An Alternate Way to Teach Young Musicians
Clinic Synopsis:
We will demonstrate how to teach elementary students different musical styles without written music, using words to simplify complex rhythms. This approach helps young learners engage with music in a fun, accessible way. Our session is ideal for teachers seeking non-traditional methods to spark creativity, confidence, and auditory skills. By focusing on enjoyment first, we build a strong foundation for future technical development, music reading, and theory.
Wesley Greer - Biographical Information
Born in Bethesda, Maryland, Wes Greer began playing drums at the age of ten and studied rudimental snare drum. His passion for music led him to playing drum set, where he focused on different styles including rock, jazz, Latin, and funk.
He earned degree in jazz studies at West Virginia University in 2019, where he had the opportunity to play in small jazz combos, the WVU big band, concert band, and world music ensembles including Brazilian, Gamelan, Taiko, African drum and dance, and percussion ensembles. He instructed and performed at the 2017 Newport Jazz Camp, and performed at the 2018 Thailand International Jazz Conference under the direction of Jared Sims.
In 2020, Wes started Manimal Music LLC, which allowed him to open his own private teaching studio where he teaches drum lessons, piano lessons, and percussion lessons. His background in jazz and world music gives him a deep understanding of various styles, and allows him to break down even the hardest of grooves so that the novice musician can understand them.
Wes works with our Leopard Music Lab students, Middle School Ensemble, our advanced and beginner groups, and various other Leopard projects.
While he enjoys teaching, you can also find Wes playing in local bands around Louisville. He has recorded and performed with Honeymack, and is currently playing with the Ruen Brothers on their Ten Paces tour.
Jackie Royce - Biographical Information
Jackie Royce earned her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance from the University of Louisville in 2019 as a Presser Foundation Scholar. She has attended prestigious programs, including the Interlochen Summer Music Institute, National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, and the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival at Juilliard, and is an alum of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra. Jackie has performed at the Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland, as well as in Costa Rica and Switzerland.
She has played with the Louisville Orchestra, Owensboro Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic, Orchestra Indiana, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Orchestra Enigmatic. A dedicated educator, Jackie is on the artist faculty at Mozart in the Knobs and teaches privately at Louisville Academy of Music. She also leads the LLP Beginner Group.
Jackie performed on the GRAMMY-winning recording The American Project with the Louisville Orchestra and Yuja Wang. She plays with Louisville Winds, Chamber Winds Louisville, Phoenix Down RPG Trio at IDRS, and ICA.
A versatile artist, Jackie collaborates with rock and experimental groups, having performed, toured, and recorded with Ut Gret, Sapat, Waterbirds, Cat Casual, The Ford Theatre Reunion, Adjy, and more. She is a member of the experimental quartet Sun Variations and teaches improvisation workshops for Out Loud Louisville.
Ella Anderson - Biographical Information
Ella Anderson is a Louisville native, music therapist, educator, and performer. They earned their Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from the University of Louisville, where they participated in wind ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, steel band, percussion ensemble, and the new music ensemble.
As a licensed music therapist (MT-BC), Ella brings a deep appreciation for the transformative power of music. Their musical journey began at the age of 8 with piano, quickly expanding to percussion—a path that continues to shape their dynamic career.
Ella joined the LLP team in August 2022 and currently serves as the ensemble director for both steel ensembles and the middle school ensemble. They also teach the advanced group and contribute to various Leopard projects as a teacher and arranger.
Ella is also a lesson and percussion sectional instructor for schools in the Louisville area. They work closely with both concert and competitive groups, nurturing young musicians' growth. Ella is also an active performer, regularly gigging in concert settings and playing with community ensembles such as the Louisville Winds and the Brass Band of Louisville.
Max Neblett - Biographical Information
Max Neblett (Greg) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Morehead State University (2012), where he performed with the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Black Gospel Ensemble, touring across Kentucky and internationally in Spain, Budapest, and Hungary.
He earned Master’s degrees in Wind Band Conducting (2017) and Orchestral Conducting (2018) from the University of Louisville, where he served as a Teaching Assistant for the UofL Bands Program and Assistant Conductor for the UofL Symphony Orchestra.
An accomplished percussionist, Max has performed with Louisville Winds (Nan Moore), Chamber Winds of Louisville/Louisville Concert Band (Dr. Frederick Speck), and Voices of Kentuckiana (Kimcherie Lloyd).
A passionate musician, Max is dedicated to working with students and aims to help them grow and mature not only in their musicianship but also in their humanity.
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