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Time:

Thursday
December, 17, 2026
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Location:

W186

Clinician(s)

Ethan Strickland

Ethan Strickland

It's Never JUST _________: An In-Depth, Empathetic Approach to Percussion Education

Clinic Synopsis:

This clinic provides space to discuss the negative connotations of the word "just" while teaching percussion. That word makes intricate instructions seem simplified or diminished. I will reintroduce the basics of snare drum, timpani, keyboard instruments, and accessories, while speaking towards ways to teach percussion in an inclusive manner. I will demonstrate percussive techniques, how implements support sound quality, and how instructions spoken with clarity influence consistent sounds.

Ethan Strickland - Biographical Information

Ethan Strickland is an educator, performer, and collaborator serving as the Adjunct Assistant Professor of Percussion at Virginia State University. He holds a DMA from Michigan State University, MM from the University of Kansas, and BM from Reinhardt University. He has been invited to perform and present clinics nationally at institutions such as Vanderbilt University, Shenandoah Conservatory, Fort Hays State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, among others. He has performed with artists from groups such as Bang on a Can All-Stars, Heartland Marimba, So Percussion, New Morse Code, the Arx Duo, and the Percussion Collective. Ethan's previous teachers include, Gwendolyn Dease, Jon Weber, Kevin Jones, Sam Um, Olivia Kieffer, and Nathaniel Lee.    Outside of his role as a collegiate professor, Ethan serves in several other positions including, Assistant Production Manager for the Yellow Barn Summer Music Festival, a member of the Percussive Arts Society's Education Committee, and as an advisory board member for the International Foundation for Contemporary Music.

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