The percussion section can add so much to a musical performance. Unfortunately, it can also be a source of frustration, confusion, and musical detriment. This clinic will provide band and orchestra directors with several proven solutions to improving your percussion section's performance, organization, and morale.
Chip Birkner
- Biographical Information
Dr. Birkner serves the University of Florida as Assistant Professor of Music where he directs the University Concert Bands, the New Music Ensemble, Gator Pep Bands, and is Associate Director of the ‘Pride of the Sunshine’ Marching Band. Additionally, he serves the UF School of Music teaching courses in conducting and music education. Prior to his appointment at the University of Florida, Dr. Birkner taught in the public schools of The Woodlands, TX, Tomball, TX, and La Porte, TX.
He received his Bachelor of Music Education with Performer’s Certificate, Master of Music in Percussion Performance, and Ph.D. in Music Education/Instrumental Conducting from the University of Florida.
Dr. Birkner has conducted ensembles across the United States, Europe, and South America. He is an active performer holding the Principal Timpani chair with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. He remains active as a guest conductor, performer, and clinician throughout the United States. Additionally, Dr. Birkner served as Program Director/Instructor for the 2018 Vienna Summer Music Festival's Conducting Institute held in Vienna, Austria. He holds professional memberships with the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the College Band Directors National Association, the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity. Dr. Birkner holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.
Scott Baldwin is the Percussion Coordinator at Reedy High School, Pearson Middle School, and Pioneer Heritage Middle School. He received a BM and MAT in Music Education from the University of Louisville, and a MM in Percussion Performance from the University of Florida. Mr. Baldwin marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps ('98), and Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps ('95-'97).
From 2002-2015, Mr. Baldwin served as the Percussion Coordinator of the Hebron Cluster. He coordinated all percussion activities from grades 6-12. In 2010, the Hebron Marching Band was awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Shield Award recognizing “Marching Bands of World-Class Excellence”. The Hebron Marching Band was also the silver medalist at both the 2012 and 2014 UIL State Marching Contest, won BOA Regional Championships in 2013 and 2014 along with multiple caption awards for Outstanding Music and General Effect. In 2010, the Hebron Wind Symphony was invited to perform at BOTH the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and as the TMEA State Honor Band! In 2012, they received the Sudler Flag for "significant high standards of excellence in concert activities."
He is an active clinician, adjudicator, and performer throughout the country. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Professional Music Fraternity. Mr. Baldwin is an educational endorser for Promark Sticks/Mallets, Evans Drumheads, Pearl Drums/Adams Percussion, and Sabian Cymbals.