(Ask the Professor is a monthly column in which Dr. Brian Graiser, Artist/Instructor of Percussion at Arkansas State University, answers your questions and offers his thoughts on all things percussive. To submit a question or comment, please email him at bgraiser@astate.edu).
It’s strange to admit that at 36 years old, I feel a lot like the high school and college freshmen in and around Jonesboro feel right now. Like them, I find myelf in the thrilling and slightly intimidating position of being New To School, and I’m surrounded by new places and faces. Fortunately, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in my new home (I’ve especially enjoyed discovering frozen custard)!
One of my strongest beliefs regarding university percussion programs is that they have the opportunity and the obligation to be the hub of percussion activity in their region. For A-State, that means serving the percussionists of Northeast Arkansas in a number of capacities: we will provide leadership through performing and teaching at the highest professional level, we will serve local schools and the public through educational and other outreach initiatives (such as our Red Wolf RePercussion volunteer instrument repair/maintenance project and the Jonesboro Youth Percussion Ensemble which will begin next semester), and we will strive to build a cohesive and close-knit community which includes all percussionists and percussion teachers across every educational and professional level (hence the existence of this newsletter). The bottom line as that we all win when percussion students, teachers, and professionals are able to operate at a high level of excellence, and nothing is sweeter than sharing in each others’ success.
If we haven’t already met, I’d love to introduce myself and find out how we can build a working relationship. I may rwach out to you before long, but please don’t hesitate to contact me via email (bgraiser@astate.edu) or phone (870-972-3769). Thank you for your trust and support, and Wolves Up!
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