Percussion Classes

Registration for percussion classes has closed. Join us next time!

Bucket Drum Fun

Ages 6-8

Learn the basics of drum technique, reading rhythms, playing in an ensemble, and learning world music grooves on a 5 gallon bucket.  The week will end with a performance for friends and family and/or a video of a group performance.  

DATES: July 26 – 30
TIME: 9:30am – 10:30am
PRICE: $125
LOCATION: Elefante Music – 1790 Springfield Ave, New Providence NJ
CLASS MATERIALS (Sold separately): Two 5-gallon buckets, 5A drum sticks, music folder, pencil

Beginning Mallet Percussion

4th & 5th graders

Improve your mallet percussion technique, reading, scales, ensemble playing, and improvisation. The week will end with a performance for friends and family and/or a video of a group performance.  

DATES: July 26 – 30
TIME: 10:30am – 11:30am
PRICE: $125
LOCATION: Elefante Music – 1790 Springfield Ave, New Providence NJ
MATERIALS TO BRING: Music folder, pencil

Mallet Percussion for Middle Schoolers

Grades 6-9

Improve their mallet percussion technique, reading, scales, ensemble playing, four mallet technique, and improvisation. The week will end with a performance for friends and family and/or a video of a group performance. 

DATES: July 26 – 30
TIME: 11:30am – 12:30pm
PRICE: $125
LOCATION: Elefante Music – 1790 Springfield Ave, New Providence NJ
MATERIALS TO BRING: Music folder, pencil

Drum Exploration for Teens

Ages 12+

If you’re a teenager who has always wanted to learn how to play drums, this workshop is for you! No experience is required for this fun exploration of the drumming world. You will learn basic techniques, drum grooves, and how to read drum music. On Friday, we will do a brief performance for families using bucket drums. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

JOIN US NEXT TIME!

Marching Percussion Battery Prep

Grades 8 – 12

Let’s get ready for Marching season!  In this fun workshop, you will improve technique, rhythmic performance, reading, rudiments, marching, and style.  We will use video, metronome, and published music for warm-ups, cadences, and field music.  The week will end with a performance for friends and family and/or a video of a group performance.  

DATES: August 16 – 20
TIME: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
PRICE: $250
CLASS MATERIALS (Sold separately): One pair sticks, one drum pad, music folder, pencil, marching percussion instrument you will play this fall (SD and stand, BD and stand, toms and stand, or crash cymbals and stand)

Marching Percussion Sideline Prep

Grades 8 – 12

Let’s get ready for Marching season!  In this fun workshop, students will improve technique, rhythmic performance, reading, scales, and style.  We will use video, metronome, and published music for warm-ups and field music. Techniques will be shared for mallet percussion, auxiliary percussion, and timpani. The week will end with a performance for friends and family and/or a video of a group performance.  

DATES: August 16 – 20
TIME: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
PRICE: $250
CLASS MATERIALS (Sold separately): One pair snare drum sticks, one drum pad, music folder, pencil, mallets for bells and mallets for marimba (soft yarn)

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

John Leister is a graduate of Juilliard, Rutgers, and the University of Illinois. John had a 30-year career as a music educator and principal in area schools, including 18 as a band director. He focuses on reading, technique, style & groove, history, listening, composition and transcription. He has performed with Renee Fleming, Paul McCartney, Metallica, Bruce Springseen, and many others. He teaches group classes and private instruction in drums and percussion at Elefante Music.