Special Thanks to Mr. Tom Teasley!

Mr. Teasley will also be featured this summer at the 2nd Annual UM Summer Percussion
Workshop, tentatively scheduled for July 23-29, 2006.

UM Summer Percussion Workshop is a tremendous success!

THANK YOU to the University of Maryland percussion faculty and our guest artist faculty. Special thanks to the University of Maryland School of Music, the Clarice
Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Adams/Pearl Percussion, American Drum Manufacturing Company, Avedis Zildjian Company, Encore Mallets Inc., Evans Drum
Heads, Grover Pro Percussion, Innovative Percussion, Marimba One, The Percussion Source, Pro-Mark, Remo Inc., Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Inc., and Yamaha.

1. Nancy Zeltsman 2. Tony Ames 3. Aubrey Adams 4. Chris Deviney 5. John Kilkenny

6. Members of the U.S. "President's Own" Marine Band Percussion Section 7. UM Summer Workshop Ensemble

8. Amy Stubbs 9. John Tafoya 10. Tim Adams 11. Tempus Fugit

Click HERE to check out more photos from the UM Summer Percussion Workshop.

NSO Youth Fellows in Performance
at the Kennedy Center

Check out their performance at:
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/archive.html#
and find the June 16 performance archive.

The performance of the Koppel is approximately 53 minutes into the program. Also check
out Kyle at 25 minutes into the program and Matt; 42 minutes into the program.

BRAVO Kyle and Matt!!!

Kyle will be a high school senior next year and Matt is attending New England Conservatory
next year.

Mike Crusoe at the National Orchestral Institute

Mike Crusoe, principal timpanist with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, is serving on the National Orchestral Institute faculty this week.
The above photo includes the 2005 NOI Percussion Section: (from left to right: Mike Crusoe, Tim, Pat, Annie, Jeremy, Ben, and Eric.

The NOI orchestra will be performing Mahler's 7th Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Gerard Schwarz, this weekend.

Do you recognize Mike's sunglasses?

Be sure to check out Mike's website at: http://members.tripod.com/cruso2k/.

John Williams Conducts the NSO

John Williams conducted the National Symphony Orchestra this past week.

Check out the "behind the scenes" rehearsal footage HERE - click on the movie camera icons to the right of
"Tributes" and "American Journey".

More Guest Artists at the University of Maryland

Arthur Lipner Masterclass

The Official University of Maryland Percussion Website can be found at: http://www.music.umd.edu/Faculty/tafoya

Maryland/Delaware Chapter Day of Percussion

Keith Aleo and John Tafoya present their combined Symphonic Clinic entitled; "A Balance of Power". Special thanks to our sponsors: American Drum Manufacturing
Company, Avedis Zildjian Company, Grover Pro Percussion, and Remo.

Check out additional photos of the MD/DE Day of Percussion at the Zildjian website at: http://www.zildjian.com/EN-US/news/newsDetail.ad2?newsID=1293.

A Special Thank You to Mr. Stanley Leonard!

Stanley Leonard visited the University of Maryland on March 29th.

2 students performed timpani solos composed by Mr. Leonard and
a few students performed orchestral timpani excerpts.

The evening concluded with Mr. Leonard conducting the UM
Percussion Ensemble in two of his compositions: "Serenade" and
"Sacred Stones".

Special thanks to the Yamaha Corporation and the University of
Maryland School of Music for sponsoring this event.

NSO Returns from North Carolina Residency

I was fortunate this year to meet with percussion students at: East Carolina University (Mr. Jon Wacker,
Percussion), Fayetteville State University (Mr. Don Parker, Percussion), Elon University (Mr. Jon Metzger,
Percussion), and Appalachian State University (Mr. Robert Falvo, Percussion).

Photos from this year's Residency (and previous Residencies) can be found HERE.

CONGRATULATIONS to Patrick Shrieves!!

Pat is completing his MM degree at the University of Maryland. He received his BM from the Curtis Institute; where he studied
under Gerald Carlyss and Michael Bookspan. Pat is currently the principal timpanist (Senior Master Sargeant) with the U.S. Air
Force Band. He has been with the Air Force Band since 1985.

The Working Timpanist's Survival Guide receives a GREAT REVIEW in Percussive Notes Magazine!

This revolutionary new book includes the 22 most requested excerpts for orchestral timpani auditions. In addition,
a CD-ROM is included containing the timpani parts which can be printed out for further study.

Publisher: Carl Fischer Music.

The book is available through Steve Weiss Music at 1-215-659-0100, and many other fine music stores. You can
also order the book online at www.steveweissmusic.com. You can also leave your own personal review on the
Steve Weiss website!

Be sure to check out the October Issue of Percussive Notes magazine for the review of this book. PAS members
can view this magazine online at www.pas.org.

More details on the book can be found HERE.

Website Tribute to Timpanists

Jon Metzger at the University of Maryland

Keith Aleo Masterclass

Fred Begun Masterclass

28" and 25" Chain Drums Arrive!

Quite a transformation! My old 28" and 25" Hinger bowls have been retrofitted with a chain mechanism by Precision Classic Timpani (Mark Guthrie). Thanks Mark!
The drums are wonderful!!

More photos can be found HERE.

NSO Youth Fellow Percussionists perform in Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
program

Anyone interested in seeing/hearing this performance can check it out HERE.

The program includes: 2 movements from the Rosauro Marimba Concerto (at the beginning
of the program), Abe: Dream of the Cherry Blossoms (21:50), and a transcription of Ravel's
Alborada del gracioso for two marimbas (38:17). Enjoy!

The NSO Youth Fellowship Program is available to talented high school students. The NSO
Youth Fellowship Program is an orchestral training program for high school students. Past
NSO Youth Fellowship participants have gone on to achieve great success with orchestras
throughout the country including Atlanta, Dallas, and St. Louis. Open by audition only, this
full-scholarship program provides high school students in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area the opportunity to study with a National Symphony Orchestra musician; observe
rehearsals and attend concerts; and participate in master classes and discussions with
musicians, conductors, guest artists, and NSO/Kennedy Center management.

MORE PASIC photos

Shawn Pelton and Yours Truly at the Zildjian Party on Thursday night (Shawn and I both attended IU together). Shawn presented a TERRIFIC clinic at PASIC
Thursday morning. We were also joined by Keith Aleo, Tony Ames, Steve Fidyk, and Craigie Zildjian. It was a GREAT party!

Here's a nice photo of Keith Aleo, Peter Kates (Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra), and me at the PASIC Banquet.

PASIC 2004

Doug Maiwurm performs in Stanley Leonard's Timpani Lab

Doug Maiwurm, a masters student at the University of Maryland, performed as a part of Stanley Leonard's Timpani Lab today at PASIC. Mr. Leonard also
recognized Doug's teacher, Tony Ames, at the timpani lab as well. Here is a photo of Tony, and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Leonard.

University of Louisville

Special thanks to Professor Greg Byrne and the Avedis Zildjian company for making this class possible. This clinic was the final event of my "pre-PASIC tour". The
class concluded with a discussion on crash cymbal techniques required for a special Cymbal Etude I composed (based on some recent audition sight-reading
material). I had a terrific time and the students there were great!

Capital University

Even on a Sunday the percussion students at Capital University and I got together to talk about some timpani technique and cymbal issues. Thanks for meeting
with me on a Sunday! Special thanks to Bob Breithaupt and to the Avedis Zildjian Company.

Ohio State University

I had a GREAT time meeting with the students of Professor Susan Powell at Ohio State University. Special thanks to Professor Powell and to Zildjian for sponsoring
this event.

Rave Reviews for George Brown as he premiers the Welcher Timpani Concerto with the Utah Symphony
on October 8 and 9.

The reviews and more information on this project can be found HERE.

Timpani/Percussion Clinic at George Mason University's Summer Percussion Seminar

This evening I met with 24 percussion students who are taking part in the George Mason University Summer Percussion Seminar. In addition to discussing
technique on timpani and orchestral cymbals, 5 students performed various solos. Special thanks to the coordinator and host, John Kilkenny and a BIG
THANK YOU to Keith Aleo at Zildjian for making this all possible!

National Orchestral Institute 2004

We also had the opportunity to do a couple of masterclasses. Our final class involved
installing new timpani heads.

Tafoya joins up with Zildjian!

NEW Custom Timpani arrive at the Kennedy Center!

Mr. Marshall Light, owner of American Drum Manufacturing Company, has just completed a
custom retrofit of my old Hinger timpani. These instruments were apparently the first
Hinger drums to be released (in 1970).

In addition to larger bowl sizes (and replacing the original Hinger bowls with Light semi-flat
bottom bowls), we experimented with installing double transfer bars and replacing the original
Hinger pedals with Light pedals.

The result is a SMOOTH pedal action (not stiff at all) and an increased range on each drum.
The tuning gauge system was also updated to include quick-sliding pitch indicators.

More photos? Be sure to check out additional photos HERE

Spotlight: Mr. Alan S. Bergman, Alan S. Bergman and Associates

I had a great time visiting the law office of Mr. Alan S. Bergman on February 27th. The NSO
was in New York City; performing at Carnegie Hall.

Mr. Bergman (left) was the original "mastermind" behind my timpani book; "The Working
Timpanist's Survival Guide." Without his help, this book would not have been possible. Also in
the photo (right) is Jay Flemma, who was also incredibly helpful in contacting the various
publishers and obtaining copyright permissions etc.

Be sure to check out Mr. Bergman's website at: www.alanbergman.com.

Tafoya Clinic at Rollins College

I had a terrific time presenting a timpani clinic on February 23rd at Rollins College in
Winter Park, Florida.

Hosted by Beth and Danny Gottlieb (thanks for a great lunch).

Special thanks to Keith Aleo at the Avedis Zildjian Cymbal Company and Neil Grover at
Grover Pro Percussion for making this possible.

Tony Ames' Bottlephone

The National Symphony Orchestra is performing Satie's Parade this week.

Tony is pictured with his wonderful creation, a "bottlephone." A game wheel,
guns, and other unusual sound effects are also used in this piece.

More information on Mr. Tony Ames can be found here.

Precision
Classic
Timpani
unveils
their
new 35"
chain drum!

For more information check out
their website at:

www.pctimpani.com.

Mark Guthrie, owner of Precision Classic Timpani, is beginning work on my old Hinger
bowls.

These bowls were renovated by Steve Schiffer at D. Picking.

Mark will be installing his chain mechanism on all four kettles.

Click on the photo if a larger image is desired.

Eventually, these Hinger bowls with the Guthrie chain mechanism, will look like this . . . [movie is 693k].

Peter Flamm, Principal Timpanist with the San Antonio Symphony, visits the Tafoya household (December 2004).

Fernando Hashimoto
Percussion Clinic and
Recital at the
University of Maryland

Mr. Fernando Hashimoto presented a percussion clinic on November 17th, 2004 at the University of Maryland, offering a
"hands-on" class on the Brazilian Samba. His recital included works for snare drum, marimba and timpani by Brazilian
composers.

NSO Residency at the University of Maryland

Tony Ames (principal percussion, NSO) and John Tafoya pose for a backstage photo with their students before a concert featuring Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe.

The National Symphony Orchestra just completed a week-long residency at the University of Maryland School of Music. The week culminated in two performances;
one at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts (College Park, MD) and the second concert at the Kennedy Center.

Berlioz: Requiem

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Timpani/Percussion Section: Dean Borghesani, Tom Wetzel, Matthew Strauss, Bob Keshevski, David Gross, and Linda Seigel.
The Berlioz Requiem uses 18 timpani!!

Mike Crusoe

Check out the September 7, 2003 article in the Seattle Times; "Symphony Profiles: Key Players" - HERE.

Mike's personal website can be found at: http://members.tripod.com/cruso2k/.

Lunch at Headquarters!

A GREAT time at Mel Krupins on August 12th. This is Fred Begun's favorite lunch hangout. Great food and an opportunity for us all to "talk shop."
From Left to Right: Dean Borghesani, John Tafoya, Joe McIntyre and Fred Begun.

On a more grim note . . .

Read the full story in the Sun-Sentinel newspaper online, here or in the Miami Herald, here.

New Timpani Concerto

Timpani/Percussion Masterclasses at Minnesota State University
and at the University of North Dakota

Both masterclasses were part of the National Symphony Orchestra's North Dakota Residency Program. I met with professor Mike Blake and his terrific students at
the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Several students performed works on marimba and snare drum and we also discussed some general timpani
techniques. I had a great time! I also enjoyed meeting with the percussion students at Minnesota State University. A couple of students played some solo pieces
and orchestral excerpts. Special thanks to Kenyon Williams, professor of percussion at MSU.

Check out the July issue of the Not So Modern Drummer magazine.

There is a feature article on George Gaber along with photos including one with Yours
Truly in it!

New Timpani Arrive for the NSO!!

New Timpani from American Drum Manufacturing Company (Walter Light) arrived at the Kennedy Center on March 28th, 2004.
A set of five Mark XIVs: 32", 29", 26", 24", 20".

Photo of the Month

This photo was taken after a performance of Mahler's Second Symphony at the Hemmens Theater in Elgin, Illinois on May 4th, 2003.

The timpani and percussion section of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (from left to right): Bobby Everson, Andrew Simco, Rich Janecke, Brian Oriente,
George Blanchet, and Tina Keitel.

New Sound and Video

Check them out at: http://www.johntafoya.com/repertoire.html and http://www.johntafoya.com/video.html

Photo of the Month

Members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Timpani/Percussion section (performing Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique).
From left to right: Tom Wetzel, Linda Seigel, Joe Conte and Dean Borghesani.

Send me your photos! Perhaps your section will be in the April photo of the month . . !

PASIC 2002

Thanks Again to Grover Pro Percussion (Neil Grover), American Drum Manufacturing Company (Marshall Light) and Remo (Lloyd McCausland) for sponsoring my
FIRST PASIC Timpani clinic.

I had a terrific time!

Thank you also to Jay R. and Mike R. for help in setting up and moving equipment, etc.

NSO Returns from
NYC/Carnegie Hall

Photos from the tour can be viewed HERE. The Washington Post review of our Carnegie Hall performances can be viewed HERE and the New York Times review can
be found HERE.

A mini-IU Alumni Reunion

Yours truly and Shawn Pelton, drummer with the Saturday Night Live Band, both performed in the "Concert for America" at the Kennedy Center in
Washington, D.C. The program was taped on Monday, 9/9/02 and will air on NBC on the evening of September 11th. Both of us were at Indiana University together as
percussion majors.

My good friend, Keith Aleo, percussionist with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, stopped by for a visit.

To check out his website click HERE.

"For U-Md.'s Arts Center, A Warm Round of Applause"

Click HERE to read the article.

The University of Maryland Summer Drum Set Symposium was a terrific success! Afternoon clinics were offered by drumset artists Steve Fidyk, Danny
Gottlieb and Joe Morello. Over 60 people were in attendance. A free evening performance was also given by the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Band with Steve Fidyk,
Danny Gottlieb and Joe Morello on drums. Sponsored by Drum Workshop, Sabian, Pro-Mark, Remo, Zildjian and Ludwig. Special thanks to Mike Sparrow!

John at the Concertgebouw

Here I am in front of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

Congratulations to Netherlands Radio Orchestra timpanist Nick Woud!!
Beginning on 1/1/2003 he will share the position as solo timpanist (with Marinus Komst) with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Light Drums Delivered at the University of Maryland!

Click HERE for the full photo gallery.

Guest Book!

Missing Timpano

Vancore Mallet Keyboards & Timpani

Grover Pro Percussion officially unveiled a large selection of high quality Vancore mallet keyboards and timpani at PASIC 2002 in Nashville, TN.

Based in Joure-Holland, Vancore is an established manufacturer of high quality percussion products. Their experienced team of designers and professional
percussionists are devoted to building instruments of impeccable sound and leading edge design.

For more information on these instruments please visit the Grover Pro Percussion website at www.groverpro.com/.

Remo Web Page

http://www.remo.com/artists/details.cfm?ArtistID=899.

Keith Aleo

Here is Keith at the University of Maryland meeting with percussion majors Stephen and Marty.

Keith is a percussionist with the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and Director of Percussion at Florida
International University. He spends his summers on the faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp in
Interlochen, Michigan.

Check out Keith's web site HERE.

A trip down Memory Lane

I also stopped by Indiana University for a fun evening at "Bears" - the local restaurant/hang out. Special
thanks to Todd Sheehan for "hosting" my visit in Evansville!

Virtual Recitals

Timpani Concertos?

Robert Parris: Timpani Concerto
Walter Kaufman: Concertino for Timpani
Werner Tharichen: Timpani Concerto
Jorge Saramientos: Concertino for Timpani
Peck: "Harmonic Rhythm"
James Oliverio: Concerto No. 1, "Olympian"
Donald White: Concertino for Timpani
Peter Tanner: Concerto for Timpani and Brass
Avshalomov: "G.F. Salomon Timpani Concerto"
Farberman: Concerto for Timpani
Stephen Gerber: Concerto for Timpani
Wm Kraft: Concerto for Timpani
Sam Raphling: Concerto for Timpani
Andrez Panufnik: Concertino for Timpani and Percussion

More Drums!

"FIELD-STRIPPING"

I have just purchased some used Hinger Touch-Tone timpani. Each drum was taken apart and cleaned, re-lubricated and painted (touch up). Eventually, these
instruments will be retrofitted with larger bowls from Marshall Light (American Drum). More photos of these drums can be found HERE.

New Chain Drum!

My new 20" Chain Drum arrived a few weeks ago from American Drum Manufacturing Company in Denver, Colorado. Among
the newer features is a fairly accurate tuning gauge located on one of the tension rod tops.

Harmonic Rhythm by Russell Peck

I will be one of several timpani soloists performing a new timpani concerto by Russell Peck this season. My first performance is with the Columbus Symphony
(Columbus, GA) on October 14, 2000 and a second engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (Allentown, PA) in April 2001.

Putting on new timpani heads

This past summer I had some spare time to fool around with various timpani heads. I first tried the new Evans Symphonic timpani heads - they have a nice rounded
insert ring and the tuck is very tight. Then I put on some Renaissance (pretty aren't they?) heads and finally decided to stay with the Remo plastic heads (hazy).

Timpani Tuners?

Innovative Instrument Designs

The "Hoe-Down-a-phone"

Designed by Tony Ames, principal percussionist, National Symphony Orchestra

For use in Copland's "Hoe-Down" from Rodeo

Day of Percussion Timpani Clinic
a Success!!

THANK YOU to everyone who assisted me (especially Marshall Maley, Ken Harbison and Mark
Latimer) and to those who attended my timpani clinic. I had a great time!

The TIMPANI-CAM was a great success as well - allowing the audience to see what my hands and mallets
were doing.

Here's a View from the TIMPANI-CAM!

[please wait for the movie to load . . .]

Timpani Head Trunk

Video Camera Scaffold

Precision Classic Timpani

Check out their new website at: http://www.designmktinc.com/precision/index.htm

Introducing . . the Tony Ames "Quick Draw" Bow!

Tony Ames, principal percussionist with the NSO, needed to grab a bass bow quickly after playing snare drum. The photo
shows his inventive set-up: duct tape and a bent coat hanger attached to the snare drum.

Peck Review

I was recently the victim of an elaborate practical joke from a friend of mine in south Florida.

You can enjoy this prank by clicking HERE.

The University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has been featured in a recent Washington Post newspaper article.

Click here to read the article.

Percussive Notes Article Published

The current issue of Percussive Notes magazine features my article on timpani auditions. PAS members can check
out the issue online at www.pas.org or read it on my website HERE.

Timpani Head Sizes