Session Proposals

Dr. James (Jamie) Vilseck is an educator, performer, and composer originally from Dayton, OH. His diverse pedagogical approaches aim to connect with students at all levels. He has toured across the country as a solo performer and as a clinician at various universities, music educator conferences, the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and was a member of the Colts and Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, Matrix Performing Arts. He is a founding member of Blue Door Percussion Trio, dedicated to featuring new and classic works to audience across the country. As a composer, he has composed and arranged works for percussion ensemble, steel band, solo percussion, and is active as a designer and arranger for the marching arts, with clients in Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas. He is currently the Assistant Professor of Percussion at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK, where he oversees all aspects of the percussion program. James held previous teaching appointments at Stephen F. Austin State University (TX), Angelina Colleg (TX), and Morehead State University (KY). James received degrees from Morehead State University (B.M.E.), Southern Illinois University Carbondale (M.M.), and the University of Kentucky (D.M.A.). In his free time, he loves to travel, spend time with his wife and son, and play video games while eating great food and experimenting with new recipes.

Contrary to most other instruments, percussion instruments often do not get sent to the repair shop. It is on the director to diagnose and fix issues with most percussion instruments; that is, for the issues that can be fixed. The diversity of percussion instruments requires vast knowledge of maintenance, tuning, and mechanics. This session aims to help directors with the most common issues related to percussion maintenance and repair. Examples include: general drum head tuning, understanding snare guts and snare strainers, timpani pedal issues, how to re-string a mallet instrument, what is and is not repairable, common issues with accessory instruments (triangle and tambourine, etc), storage, and a list of tools and materials to keep on hand. When possible, live demonstration will be given on repairs or tuning. Due to the vast nature of the topic, a handout will be provided to provide additional information and reminders, such as the names of materials, correct tunings for membranophones, and common issues. The session also allows for directors to ask questions related to their program and equipment. The goal is to remain accessible for non-percussionist directors to help make their percussion section sound their best.

• Band - Middle School
• Band - Secondary
• Collegiate
• Mentorship/Beginning Teachers