Corey Desjardins at the Duplex

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Drowsy Band

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From left to right: Brian Levels, reeds; Wendy Feaver, MD/keys; Yours Truly; Kurt Marcum, trumpet; Magda Kress, bass 

That's a Wrap: In The Heights

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I had the pleasure of playing the drum book for In The Heights at Mepham High School on Long Island. My good friend and former PitchBlak band mate, Brian Lotze, is the band director there. He put together a pit consisting of both pros and some extremely talented high school students.

When I was in high school, I played in the pit for every high school musical. I also played professionally in the local summer stock, Cumberland Theatre. While I think I would've been able to stumble through the book for ItH, I really doubt I would've been able to do it justice. It is extremely demanding but very well written (no slashes!). I am thankful for the years I played in the Latin ensemble in college and for all the setup pics in the Musical Theater Facebook group! I really hope to play the show again, sooner than later so these Latin chops don't wear off 🤣

Double pedal at a synagogue? Oh sure!

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Finally, a practical reason to use my double bass pedal! I reversed the action of the slave pedal so I could sit comfortably on the cajon (well, as comfortable as a cajon can be when you're sitting on it for approx. 6 hours) and not have my leg in the way if I wanted to play the cajon with my hands. It worked out nicely! This page helped me modify the pedal.  

This was for a women's seder on Long Island. The ensemble consisted entirely of women, about 15 of us. It was a beautiful experience!