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It was a delight to speak with Karli Viña, Casey Cangelosi, and Ben Charles on the @ Percussion Podcast a few weeks back. We discussed a variety of topics including playing both orchestral percussion and drum set, touring, subbing on musicals, life as a drummer in New York City, and why equality matters. Give a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts!
This Sunday, I’m sitting down with the folks from the At Percussion podcast to chat all things percussion. Have a question for me? Hop over to their Facebook page and leave a comment! The episode should air in a few weeks and I’ll be sure to post it on this very website.
I had a nice time tracking at MONOlisa Studios, recording music for Music Together’s Sing Shalom classes with my dear friend Solomon Hoffman (artistic director of the Songwriter’s Orchestra.) We recorded about 8 tunes Saturday and are doing a few more tonight. In addition to drum set, I played some dumbek, which I don’t believe I’ve ever played on a recording! Pictured above is the house kit, which is a 70s Ludwig kit with Slingerland snare. The studio had great vibes! Thanks for having us, Denise.
Happy to be back at the Winspear Opera House with everyone's favorite retractable chandelier! I'm here subbing for the esteemed Jeff Fernandes on The Lightning Thief tour. Bring on the monsters!
Timothy Huang’s American Morning opened last night at ART/New York Theatres. The show runs for the next two weeks and is presented by Prospect Theater Company. It has been fun, challenging, and rewarding to develop this drum book. Special thanks to our fearless MD, Julianne Merrill, for her patience and guidance!
Last week I played at Pine Box Rock Shop with Hathaways in celebration of the release of their new EP, Hologram. Give it a listen! Here’s a little clip from the gig. This song is about the spectral classification of stars. They also have one about Clara Schumann. That’s the kind of nerdiness I can get behind!
I finally got to take the new wheels out for a spin! I am very happy with my new Yamaha tour custom. Isn't she a beauty, especially with the Catskills in the background? Thanks for having me, Shirori and Hanah Mountain Resort.
What a journey the last seven months have been. I’ve played Hundred Days 120+ times and I would be happy to double that number! This show and the people in it have changed my life in ways that I'm just beginning to process. Thank you especially to The Bengsons for embracing me and bringing me into their family. And thanks to the AMAZING all-female/POC crew at the Arsht Center for this spectacular chalk drawing!
Here’s a little clip of the drum part from the song “Hundred Days.” It cooks! It’s one of my favorite moments of the show to play.
View this post on InstagramOne of the more stressful/fun/terrifying/exhilarating moments of the show
A post shared by A. Baier (@ay_bear) on
Give a big welcome to the family to my new set of Yamaha Tour Custom drums. Aren’t they pretty? I can’t wait to get these tubs on a gig!
Ashley Baier is a NYC-based drummer and percussionist.
