RCM Festival of Percussion 2022 Programme

10TH ANNIVERSARY ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC

SUNDAY 8 MAY 2022

WWW.RCM.AC.UK/PERCUSSIONFESTIVAL

DRUM STYLES MADE EASY • Exploring the many different styles required of the modern kit drummer from Rock to Latin and Jazz to Funk

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• Performance and backing tracks are included on the accompanying CD for you to play along and improvise with

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WELCOME

I am delighted to welcome you to the 10th Festival of Percussion at the Royal College of Music. This year’s festival is a real landmark event, and I hope that this is a return visit for many of you. We have an exceptional line-up waiting for you, starting the day with none other than Ralph Salmins and his band, with Robin Aspland on piano, Laurence Cottle on bass guitar, and Mornington Lockett on saxophone, specially put together for this occasion.

Later in the afternoon, the London Philharmonic Orchestra Percussion and Timpani Section present some of their favourite moments from the orchestral repertoire, including Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast amongst other iconic works.

Our lunchtime concert is specially tailored for families, introduced by Owen Gunnell and including the RCM’s percussion faculty, featuring our Redhocks Drumline. Listen to how percussion has developed over the centuries and, as ever, be ready for audience participation. Later in the day, don’t miss the first performance at the RCM of the newly revamped O Duo with Owen Gunnell and Toby Kearney.

This year, we’re so excited to welcome back Benny Greb, who was last with us in 2018. Benny is one of Germany’s leading drummers and has been elected ‘the world’s best clinician’ by the American Drum Magazine. His musical style covers rock, pop, jazz, funk, punk and electronic elements. The 2022 Young Drummer of the Year Jeremie Animan will play a short set before Benny appears in conversation with Mike Dolbear. Benny will then answer all your percussive questions in a special drum clinic.

Later, Benny joins forces with the RCM Jazz Orchestra led by Peter Long to play a set featuring classic tunes by Buddy Rich. If that’s not enough, enjoy a drink and join Ralph Salmins, Anthony Kerr (vibraphone) and Laurence Cottle (bass guitar) for an informal and intimate jazz gig in the Britten Theatre Foyer.

In our Junior Ensemble Showcase, young musicians from around the UK take centre stage and remind us of where all top artists start out. Following previous successes, we are once more offering four dedicated ‘Let’s Play Percussion’ family workshops, coached by our senior percussionists on cajón and tuned instruments, and gamelan sessions under the tutelage of Laurence Rugg. Plus, for the first time ever at the festival, learn how to beatbox with Conrad Murray. We are also offering free drum lessons with Matt French, specifically tailored to your ability, from beginner to advanced.

Elsewhere, we have a special drumline workshop presented by RCM alumna Kizzy Brooks from online PercWorks fame. Anna Mylee is also making her festival debut performing and presenting a female view of the challenges of working as a drummer/ percussionist in a male-dominated business.

If you’re feeling energetic, don’t miss the chance to perform at Hyde Park via our performance simulator, try on our 360° glasses and perform in a virtual drumline, or see Ralph performing up-close and personal as never seen before – wow! For our younger audience, please pay a visit to the Museum and make some percussion instruments.

Finally, don’t forget to visit our day-long Trade Fair in the RCM café, where you will find exclusive deals and discounts from all areas of the business.

David Hockings

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Feel the beat!

Percussion syllabus from 2020

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SCAN ME

• Over 80 newly commissioned pieces • Includes a variety of styles and techniques • New supporting publications • Updated exam structure

WHAT’S ON JUNIOR ENSEMBLES SHOWCASE

11AM | AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL

Talented young percussionists from local schools unite to perform varied works for different combinations of instruments.

RCM SPARKS 11AM–1PM (REGISTRATION FROM 10.45AM) | VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Ages 4+ Try out tuned percussion, cajón and beatboxing, explore the Gamelan, visit the RCM Museum for a percussion craft activity, and attend an inspiring Lunchtime Concert.

INTERACTIVE ZONE VIRTUAL GLASSES 11AM–5.30PM | COTES-BURGAN ATRIUM Drop in and try on virtual glasses and be transported to the perspective of a drummer. The minimum age for trying our virtual glasses is 13+.

PERFORMANCE SIMULATOR 10.30AM–12PM, 1.30PM–2PM, 3.30PM–4PM | PERFORMANCE STUDIO Perform on drums in front of a stadium crowd via our performance simulator.

DRUM LESSONS WITH MATT FRENCH FROM 12PM | PERFORMANCE STUDIO RCM alumnus and RCM Junior Department drum kit teacher Matt French leads a series of one-to-one drum kit lessons. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

12–12.20pm & 12.20–12.40pm Intermediate (Grade 3–6) 12.40–1pm & 1–1.20pm Advanced (Grade 7 & above)

RALPH SALMINS & FRIENDS: THE GIG 11.15AM | PERFORMANCE HALL

RCM Drum Kit professor Ralph Salmins has appeared on over 150 movie soundtracks. He’s joined by Robin Aspland (piano), Laurence Cottle (bass guitar) and Mornington Lockett (saxophone) for an entertaining morning performance.

DECORATE YOUR OWN DRUMSTICKS 11.30AM–4.30PM | RCM MUSEUM

Drop in to the RCM Museum to decorate your own drumsticks.

There will also be an opportunity to try out a virtual drum kit operated using Bluetooth connected drumsticks.

WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY: ANNA MYLEE 12.40PM | PERFORMANCE HALL Drummer Anna Mylee discusses her experiences of studying and performing percussion as a woman in a male-dominated profession.

FAMILY LUNCHTIME CONCERT 1.30PM | AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL

Join us for this family lunchtime concert hosted by Owen Gunnell, featuring the RCM Percussion Faculty.

Participation compulsory!

RALPH SALMINS: THE WORKSHOP 2PM | PERFORMANCE HALL

RCM Drum Kit professor Ralph Salmins is joined by Robin Aspland (piano), Mornington Lockett (saxophone), and Laurence Cottle (bass guitar) for a workshop exploring how great musicians make music, including elements of performance, including technique, timbre and expression.

AN INSIGHT INTO THE ABRSM PERCUSSION SYLLABUS 2.30PM | RECITAL HALL

Explore the ABRSM Percussion syllabus with Russell Hepplewhite from the ABRSM and Cameron Sinclair.

2–2.20pm & 2.20–2.40pm Beginner (Grade 0–2) 2.40–3pm & 3–3.20pm Intermediate (Grade 3–6) 4–4.20pm & 4.20–4.40pm Beginner (Grade 0–2) 4.40–5pm & 5–5.20pm Advanced (Grade 7 and above)

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A variety of family friendly events are running throughout the day. Look out for the symbol for workshops and concerts suitable for all ages.

PERCWORKS DRUMLINE 2.45PM | AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL

Try your hand at playing in the percussion section of a marching band with Kizzy Brooks and Will Edwards. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities!

IN CONVERSATION WITH BENNY GREB & DRUM CLINIC 3.30PM | BRITTEN THEATRE

Opening this session is 2022 Mike Dolbear Young Drummer of the Year, Jeremie Animan. Benny Greb then talks to Mike Dolbear before sharing his expertise in our drum clinic.

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TIMPANI AND PERCUSSION SECTION 4PM | PERFORMANCE HALL Hear your favourite orchestral masterworks from across the centuries performed by percussionists and timpanists from the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

O DUO: OWEN GUNNELL AND TOBY KEARNEY 5PM | AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL Founded in 2001 at the RCM, O Duo have performed around the world. Join them for an enjoyable exploration of teamwork, and the ensemble’s first performance at the College with new member Toby Kearney.

RALPH SAMMINS: JAZZ TRIO 5.30PM | BRITTEN THEATRE FOYER

Grab a drink and enjoy the third session of the day from Ralph Salmins who will be joined by Anthony Kerr (vibraphone) and Laurence Cottle (bass guitar).

RCM JAZZ ORCHESTRA AND BENNY GREB 7.15PM | BRITTEN THEATRE

In our grand finale, the RCM Jazz Orchestra is joined by Peter Long, Musical Director of Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, and special guest Benny Greb for a selection of unforgettable tunes.

See pages 6–7 for an RCM map and timetable of events.

Our café will be serving refreshments from 8.30am–5pm.

The Britten Theatre Bar will be open from 4.45pm–8pm.

Please note that there is limited capacity for many of these events, including the family workshops, and entry will be on a first-come first-served basis on the day.

Details are correct at time of going to print.

WWW.RCM.AC.UK/PERCFEST

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

BLOMFIELD BUILDING

BASEMENT FLOOR

THE COTES-BURGAN ATRIUM

MUSEUM

PERFORMANCE HALL



MAIN ENTRANCE

ACCESSIBLE LIFT

ACCESSIBLE LIFT

SPIRAL STAIRCASE

STAIRCASE

PERFORMANCE STUDIO

BLOMFIELD BUILDING

FOYER

ACCESSIBLE LIFT

WEST STAIRCASE

AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL

RECITAL HALL (FIRST FLOOR)

 SPIRAL STAIRCASE

EAST STAIRCASE

THE COTES-BURGAN ATRIUM

CAFÉ

COURTYARD

ACCESSIBLE LIFT

GROUND FLOOR

LIFT

PERFORMANCE HALL SUB-BASEMENT FLOOR

STAIRCASE

1ST FLOOR

2ND FLOOR

INNER/EAST PARRY ROOM 4TH FLOOR

EAST STAIRCASE

STAIRCASE

LIFT

TION RECEP

A warm welcome to the Royal College of Music. This map should help you find your way around the College. If you need further directions, please ask any member of staff. We hope you enjoy your day.

SOUTH BUILDING

WEST STAIRCASE 

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC MAP

BAR

BOX OFFICE

BRITTEN THEATRE FOYER

BRITTEN THEATRE

BRITTEN THEATRE

BASEMENT FLOOR

BRITTEN THEATRE BASEMENT FLOOR

LOWER GROUND FLOOR

1ST FLOOR

2ND FLOOR

INNER/WEST PARRY ROOM 4TH FLOOR

WEST STAIRCASE

12pm–1pm

11am–1pm RCM Sparks: Beatboxing, tuned percussion, cajón*

Advanced Drum Lessons (Grade 7+)

12.40pm–1pm & 1pm–1.20pm

PARRY ROOMS

Family friendly

BRITTEN THEATRE BAR

RCM CAFÉ

1pm–2pm

12.40pm–1.30pm Anna Mylee

11am–1pm RCM Sparks: Gamelan*

Intermediate Drum Lessons (Grade 3–6)

12pm–12.20pm & 12.20pm–12.40pm

11.30am–4.30pm Decorate your own drumsticks

11am–5.30pm Virtual glasses

Ralph Salmins & Friends: The Gig

11.15am– 12.05pm

11am–12.30pm Junior Ensembles Showcase

10.30am–12pm Performance Simulator

10.45am–11am Sparks Registration

11am–12pm

RECITAL HALL

PERFORMANCE STUDIO

MUSEUM

COTESBURGAN ATRIUM

PERFORMANCE HALL

BRITTEN THEATRE FOYER

BRITTEN THEATRE

AMARYLLIS FLEMING CONCERT HALL

FOYER

RCM CAFÉ TRADE SPACE

Before 11am

2.40pm–3pm & 3pm–3.20pm Intermediate Drum Lessons (Grade 3–6)

2.45pm–3.30pm PercWorks Drumline

3pm–4pm

2.30pm–3.20pm ABRSM

Beginner Drum Lessons (Grade 0–2)

2pm–2.20pm & 2.20pm–2.40pm

8.30am–5pm Open for Refreshments

Performance Simulator

1.30pm–2pm

2pm–2.50pm Ralph Salmins: The Workshop

1.30pm–2.20pm Lunchtime Concert

Trade Fair

2pm–3pm

RCM FESTIVAL OF PERCUSSION TIMETABLE

3.30pm– 4pm Performance Simulator

Beginner Drum Lessons (Grade 0–2)

4pm–4.20pm & 4.20pm–4.40pm

4pm–4.50pm LPO Orchestra Timpani and Percussion Section

3.30pm–4.45pm In Conversation with Benny Greb & Drum Clinic

4pm–5pm

4.45pm–8pm Open for Refreshments

5.30pm– 6.30pm Ralph Salmins Jazz Trio

6pm– 7pm

7.15pm RCM Jazz Orchestra and Benny Greb

7pm–8pm

*Registration is at 10.45am in the foyer

4.40pm–5pm & 5pm–5.20pm Advanced Drum Lessons (Grade 7+)

5pm–5.50pm O Duo

5pm–6pm

BENNY GREB

Benny Greb is one of the most respected drummers in the world today. Apart from headlining nearly every international drum festival you can think of and touring with his clinics and drum camps, he is also recognised as a composer and solo artist.

He is also bandleader of his own group, Moving Parts, which won him the German ‘Echo Jazz Award’ (the German equivalent of a Grammy in jazz). Benny Greb helped create many signature products that are available to drummers today. With The Language of Drumming, The Art and Science of Groove, and his latest book Effective Practicing for Musicians, he has published some of the most successful and critically acclaimed educational products. In 2021, the prestigious Batterie Magazine named him one of the ‘Top 30 greatest drummers of the 21st century’.

ROBIN ASPLAND Robin is one of the world’s finest pianists and has been a staple on the UK and European jazz scene for many years. Throughout the early 2000s, Aspland built a reputation as an excellent and inventive soloist. He is also known and respected as a gifted sideman and is especially adept as an accompanist to vocalists.

In addition to piano, Aspland plays Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, clavinet, pianicca and other keyboard instruments. Artists with whom he has played and recorded are Roger Beaujolais, Alec Dankworth, Nigel Hancock, Ed Motta, Jim Mullen, Dave O’Higgins, Ray Russell and Sketch. Aspland played on the soundtrack of The Talented Mr Ripley (1999), also appearing briefly on-screen.

JEREMIE ANIMAN Jeremie Animan is 16 years old. Born and raised in Italy, Verona, he moved to the UK in 2018. He is a self-taught drummer, and discovered his passion for the drums at the age of six. Coming from an African culture, music is expressed through its rhythm, which is expressed through the drums and percussion. Jeremie did his first ever musical live recording, Exodus, in 2020 at the age of 15. The journey of drumming has not been easy, but through persistence and perseverance he has been able to improve as well as learn a new set of skills.

Winning 2022 Young Drummer of the Year was the best experience of his life. The experience pushed him to his limits and taught him to never to give up on his dreams.

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MIKE DOLBEAR Mike Dolbear’s 30-year drumming career has spanned TV, theatre, cabaret, studio recordings and live events.

After a ten-year residence at The Talk of London, he set up his own teaching studio where his students have included Brian Bennett, Kapil Trivedi, Steve Forrest and Emily Dolan Davies. Mike is the author of the drum tutor book Rhythm and Fills and he consults for several record labels and management companies. He has produced drum features for the BBC and ITV. He coordinated 1,000 drummers for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, 500 drummers for the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley, as well as the drum features for Hans Zimmer’s first ever solo concerts in London in 2014.

LAURENCE COTTLE

Born in Swansea into a musical and theatrical family, Cottle was one of three brothers who helped their father (a pianist) in his variety act. Cottle chose the trombone, while the eldest brother took up the trumpet and the middle brother the clarinet. His father realised that his growing family had the necessary instrumentation to set up a trad jazz band, and so throughout his early teens Cottle toured Wales and the West Midlands, gaining valuable playing experience. At the age of 16 his father decided that he wanted to switch the band to being a dance band rather than a ‘trad’ band, and that’s when he first picked up the bass.

MATT FRENCH Matt studied at the Royal College of Music, where he was awarded the Sabian Percussion Prize. He was then accepted onto the prestigious Archer Scholarship, where he played with Bobby Lamb’s Trinity Big Band. Since leaving the RCM, Matt has played with many orchestras including the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and for countless musicals on London’s West End. Matt is currently the drum kit teacher at the RCM Junior Department. He has also given classes at Trinity Laban School of Music and Dance and has tutored the National Youth Percussion Ensemble. Matt was also involved in the preliminary work on the percussion section of the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

WWW.RCM.AC.UK/PERCFEST

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ANTHONY KERR

Anthony Kerr is regarded by many as the most exciting vibraphone player in jazz today. Having spent two years studying and performing in New York in the 1980s, he then moved to London to perform and record with many great musicians including George Shearing, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Claire Martin, Louis Stewart and Norma Winstone.

First Cry, his debut album for which he composed the music and collaborated with singer/lyricist Jacqui Dankworth, was hailed as ‘a remarkable leap in the dark’ by The Observer and reached number three in the Virgin Jazz Charts.

LPO TIMPANI AND PERCUSSION SECTION Andrew Barclay was born in Bromley and first started playing in the Bromley Youth Music system. He later studied with Michael Skinner before being awarded a place at the RCM in 1984. He continued learning with Michael as well as studying timpani with Alan Cumberland.

During his time as a student, he was a member of the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, ECYO and Britten-Pears Orchestra, and on leaving the RCM pursued a freelance career in London encompassing orchestral, chamber, contemporary and West End engagements. In 1990, he was appointed to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as associate principal percussion and remained there for five years before joining the London Philharmonic. Andy teaches at both the RAM and RCM.

ANNA MYLEE Anna Mylee started her musical career at the age of 14 in her native Belgium. At the age of 18, she moved to London to study at Tech Music School (now BIMM London). After graduating, she joined several bands and toured all over the UK. In 2015, Anna moved to Los Angeles and studied with renowned drummers such as Kenny Aronoff, Mark Schulman and Bruce Becker. She also recorded an album alongside Mark Schulman and Julian Coryell. Anna returned to London in 2017 and has been based there ever since. She has toured Europe with her three bands DORJA, Birdeatsbaby and Traipse, and has recorded albums for artists around the world, gaining the reputation of being ‘the fierce rock drummer of London’. www.annamylee.com

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O DUO For nearly two decades, O Duo has been performing worldwide, entertaining audiences of all ages. The duo was formed in 2001 by Owen Gunnell and Oliver Cox whilst studying at the RCM. In 2018 Toby Kearney (another RCM graduate) joined Owen to continue the musical journey. Renowned for their ‘phenomenal artistry’ (The Daily Telegraph), O Duo has gone from strength to strength, giving recitals all around the world, performing chamber music and concertos in the country’s top concert halls, playing in Hyde Park for the Last Night of the Proms, as well as commissioning many new works and inspiring countless children (and adults!) with their virtuosic performances, laid-back presentation and passion for percussion. www.oduo.co.uk

PERCWORKS PercWorks is the UK’s leading online percussion education platform, enabling young musicians to enhance their education and work with the UK’s top artists. PercWorks offers free weekly ensembles, interviews, monthly masterclasses and the Young Percussion Composer of the Year competition.

Through these inspirational classes and resources, PercWorks aims to equip the next generation of professional percussionists and drummers with all the assets and knowledge they need to join the modern day music business! PercWorks was founded by RCM alumni Kizzy Brooks and Will Edwards and is funded by Arts Council England.

RALPH SALMINS Ralph’s signature groove has made him drummer of choice for artists worldwide. He has performed or recorded with Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Madonna, James Brown, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones and many others.

Ralph toured the world in Van Morrison’s band from 1995–99 and 2005–6, recording four albums with him.

He has played on the soundtracks to over 180 movies, including Goldeneye, Moulin Rouge and Lord of The Rings: Return of the King. Ralph joined The Waterboys in 2011 and continues to record and tour internationally with the band. Ralph has also worked with many jazz legends, including the Count Basie Orchestra, Herb Ellis and Wynton Marsalis. A committed educator, Ralph is Professor of Drum Kit at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal College of Music. www.ralphsalmins.com

CAMERON SINCLAIR Cameron Sinclair is a composer and performer whose music has been described by critics as ‘full of pulsating energy and drama’. He has toured worldwide with the Philharmonia and Glyndebourne and played on many film and game soundtracks. Major commissions include orchestral works for the Venice Biennale and the Turin Biennale. Other works have been performed at festivals including Malaysia, Perth and Sydney and by ensembles including the Philharmonia and Britten Sinfonia. His new venture is Second Citizen, a fusion of high-octane marimba playing and electronic music, which was greeted with critical acclaim after performances for the National Theatre of Scotland and Optimo.

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