossGregory ZuberDaniel DruckmanRoland KohloffJoseph PetrasekRobert KliegerEric RenickMichael IsraelievitchSergio CarrenoRichard WeinerMarc DamoulakisCalifornia Percussion & Backline RentalsHow to Write for Percussion - Sam SolomonDavies Symphony HallJack van GeemHaruka FujiTito MuñozClair Omar MusserColts Drum & Bugle CorpsWoody SmithMichael Pfaff (“Tortilla Man”)Bill StewartDave Weckl“If I Wanted To” - Melissa Etheridge“Kiss from a Rose” - Seal“Third Construction” - John CageKris KeetonAnnie Stevens“Michi” - Keiko AbeEric GarciaBrett Dietz“Kin” - Pat MethenyThe Usual Suspects trailerGhostbusters trailerGroundhog Dog trailerThe Matrix trailerBarbie trailer1984 - George OrwellOn the Road - Jack KerouacKafka on the Shore - Haruki MarukamiAbsolutely on Music: Conversations on Seiji Ozawa - Haruki MarukamiMusic Has a Right to Children - Boards of CanadaCubs win the World SeriesThe Bartman IncidentB-Bop’sMusic for 18 Musicians - Steve ReichMallet Quartet - Steve ReichDrumming: Part 1 - Steve ReichMusic for Pieces of Wood - Steve ReichClapping Music - Steve ReichRaves:The 2026 Oscars Animated Film Shorts Nominees

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Percussion Professor Alex Wier stops by to talk about his job at UWM, Present Music, Chamber Music Playing, and the culture of the arts in Milwaukee (03:10), growing up in St. Louis and Phoenix, his musical beginnings, marching band, and playing video games (24:50), attending the University of Arizona for undergrad (38:35), going to Northwestern University (IL) for his master’s and taking a break from school after the degree (49:40), getting his doctorate from Arizona State (01:04:45), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including segments on developing young percussionists, cooking for children, great movies, TV shows, and books, his varied sports fandoms, and unusual performance experiences (01:14:45).Finishing with a Rave on the best of the 2026 Winter Olympics (01:39:15).Alex Wier Links:Alex Wier’s websiteAlex Wier’s University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee pagePresent MusicPrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Norman Weinberg in 2017She-e Wu in 2025Andy Miller in 2026Steve Hemphill in 2020Jeff Hewitt in 2021Josh Armstrong in 2018Mike Sammons in 2022Other Links:“Threads” - Paul Lansky“Timber” - Michael GordonJB SmithSimone Mancuso“Radio Rewrite” - Steve ReichJack ForbesGary CookJames RossMike VercelliJonathan LattaWes Hawkins“Six Japanese Gardens” - Kaija Saariaho“Silver Streetcar for the Orchestra” - Alvin Lucier“Dressur” - Mauricio KagelInterstellar trailerInception trailerThe Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift trailerEagle Eye trailerKurt VonnegutPackers-Bears 2025 Wild CardArrested Development Season 1I’m Making a Giant SaladSeverance Season 1Raves:USA-Canada Gold Medal Women’s Hockey Game 2026USA-Canada Gold Medal Men’s Hockey Game 2026Alysa Liu’s Gold Medal Free Skate

Indiana University Lecturer in Music Andy Miller stops by to talk about his percussion position at IU and the opportunities for creative concert outlets (03:00), being on the 2025 PASIC New Music/Research panel on Percussion and Dance and his prior teaching position at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (22:15), growing up in Dayton (OH) and getting into music and sports (39:40), attending Wright State (OH) for undergrad (53:30), going to the University of Illinois for the Master’s and changing his career focus (01:00:10), winning a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Colombía, Bang on a Can, and working in commercial cabinetry (01:12:05), his doctoral studies at IU (01:26:45), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including discussions on student mental health, Momofuku noodles, great movies, video games, Dayton pizza, and the writing of Wendell Berry (01:33:30).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 animated film Arco (01:52:00).Andy Miller Links:Andy Miller’s IU pagePrevious Podcast guests mentioned:Alexandros Fragiskatos in 2021Drew Tucker in 2026Meridythe Witt in 2026William Moersch in 2019Fernando Meza in 2020Other Links:Michael SpiroWayne WallaceLatin American Music CenterJohn TafoyaJoseph GramleyChristopher LambMerce CunninghamBeto TorrensJerry NobleRicardo FloresCarlos VivesRobert E. Brown Center for World MusicMamady KeitaBolo CondeGiovanni HidalgoJuri SeoThomas Turino“Rhythm Gradation” - Toshi IchiuyanagiBang on a Can Summer Festival“2x5” - Steve ReichJorge AlabéLars and the Real Girl trailerThe Room trailerCrime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky Hollow Knight trailerUnderworld trailerMarion’s PizzaWendell BerryRaves:Arco trailer

Orlando (FL) - based Percussionist and Dancer Meridythe Witt stops by to talk about performing as a dancer and drummer in theme parks, the audition process for these gigs, and how she stays “grounded in dance” (02:25), growing up in California, Indiana and Maryland, her musical family and their influence on her life, getting into dance and music early on, and a primer on ballet styles (19:45), attending Radford University (VA) for undergrad, getting degrees in dance and percussion performance at the same time there, creating collaborative opportunities there, and her experiences at PASIC50 on the New Music/Research Panel (44:15), and takes time for the Random Ass Questions, including segments on gestures and counting, baking bread, Bruce Springsteen, Twyla Tharp, rollercoasters, airports, and gymnastics (01:19:20).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 documentary film Monk in Pieces (01:43:40).Meridythe Witt links:Meridythe Witt’s WebpageMeridythe’s instagramPrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Alexandros Fragiskatos in 2021Drew Tucker in 2026Other Links:George BalanchineVaganova Ballet MethodThe Drummer’s Cookbook - John PickeringAdvanced Techniques - Jim Chapin“Take Five” - Dave BrubeckJim PetercsakRobert Sanderl“Frogs” - Keiko Abe“Drum Corps on Parade” - John S. Pratt“to wALk Or ruN in wEst harlem” - Andy Akiho“Mirage” - Yasuo SueyoshiWilliam NewtonDave RiversBorn to Run 50th AnniversaryDark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary“Lingus” - Snarky PuppyLaDuca Dance ShoesNapoleon Dynamite trailerHappy Gilmore trailerThis is Spinal Tap trailerBorn to Run - Bruce SpringsteenThe Collaborative Habit - Twyla Tharp“Mallet Quartet” - Steve ReichRaves:Monk in Pieces trailer

Mika Godbole returns to talk about attending Rowan University (NJ) for her master’s, studying orchestral music and taking auditions, and moving her focus to chamber music (03:25), attending Rutgers University (NJ) for her doctorate, her research on Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians, timpani talk, teaching at York College (PA) and her early freelancing, and how the pandemic allowed her to recalibrate her life (14:45), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including segments on marimba performance, our favorite pop music, marching and indoor percussion, percussion conferences, Indian food, great movies, and so much more (35:00).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 film No Other Choice (01:09:00).Mika Godbole Links:Part 1 with Mika GodboleWilliam Paterson University Percussion FacultyMantra Percussion pageNJ PAS Facebook pagePrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Megan Arns in 2017Julia Gaines-Montag in 2016Clif Walker in 2021She-e Wu in 2025Evan Chapman in 2019Other Links:Dean WittenAlan AbelMarkus RhotenSo Percussion Summer InstituteJoseph TompkinsChris DevineyMusic for 18 Musicians - Steve ReichNEXUSMarc MellitsDoug Perkins“Thank You (____)” - Jason Treuting“Englishman in New York” - Sting“Big Time” - Peter Gabriel“They Won’t Go When I Go” - Stevie Wonder“Black Dog” - Led Zeppelin“Forty Six & 2” - TOOL“Killing in the Name” - Rage Against the Machine “The Scythe” - The Last Dinner Party“Classical” - Vampire Weekend“oceania” - BjörkThe Sandlot trailer…Say Anything trailerBatman & Robin trailerThe Love Guru trailerThe Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary trailerAll Quiet on the Western Front - Erich Maria Remarque“Kinder than Man” - Althea DavisRaves:No Other Choice trailer

Educator, Freelancer, Vice President of the New Jersey Percussive Arts Society, and PAS New Music/Research member Mika Godbole stops by to talk about her adjunct position at William Paterson University (NJ) (03:55), her freelancing career and working as a member of the Mantra Percussion Sextet (20:00), her roles with the Percussive Arts Society (39:40), growing up in India and outside of Philadelphia and her early percussion teachers (54:50), and studying at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for her undergrad, working with Gary Olmstead and Jack Stamp, and her gap year as a young adult in Mumbai (01:05:25).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 documentary film It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (01:22:40).Mika Godbole Links:William Paterson University’s Percussion Studio pageMantra Percussion pageNew Jersey PAS Chapter pagePrevious Podcast guests mentioned:Megan Arns in 2017Casey Cangelosi in 2017She-e Wu in 2025Alexandros Fragiskatos in 2021Karli Viña in 2022I-Jen Fang in 2023Bonnie Whiting in 2020Frank Kumor in 2025Other Links:Fabio Oliveira“Timber” - Michael GordonBang on a CanMASS MoCARed Poppy MusicPiano Sonata Op. 111 - L.V. BeethovenJack StampGary OlmsteadChristopher Hanning“Ol’ Man River” - Paul RobesonRaves:It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley trailer

Percussionist, Composer, and Professor of Music at the University of Quebec at Montreal Gina Ryan stops by to talk about her teaching activities in Montreal (04:30), working with Sixtrum Percussion Ensemble and Triolet Percussion Group, and her percussion freelancing and composing activities (14:45), growing up in Newfoundland, Canada, creating the “Gina Ryan Summer Percussion Camp”, her connections to members of NEXUS and Michael Colgrass, her other high school activities, and traveling to France (31:40), her college years in Newfoundland and Toronto, doing a residency at Banff, and working for the train company (51:25), moving to Montreal, her graduate school time at McGill (Canada), and returning to Newfoundland to get a second bachelor’s degree (01:07:15), living and teaching in Thailand for a decade (01:22:50), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including segments on great food, good and bad movies, great books, Karaoke, and inspiring art (01:40:15).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 film Hamnet (02:07:50).Gina Ryan Links:Gina Ryan’s websiteTrioletSixtrum PercussionGina Ryan’s YouTube pageThe Thailand International Percussion FestivalPrevious Podcast Guests Mentioned:Triolet in 2026Victoria Sparks in 2018Kristie Ibrahim in 2024Aiyun Huang in 2023Other Links:Fabrice MarandolaCanadian Percussion Network100 Guitars - Tim BradyNEXUSBeverley JohnstonJohn WyreMichael ColgrassAvalon Peninsula TrailsThe Baschet BrothersD’Arcy GrayCharlene RyanTrevor GrahlThe Godfather trailerTrolls trailerChristmas with the Kranks trailerFather of the Bride trailerThe Art of Hearing Heartbeats - Jan-Philipp SendkerFlannery - Lisa MooreThe Rocky Horror Picture Show trailerThe Marginalian“Don’t Speak” - No Doubt“Creep” - RadioheadRed Poppy Ladies’ Percussion EnsembleRaves:Hamnet - Maggie O’FarrellHamnet trailer

Triolet Percussion Group (Kristie Ibrahim, Gina Ryan, and Victoria Sparks) stop by to talk about their performance of Jessie Marino’s “The Flower Episode” at PASIC50 (04:15), the Canadian Percussion Network, the Space Between conferences, and more about how Triolet got together as a group (21:30), and updates with the new building at Victoria’s University of Manitoba, as well as updates with Kristie and Gina and the Sixtrum and Strasbourg Percussion Groups (46:30).Finishing with a Rave on the 1997 film Selena (54:50).Triolet Links:Triolet’s PASIC50 pageTriolet’s webpageKristie Ibrahim on the podcast in 2024Victoria Sparks on the podcast in 2016Victoria Sparks on the podcast in 2018Gina Ryan’s websiteThe Canadian Percussion Network’s websitePrevious podcast guest mentioned:Michael Schutz in 2025Other links:Fabrice MarandolaSixtrum PercussionLes Percussions de StrasbourgMichael GordonTransplanted Roots Percussion Research SymposiumSocial Sciences and Humanities Research CouncilRaves:Selena Trailer

Frequent Pete’s Percussion Podcast guest Lamon Lawhorn returns to the podcast to talk about his participation with the M-Boom Tribute Ensemble at PASIC50 this past November (03:20), his path to getting onto the PAS Board of Directors, dealing with feedback received about PASIC applications, the responsibilities of the job, and how to get more involved (26:50), his position as Director of Percussion Studies at Virginia State University and the move from his success at North Carolina A&T (45:25), and his comments on the 2025 Dallas Cowboys and the music and culture that is inspiring him today (01:14:25).Finishing with a Rave on Mary Roach’s 2003 nonfiction book Stiff (01:33:15).Lamon Lawhorn links:Lamon Lawhorn’s Virginia State PageLamon Lawhorn’s WebsiteLamon Lawhorn’s previous Podcast appearances:Lamon Lawhorn in Episode 35Lamon Lawhorn in Episode 67Lamon Lawhorn in Episode 216Previous Podcast Guests mentioned:Thomas Taylor in 2025Donnie Johns in 2021Marcia McCants in 2025Sean Daniels in 2024Joshua Simonds in 2022Megan Arns in 2017Karli Viña in 2022Nathan Siegel in 2025Bill Shaltis in 2017Andrew Eldridge in 2022Brian Zator in 2017Casey Cangelosi in 2017Justin Alexander in 2020Other Links:Joe ChambersEthan StricklandMax RoachDon ParkerMichael BurrittJu Percussion GroupMalcolm JacksonNEXUSPercussions de StrasbourgEric C. HughesChris HanningGene KoshinskiNCPP National Equipment StandardsAnnie StevensMarlon FosterJack DeJohnetteDamion ReidRobert GlasperTerreon GullyNo Limit vs. Cash MoneyMel Robbins and Jason WilsonRaves:Stiff - Mary Roach

Bandleader, Percussionist, Arts Administrator, Clinician and Speaker Drew Tucker stops by to talk about the PASIC50 Panel he participated on about Percussion and Dance (05:00), his position as Director of Jazz Road at South Arts, supporting jazz artists, freelancing and getting involved, and the grant process (21:40), growing up in Boca Raton (FL), getting into music and DCI, and more about his music education (50:20), his college years and how his early career moved forward (01:11:30), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including segments on developing musicianship in percussionists early on, adventures in cooking, superhero movies, and memorable performances (01:29:35).Finishing with a Rave on the 2023 documentary Shari & Lamb Chop (02:01:30).Drew Tucker links:Drew Tucker’s websiteSouth ArtsJazz RoadPrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Alexandros Fragiskatos in 2021Joshua Simonds in 2022Eriko Daimo in 2025Other Links:Sarah ReichCory WongRay Donato311 Tiny Desk ConcertBlue Devils 1994 showMagic of Orlando 1995“Señor Mouse” - Chick Corea and Gary BurtonNancy Zeltsman“When Doves Cry” - Prince“Toxic” - Britney Spears“Head Over Heels” - Tears for Fears“Sword of Whispers” - Joe Locke“Dat Dere” - Stefon HarrisAndromeda TurreThe Incredibles trailerGodzilla Minus One trailerThe Art of Possibility - Ben ZanderSurrounded by Idiots - Thomas Erikson“Someday My Prince Will Come” - Jake ChapmanPlexusPlay and Matt DiBiaseRaves:Shari & Lamb Chop website

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (AZ) Director of Percussion Activities and Tuscon-based Freelancer Liz Soflin stops by to talk about her PASIC50 performance of Stuart Saunders Smith’s “By Language Embellished, I…” (04:30), her career in Arizona and more about her freelancing and college teaching (15:30), growing up in Michigan, her beginnings in percussion, and getting involved and drama club and acting (26:35), her undergrad years at the University of Central Michigan and learning from Andrew Spencer (37:00), her masters years at UT-Knoxville and learning from a variety of teachers (46:40), going to the University of Arizona for her doctorate, learning from Norman Weinberg, and establishing her connections with Stuart Saunders Smith (55:40), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments about being a woman in the percussion field, the Tuscon Saguaros, the movies Jaws and Cats, a lot of great books, midwestern food, being a Karaoke DJ, and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC (01:10:40).Finishing with a Rave on Lenny Wilkens’ 2000 book Unguarded: My Forty Years Surviving in the N.B.A. (01:40:40).Liz Soflin Links:Liz Soflin’s Black Swamp Percussion pageLiz Soflin’s Instagram pagePrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Nathan Daughtrey in 2021Andy Bliss in 2023Norman Weinberg in 2017Ivan Trevino in 2022Other Links:Stuart Saunders SmithLolita - Vladimir Nabokov“Peeping Tom” - Dan SennSierra Vista SymphonyThe Curious Savage - John PatrickLady Windermere’s Fan - Oscar WildeAndrew SpencerDavid GillinghamDave Hollinden“Limerick Daydreams” - Nathan Daughtrey“Chameleon Music” - Dan Welcher“Crown of Thorns” - David Maslanka“Niagara Falls” - Michael DaughertyNief-NorfJohn MackeyMorris PalterMatthew BurtnerThreads - Paul Lansky“Bloom” - Ivan Trevino“Songs I-IX” - Stuard Saunders SmithCall the Midwife trailer“Three Winter Carols” - Stuart Saunders Smith“The Authors” - Stuart Saunders Smith“To the Earth” - Frederick RzewskiTucson SaguarosJaws (50th Anniversary) trailerThe Stand - Stephen KingThe Running Man - Stephen KingThe Running Man (1987) trailerCreativity Inc. - Ed CatmullThe Great Gatsby - F. Scott FitzgeraldThe Outsiders - S.E. HintonBig Magic - Elizabeth GilbertWriting Poetry from the Inside Out - Sandford LyneOn Writing - Stephen King“Separate Ways” - Journey“Me and Bobby McGee” - Janis JoplinEugene NovotneyThe Museum of Modern Art (NYC)“The Starry Night” - Vincent van GoghRaves:Unguarded - Lenny Wilkens (with Terry Pluto)

University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Percussion Professor Francis Favis stops by to talk about his recent PASIC50 Performance during the New Music/Research session (04:05), his job at UTRGV, the unusual school setup, and mariachi music in south Texas (18:20), growing up in Bloomington Normal (IL), his family’s deep musical roots, early memories of playing drumset, marching band years, and working the school’s computer help desk at his high school (38:30), attending Illinois State for undergrad (52:30), George Mason University (VA) for his master’s (01:01:35), the University of Texas at Austin for his doctorate and the OU/UT football rivalry (01:12:50), his first job at Tarleton State University (TX) (01:28:45), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on performance, great Filipino food, great and terrible movies, science fiction books and movies, Radiohead, and the dangers of turning pages (01:35:30).Finishing with a Rave of appreciation of the life of musician Raul Malo (02:01:40).Francis Favis links:Francis Favis’ Innovative Percussion PagePrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Megan Arns in 2017Julia Gaines-Montag in 2016Troy Hall in 2020Clif Walker in 2021Andy Bliss in 2023Gary Westbrook in 2017Ivan Trevino in 2022Tom Burritt in 2021Marco Schirripa in 2022Andy Harnsberger in 2022Ben Charles in 2017Bonnie Whiting in 2020Other Links:Nief-NorfCaroline Vaughan-RichardsSophie MathieuMayke NasWouter SnoeiMark RamirezUTRGV facultyJohn KilkennyTony EdwardsAngelo Favis“Immigrant Song” - Led ZeppelinSchool of Rock trailer“The National Anthem” - Radiohead“Believer” = Imagine DragonsPioneer Drum and Bugle CorpsCavaliers 2016 Indoor “Lost Boys”“Shadow Chasers” - Michael BurrittLost tv soundtracksDavid Collier“Fractalia” - Owen Clayton CondonMatt JamesJonathan BisesiJohn Spirtas“Reflections on the Nature of Water” - Jacob Druckman“Burritt Variations” - Alejandro Viñao“Mirage” - Yasuo SueyoshiJerry JunkinBlade Runner 2049 trailerRubber trailerDune - Frank HerbertThe Martian Chronicles - Ray BradburyI, Robot - Isaac Asimov“Crazy” - Le SserafimIn Rainbows - RadioheadThe Bends - RadioheadMonster - R.E.M.Christopher O’Riley Plays RadioheadTransplanted Roots Percussion Research SymposiumRaves:Trampoline - The MavericksAll Night Live, Volume 1 - The Mavericks

Los Angeles City College (CA) Professor of Music and Freelancer Kassandra Kocoshis stops by to talk about her PASIC50 Presentation on Cajón performance in Flamenco performance and how she came to love this genre of music (05:10), her job at LACC, how she got the job, freelancing in California, and working with the artist Ebi (19:50), growing up in Muncie (IN), her early musical experiences, working with Erwin Mueller at Ball State University while in high school, and her experiences traveling at a young age (53:30), her undergrad years at DePaul University (IL), encountering flamenco music during this time, and freelancing in Chicago after undergrad (01:06:45), heading to CalArts for her master’s and working with Gustavo Dudamel as his personal assistant (01:21:15), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on developing well-rounded percussionists, being a woman in the percussion field, bad impressions, Greek food, World Cup Soccer, great books, working with pop stars, and the artwork of Pablo Picasso (01:31:30).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 film 28 Years Later (01:50:10).Kassandra Kocoshis links:Kassandra Kocochis’s homepagePrevious Podcast guests mentioned:Damon Grant in 2021Erin Walker Bliss in 2024Other Links:Paco de LucíaEbiRaul PinedaRed Kite SessionsRandy GlossHerb AlpertJennie GarthMona TavakoliNikki CampbellThe CortégeErwin MuellerIndiana Ambassadors of MusicEric MillsteinGustavo DudamelEllen ReidSheila E. drum soloLongman & EagleRick BaylessThe Athenian RoomLife is Beautiful trailerThe Producers trailer (2005)American Gods - Neil GaimanCirce - Madeline MillerMuseo Reina SofiaGuernica - Pablo PicassoRaves:28 Days Later trailer

Philadelphia-based Educator, Drumset Artist, Content Creator and Freelancer Nick Costa stops by to talk about his PASIC50 Presentation (with Marc Dicciani) on effective drumset practicing (04:45), his work as a classroom music teacher, teaching group drum lessons, being a member of the PAS Drumset Committee, and creating content on TikTok and YouTube on drumset performance and restoration (19:45), his freelancing career and working within the drumset industry (41:00), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on getting away from the “tyranny of tradition”, great movies and books, cars, and Philadelphia sports and food (01:22:40).Finishing with a Rave on the 2012 film The Master (01:53:40).Nick Costa links:Nick Costa’s websiteNick Costa’s YouTube pageNick Costa’s TikTok pagePrevious Podcast Guest mentioned:Sarah Hagan in 2019Other Links:Marc DiccianiBuddy RichVinnie Colaiuta“Undone: The Sweater Song” - WeezerDave Elitch“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” - AC/DCPractically SingleThat Thing You Do! trailerModern SuitsAmerican Idiot at the 2010 Tony’sBrian Frasier-MooreGeorge “Spanky” McCurdyLil John RobertsChristian McBrideVillanova 2018 men’s basketballMarci MajorChris HanningBruce JacobyTommy AldridgeMike PackerJoey JordisonAlex Van HalenTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1990 trailerMy Cousin Vinny trailerGoodfellas trailerBreath - James NestorWim Hof MethodAllen Iverson highlights2017 Eagles Super BowlAngelo’s Pizzeria South PhillyReading Terminal MarketAlpen RosePinocchio’s RestaurantCatching The Big Fish - David LynchRaves:The Master trailer

Kutztown University (PA) Percussion Director and Department Chair Frank Kumor stops by to talk about his PASIC50 New Music/Research Day performance of Jennifer Stasack’s “Six Elegies Dancing” and his longtime connection to the piece (03:55), his job at Kutztown University, the connections to the Center for Mallet Research at the school, his percussion staff, and the odd path to his job becoming tenure-track (24:40), growing up in Wilkes-Barre (PA), his beginnings in percussion, and his keyboard and organ experiences growing up (57:15), his undergrad and graduate percussion work at Kutztown, Duquesne (PA), and the University of Kentucky, and his work in the music industry after his doctorate (01:09:40), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on providing percussion ensemble experiences to young percussionists, David Sedaris, great performances, and the Art Institute of Chicago (01:33:15).Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 film Bugonia (01:47:15).Frank Kumor links:Frank Kumor’s Kutztown University pageFrank Kumor’s Remo Drums pageFrank Kumor’s Paiste pageFrank Kumor’s Yamaha pagePrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Allen Otte in 2024Scott Herring in 2022William Moersch in 2019Matthew Coley in 2021Rebecca Kite in 2018Julie Spencer in 2021Neil Grover in 2023Other Links:David StockJennifer Stasack“Velocities” - Joseph Schwantner“Two Mexican Dances” - Gordon StoutMichael RosenThe Allentown BandWill RappAngel FrettePuerto Rico Festival de PercusiônFrédéric MacarezBrett DietzTambor FantasmaBallet Mechanique - George AntheilSteve WeissDana KimbleThe Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research“Merlin” - Andrew ThomasDan ArmstrongLee HinkleAndy ThieraufSherrie MaricleQuey Percussion DuoChris HanningDan MooreValerie NaranjoTony MiceliLeigh Howard StevensGordon StoutBill CahnGeorge Hamilton GreenDave SamuelsKeiko AbeVida ChenowethSteve FidykThom Hannum“Muskrat Love” - Captain and Tennille“Run to the Hills” - Iron Maiden“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” - Elvin BishopStanley LeonardAndrew ReamerJames CampbellRande SanderbeckJoseph Wilcox JenkinsMartin WeirLost in Translation trailerTwister trailerDavid SedarisRamsey’s DinerRun to the Light - Ivan TrevinoThe Art Institute of ChicagoRaves:Bugonia trailer

After talking about some of his experiences at PASIC50, McMaster University (ON) Percussion and Music Cognition Professor Michael Schutz stops by to talk about his PASIC50 Scholarly Research Presentation on Xylophone Music (06:00), his job at McMaster, the percussion ensemble program there, the Canadian Percussion Network, the city of Hamilton, and cold weather (20:55), growing up in Northern Virginia, his musical background , and his years as a soccer goalie (40:55), attending Penn State for undergrad and studying under Dan Armstrong and Giff Howarth (48:05), his master’s degree time at Northwestern (IL), studying with Michael Burritt and being in school with lots of outstanding percussionists (57:20), teaching percussion in Virginia and getting his Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Virginia (01:08:35), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, including segments on musicality, great books, the Toronto Blue Jays, and great food in many cities (01:20:40).Finishing with a Rave on a recent performance by the American Ballet Theater (01:42:50).Michael Schutz links:Michael Schutz HomepageMichael Schutz’s McMaster pagePrevious Podcast Guests Mentioned:Shawn Mativetsky in 2023Victoria Sparks in 2018Nicholas Papador in 2024Gifford Howarth in 2024David Skidmore in 2025Sean Connors in 2025Peter Martin in 2025Robert Dillon in 2025Matthew Coley in 2021Eric Hollenbeck in 2025Cory Hills in 2024Jeff Barudin in 2018Raves:American Ballet Theatre