This clinic will explore techniques and strategies for more effectively teaching percussionists, specifically the middle school percussionist. Topics to be discussed will include what the goals of the director should be, as well as the What, How, and Who of teaching percussion. Other ideas and strategies will also be discussed such as positive and negative aspects of a homogenous class setting, master class ideas, and recruitment/testing methods. Included will be links to resource material.
Chaz Paxton
- Biographical Information
Chaz Paxton is Director of Bands at Batesburg-Leesville High School (SC), where he directs the Symphonic Winds, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and the award winning Panther Marching Band. The Panther Marching Band is a consistent South Carolina AA State Finalist and is the 2008 SC AA Marching Band State Champions. Chaz is an active clinician and guest conductor and has worked with various high school bands in South Carolina as a consultant, arranger, and designer. Paxton received the Bachelors of Music Education degree from Southern Wesleyan University where he studied percussion with Paul Buyer. In 2008, Paxton was named Batesburg-Leesville High School Teacher of the Year and in 2009 received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Education at Southern Wesleyan University. In addition to his teaching duties, he is an Innovative Percussion artist.