Percussionist Wesley Strasser Heads For Julliard & Tanglewood

Fine Arts Center percussionist Wesley Strasser (Wade Hampton HS, 11) has been accepted to and will attend two prestigious summer programs for aspiring musicians: the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar, held in New York City, and the the Boston University Tanglewood Percussion Workshop, held in Leonx, Massachusetts. As gleaned from the program's websites:

The Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar is designed for advanced high-school percussionists. During two intensive weeks (July 18 - July 30) in the exciting cultural environment of New York's Lincoln Center, students pursue hands-on study of all the major percussion instruments: two and four-mallet keyboard, snare drum, timpani, and orchestral accessories. In addition, students are introduced to world hand drums, percussion chamber music, and both multi- and solo-percussion repertoire. Seminar participants will experience a challenging range of master classes, clinics, lectures, rehearsals, and performances—all of this activity focused on preparing them for success in conservatory and college auditions.

The Boston University Tanglewood Percussion Workshop runs from June 20 through July 3rd. It is led by Director Tim Genis, principal timpanist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Assistant Director Lee Vinson, percussionist of the BSO.  The workshop covers a variety of topics including: snare drum, timpani and mallet technique, and equipment maintenance, such as wrapping mallets and changing timpani heads. Mr. Genis also offers instruction in the preparation of orchestral excerpts for auditions. In addition to individual practice, students have the opportunity to play in chamber groups and large ensembles. Master classes are offered by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra percussion section. Video sessions and discussion by both workshop participants and professional percussionists provide useful feedback and direction.