Understanding the techniques and sound characteristics of percussion instruments can be daunting!
This clinic discusses these techniques and sound characteristics with the standard percussion instruments in a large ensemble setting. Each approach is easy and can be demonstrated by every director regardless of their current percussion playing ability. This clinic is focused only clarity of sound, and not going through the traditional step-by-step technical approach for playing each instrument.
Eric Willie
- Biographical Information
Described as a "true musical talent and professional," Eric Willie has a varied career as a percussion soloist, orchestral player, and teacher.
Having performed on three continents, Eric has presented solo performances throughout the United States, Russia, Brasil, and Colombia. In the United States, Eric has appeared at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Convention, the Midwest Clinic, as well as several days of percussion and music educator conventions. He holds a percussion position with the Winston-Salem Symphony, and has performed with the Charlotte Symphony, the Nashville Symphony, the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, among others.
Active within the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), Eric serves on the PAS Board of Advisors, and previously as Chair of the PAS International Percussion Ensemble Committee. His ensembles have been named winners of the 2015 and 2021 PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition.
In addition to his talents as a classical percussionist, Eric is known for his marching percussion arranging and teaching experience. He has served as a consultant with the Cavaliers and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, and instructor or arranger with the Carolina Crown and Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
He has published with Musicon, Ox and Lamb, TapSpace, Row-Loff Publications, and the Australian Music Centre. Currently, Eric serves as Associate Professor of Percussion Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and most recently spent time in Recife, Pernambuco Brasil as a Fulbright Scholar.