High School Percussionists Receive Hands-On Lesson From International Musician

While on a recent educational clinic tour, internationally acclaimed jazz vibraphonist and Ross Mallet Instruments endorsing artist Joe Locke, conducted a masterclass for Memphis, TN, area high school percussionists. Hosted by Dr. Frank Shaffer, Coordinator of Percussion Studies at the University of Memphis, the masterclass was held in the University of Memphis percussion ensemble rehearsal studio.

An acclaimed recording artist and composer, Locke is regularly cited in major jazz polls worldwide. Also a dedicated educator, whose student’s include Stefon Harris and Christos Rafalides, Joe is the professor of jazz vibes at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. “Joe’s ability and willingness to work with young percussionists, who are the future of music, is credit to him as a musician and educator above and beyond his incredible artistry”, comments Dr. Shaffer. High school band directors also in attendance also learned valuable teaching tips.

Bryan Carrott Dazzles Audience with Clinic/Performance at IAJE

Renowned mallet percussionist and New York city jazz vibraphone icon, Bryan Carrot, amazed audience members during his clinic titled Expanding Jazz Mallets- exploring vibe and marimba as part of the rhythm section, at IAJE. An original member of the high-powered and successful Ralph Peterson Fo’Tet, Bryan utilized the group as part of his clinic and demonstrated his unique role as both a solo voice and a comping voice in the rhythm section.

Regularly ranking highly in the world’s top jazz polls, Bryan’s playing credits extend from numerous recordings as a sideman and movie soundtrack recordings to being the mallet percussionist for Broadway’s production of Disney’s The Lion King.

For more information on Bryan Carrott or a clinic featuring Bryan contact Ross.

University Professor Performs Solo Marimba Concert

Dr. Stephen Crawford, Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Ross Mallet Instruments endorsing artist/clinician, recently performed his first solo concert since becoming Director of Percussion Studies. Held in the performance auditorium within Pressor Hall on the campus of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Dr. Crawford performed on the Ross R420W rosewood marimba playing several pieces from the standard solo marimba repertoire including Keiko Abe’s Frogs.

An accomplished composer, author, performer, educator, conductor, and scholar of wind and percussion literature Dr. Crawford offers a unique perspective as one who performs in the section and holds the baton as conductor. Dr. Crawford has taught at the middle school and high school level and previously held performance positions with the Minot Symphony Orchestra, the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony, the Lawrence Symphony, and was the Associate Conductor with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. Currently Dr. Crawford is the Principal Percussionist with the Temple Symphony Orchestra of Temple, Texas.

A strong advocate of percussion education, Crawford conducts clinics around the world as an endorsing artist/clinician for Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. Recently he authored Building A Better Percussion Section, published by Ross Mallet Instruments Inc.

For more information on clinics by Dr. Stephen Crawford contact Ross.

Ross Artist Vibraphone and Rosewood Marimba Big Hits at PASIC

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. again exhibited at the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Held in Nashville, Tennessee, Ross exhibited their line of Pro Artist Vibraphones and height adjustable Rosewood marimbas. There was much action at the Ross booth as endorsing artists/clinicians Dr. Stephen Crawford, David Steinquest, Joe Locke, and Bryan Carrott were on hand in the Ross booth and engaged in conversation with show attendees.

An annual event showcasing all that is in the world of percussion, PASIC provides an excellent venue for mallet percussion to see first-hand the quality level and hear the warm resonant tone that Ross rosewood marimbas have become known for. With many Ross artists and clinicians in attendance percussionists were able to speak with some of today’s top mallet percussionists and find out just why Ross is their instrument of choice. There was also opportunity to hear the Ross instruments in action as internationally known vibraphonist and Ross endorsing artist Joe Locke conducted a clinic/performance.

Locke Amazes PASIC Crowd with Clinic/Performance

An internationally known mallet percussionist and jazz musician, Joe Locke is among the greatest vibraphonists in the world. Regularly ranking at the top of worldwide jazz polls, it’s hard to believe that Joe had yet to perform at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. 2001 provided the end to a much-anticipated wait for many mallet percussion enthusiasts. Based on his clinic/performance and the response by attendees, it is a safe bet that Joe will be a part of many PASIC events yet to come.

Performing on the Ross R715G Pro Artist vibraphone and R420WF rosewood marimba, Joe played selections from his latest CD Storytelling as musical examples of Expanding Jazz Mallets Beyond Vibes, the title of Joe’s clinic/performance. Joe conducted the clinic/performance with award-winning pianist and band-mate Henry Hey.

In addition to the incredible control and facility Joe demonstrates on vibes and marimba while playing, he expressed the importance of jazz mallet performers to expand beyond vibes. “The marimba voice is one that is grossly underused in the jazz idiom,” says Locke. He continues, “I am always experimenting harmonically and rhythmically with my improvisation and with chordal structure in my compositions. I thought why limit my experimentation to what has become the sole jazz voice for mallet percussionists– vibraphone. My relationship with Ross has enabled me to add this voice and I have done so on my most recent two CDs.”

Nashville Symphony Percussionist Offers Advice to Missouri Educators

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. educational clinician, Director of Percussion Studies at Austin Peay State University, and Nashville Symphony percussionist David Steinquest, was the featured mallet percussion clinician at a recent educator open house held at Shivelbine Music of Cape Girardeau, MO.

Steinquest addressed the inherent barriers hindering percussion education. Specifically he addressed mallet percussion education and the all too common lack of mallet percussion proficiency in high school players who are very proficient rudimentally or on snare drum. An accomplished composer, Steinquest performed Rudimental Ragtime, a piece he composed specifically to address this issue, to demonstrate how “snare drummers” can be turned into “mallet percussionists” much easier than the student or the teacher thought. Steinquest played his musical examples on the Ross R320 xylophone, R410 3 octave marimba, and R420 4.3 octave marimba. Using the basic rudimental stickings in a rag style, Rudimental Ragtime, provides “snare drummers” who are very comfortable with playing rudiments an easier and fun way to approach playing mallet percussion.

For more information on clinics featuring David Steinquest contact Ross.

Dr. Crawford Featured Clinician at Nebraska Day of Percussion

Internationally recognized performer, conductor, clinician, lecturer, and Ross Mallet Instruments endorsing artist/clinician Dr. Stephen Crawford was the featured keyboard percussion clinician at the recent Nebraska Day of Percussion held at Concordia University. The Day of Percussion showcased a number of well-known and talented clinicians, each a specialist in their respective area of percussion performance.

Dr. Crawford, a former band director and currently Director of Percussion Studies at Temple College- Temple, TX, conducted a marimba masterclass involving the participation of over 30 middle and high school students. The masterclass covered such important areas as reading and its inherent problems, building muscle memory, developing the proper practice routine, how to learn a recital piece, and how to prepare for solo/ensemble.

Championship Drum Corps Chooses Ross Mallet Instruments

The 8-time DCA world champion Caballeros Drum & Bugle Corps., equipped its pit ensemble with a new line of Ross mallet instruments for the '2000 drum corps. season. Frank Gerris, Executive Director of the Hawthorne, New Jersey based corps., acknowledged that the quality, durability, and sound of the Ross instruments contributed to the decision to outfit the section with this newly designed line of mallet percussion instruments. Mr. Gerris commented, "With the Caballeros traveling as much as we do, we not only needed instruments that allow us to maintain a high level of musical performance but also, needed instruments that are durable enough to handle an entire drum corps. season year after year. After comparing several brands, we were particularly impressed with the Ross' value. As with most drum & bugle corps., finances are a major concern, but the savings gained with Ross allowed us to afford more instruments without sacrificing quality." The drum corps. acquired their Ross instruments from The Music Shop in Boonton, NJ.

Hear the Caballeros' pit and the full corps perform La Cumparsita. Note: Real Player must be installed to hear this audio clip. If you do not have Real Player installed, download and install the free RealPlayer™ 8 Basic.  

Don't miss Joe's clinic at PASIC Saturday, Nov. 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Steinquest gives Ohio Educators Rudimental Mallet Lesson

Ross/Jupiter Introduce Beginners Percussion Learning Program

Jupiter Band Instruments Inc. and its subsidiary Ross Mallet Instruments in conjunction with noted percussion educator and clinician Dr. Stephen Crawford have developed a program that fills a void that has existed in percussion education for years. The Ross/Jupiter Beginners Percussion Learning Program is designed to enable students to affordably get a "real" instrument and thereby increase their level of enthusiasm about mallet percussion.
Marketing Manager- Educational Services, Daryl McCain comments, "Percussion is the only instrument that has been and is taught without giving the student a 'real' instrument. In the best case scenario a beginning percussionist receives a bell kit or snare drum kit, however students most often are only required to have sticks and a practice pad. This has a two-fold negative affect; this creates a phenomenon called 'instrument envy' whereby percussion students are envious of wind playing students simply because the have 'real' instruments and secondly percussion students will have little to no melodic percussion exposure." Statistics show us that percussion students are among the highest drop-out rates of any instrument family.

Mallet percussion instruments have traditionally been cost prohibitive for beginning percussionist. Unlike wind instruments, there is no "student priced" marimba. This also contributes to the high drop-out rate among percussionists. Ross clinician and co-developer of the program Dr. Stephen Crawford comments, "As a high school band director I witnessed the 'instrument envy' phenomenon. Those students that did not drop-out and made it to me at the high school were very deficient in melodic percussion skills. Now as a College level educator I see the long-term effect. In developing this program with Ross, a primary goal was to make 'real' instruments affordable to beginning players. Not only has Ross done that, but they are providing a quality instrument with features well suited for beginning players such as height adjustable frames, durable Prolonœ bars, double locking casters, and permanently mounted bars."

A clinic by Dr. Crawford titled Building A Better Percussion Section details these inherent problems in beginning percussion education. This clinic is currently being presented at state Music Educator Associations such as Kentucky MEA, South Carolina MEA, and Ohio MEA.

Ross Marimba Sounds Jazz at the Blue Note

Ross Mallets Big Hit At PASIC And IAJE

Showing their newly redesigned line of marimbas, xylophones, and vibraphones, Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. had an impressive showing at the recent Percussive Arts Society International Convention and International Association of Jazz Educators.

The appearance of Ross at PASIC 2000 caused quite the 'buzz' as many top players, mallet percussion icons, and educators stopped by to sample the latest Ross instruments and give very positive feedback. Those stopping by included Emil Richards, Dr. Stephen Crawford, Gilberto Scernia, Terry Gibbs, Johnny Lee Lane, and others.

Of particular interest to educators attending the show was the Ross/Jupiter Beginners Percussion Training Program. Dr. Stephen Crawford, Ross endorsing artist/clinician and co-developer of the program, was on hand in the Ross booth to discuss the benefits of the program with educators and students.

The International Association of Jazz Educators 2001 convention held in New York city on January 10-13 proved to be a real "coming out" party for Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. With New York jazz vibe icons and Ross endorsing artists Bryan Carrott and Joe Locke on hand, the Ross booth attracted many of New York's and the country's finest vibe players to get a up close and personal look at the new R715G Pro vibe. Ross also displayed their model R420W rosewood marimba. By displaying the marimba Ross provoked jazz mallet percussion truest to expand their playing beyond vibes. Both Bryan and Joe were on hand to discuss their very successful recording and performing careers which incorporate marimba.

Broadway Percussionist and Jazz Musician Bryan Carrott Chooses Ross

An internationally known mallet percussionist, Bryan Carrott performs, records, and tours extensively in the jazz idiom and has made Ross his mallet instruments of choice. A talented pianist as well, Bryan began his music study at New York's High School of Music & Art and continued his study at the Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College, and William Paterson College completing degrees in Jazz Studies & Performance. His teachers include Morris Lang and Dave Samuels. Asked of his new relationship with Ross Carrott says, "I immediately noticed the quick response and full sound of the Ross instrument. The smooth pedal action with even dampening along with the height adjustable and easily collapsible yet durable frame made the Ross vibe instantly appealing."

Bryan is a two-time recipient of New York's "Meet the Composer Foundation", and has presented his original music throughout the U.S., Europe, and Canada. Bryan was most recently featured on the original soundtrack music composed and performed with Branford Marsalis for the Spike Lee produced film, "3 A.M." and as the mallet percussionist for Disney's Broadway production of "The Lion King".

Steinquest Joins Ross as Endorsing Artist/Clinician

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Jupiter Band Instruments Inc. proudly announces the addition of David Steinquest to their clinician program.

Presently Director of Percussion studies and Professor of Jazz at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where his responsibilities include studio percussion, percussion ensemble, jazz combo, and coordinator of the Mid-South Jazz Festival. He is a freelance percussionist in the Nashville area, member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, and studio musician having made recordings for Row-Loff Productions, Arranger's Publishing Company, and numerous projects with the Nashville String Machine.

Steinquest received his Bachelor of Music Education from Northeast Louisiana University and the Masters of Music in Performance from the University of Michigan. He has previously served as a faculty member at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Albion College, and the National Music Camp at Interlochen, and was a member of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. An author, arranger, and composer he has works for percussion published by Studio 4 Music, Pioneer Percussion, and Row-Loff Productions.

Ross Marketing Manager Daryl McCain comments "David embodies the newly redesigned line of Ross keyboard percussion. An educator and professional performer of his caliber settles for nothing less than professional quality, which is the standard of each and every Ross instrument. We could not be more excited to have David associated with Ross".

Crawford Joins Ross as Endorsing Artist/Clinician

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Jupiter Band Instruments Inc., proudly announces the addition of Dr. Stephen Crawford to their clinician program.

Dr. Crawford is in his sixth year as Director of Bands and Percussion Studies at Temple College, Temple, TX. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Minot State University, Master of Music Degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. Crawford began his teaching career in Edmore Public School System in North Dakota and has held positions at the University of Northern Iowa, Lawrence Symphony Orchestra, Ellsworth College, Minot Symphony Orchestra, Minot State University, Waterloo/Cedar Falls Orchestra and the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. In his current position at Temple, Crawford's duties include conductor of the TC Wind Symphony, TC Chamber Orchestra and TC Percussion Ensemble. Additionally Stephen is the principal percussionist with the Temple Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director for the touring performing group Ritmo y Mas Percussion Group.

A nationally recognized conductor and scholar of wind and percussion literature, Crawford has conducted performances at state, national, and international conferences such as Texas Music Educators Association, CBDNA National Conference and Percussive Arts Society International Convention. In constant demand as a performer, clinician, conductor, and lecturer; having appeared throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, and Ireland. Crawford will be guest conductor, performing, and lecturing in Scotland next summer.

"We are absolutely delighted to have such a high caliber percussionist associated with Ross Mallet Instruments" states Ross Marketing Manager Daryl McCain. "A performer at Steve's level requires and demands instruments with superb sound quality, craftsmanship, durability, and dependability. Having found that our newly designed line of Ross mallet instruments gives the professional percussionist just that; in addition to our unmatched price, Ross is the clear choice for any school music program or individual."

Stephen is a member of College Band Director's National Association, College Band Director's Nation Association, National Band Association, Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educator's Association, and Texas Bandmasters Association. Percussionist he has studied with and/or masterclasses wtih include, Randy Hogancamp, Lawrence Kaptain, Mike Blake, James Croonquist, Ed Soph, Leigh Howard Stevens, Dave Samuels, Cloyd Duff, and Peter Erskine.

Ross Introduces New Pro Artist Vibe

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. has developed a new totally professional vibraphone with upgraded features, superb sound quality, additional options, and an unmatched price. Designed with professional features, the R715 meets the needs of professionals, educators and students alike.

Tuned A=442 and standard with protective cover and mallets, the 3-octave vibe has anodized aluminum bars for exceptionally warm tone quality, infinitely height adjustable frame to foster proper playing technique, heavy-duty double locking casters to guarantee the instrument does not "creep" while playing, over-sized swivel pedal for player comfort and fluid pedaling, and lower crossbar support for ultimate frame stability. Additional options include Travelite or Full Slant resonators and choice gold or silver finished bars and resonators.

Ross Marketing Manager Daryl McCain comments, "This set of vibes certainly pushes the envelope when it comes to what you would expect a professional vibraphone to cost. With features necessary for educational institutions, professional quality and sound, and an unmatched price, the R715 is the ideal choice for music programs that demand quality without spending their entire budget."

Ross Introduces Newly Designed Keyboard Percussion

Ross Mallet Instruments, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Jupiter Band Instruments, Inc., has completed development of a newly designed line of keyboard percussion instruments, including marimbas, xylophones, and vibes. These instruments will begin shipping in the third quarter of 2000. Through years of development and working with mallet percussion teachers, performers and designers these new instruments vaunt upgrades in frame design and functionality, sound quality, and options.

These newly designed instruments are just one example of Jupiter's on-going efforts to meet the needs of musicians by providing professional quality instruments and exceptional value. Jupiter Marketing Manager and accomplished percussionist, Daryl McCain recently play tested the first production model marimba off the assembly line and comments; "Without a doubt this instrument exceeds the value offered by any other instrument in its class. Exceptional tone quality and resonance, a rattle free frame and resonators, and the benefit of height adjustability, all introduced at a price point unmatched by competitors, make these instruments a tremendous value for consumers."

Ross's newly designed frame and leg system is height adjustable to accommodate any size player, and has an open-ended design with lower crossbar for reduced weight and increased stability. Marimbas are also available with two resonator options. Weather resistant Prolon™ bars are ideal for outdoor pit use and oversized double locking casters provide smooth movement over rough terrain.

Ross Introduces Redesigned Marching Percussion and Carry Bags

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc. has introduced their totally redesigned marching mallet percussion carriers. Manufacturers of marching mallet instruments including xylophone, steel bells, and aluminum bells, Ross's newly designed carriers are easily attached to the instrument, extremely comfortable, and come standard with durable nylon carry bags for instrument and carrier.

Ross Marketing Manager, Daryl McCain, comments, "These carriers offer extreme comfort, perfect for those players who regularly perform in the pit ensemble and may be called upon to participate in a parade. Also, for those ensembles that use full-time marching keyboard players, the benefit of a "lift-front" design, allows the player to tilt the instrument up 90 degrees, relieving any stress on the lower back. Our marching mallet instruments are also standard with a two-piece durable nylon carry bag set. The bags offer all the protection of a case without being bulky or any added weight."

Ross Introduces Professional Level 4.3 Octave Marimba

Ross Mallet Instruments Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Jupiter Band Instruments Inc., has crafted the new professional level R420W 4.3 octave marimba with premium hand-selected Honduras rosewood tone bars. This latest addition to the Ross line of high quality marimbas is the result of years of development with top educators, players, and instrument craftsmen.

"A 'rattle free' frame and resonators, the exceptional tone quality and resonance of premium rosewood, the benefit of height adjustability, and easy transport are features percussionists have come to expect," explains Jupiter Marketing Manager Daryl McCain. He continues, "This instrument provides the features and sound professional percussionists want and expect, at a price college level students can afford."

Other features include Travelite resonators, optional Full-Slant resonators, over-sized double-locking casters and protective cover and suitable mallets. The R420W ranges from A2 to C7 and is tuned A=442.

Joe Locke to Perform Free Workshop at Jazz in June

AUSTIN, TEXAS—May 11, 2005—Ross Mallet Instruments and Dietze Music announced that premier artist Joe Locke will be performing a free keyboard percussion clinic on Tuesday June 7th at the Sheldon Gallery Auditorium in Lincoln, NE from 10am to noon.

This clinic is presented in conjunction with Nebraska’s annual Jazz in June celebration at which Locke will be performing later the same day with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra.

Locke is a well-regarded vibraphonist in the jazz and big band genres whose talents are recognized by the best in the industry.

“Joe Locke’s playing and writing have been an absolute joy to this vibist’s ears that have been starving to hear a player who challenges himself on every tune,” Mike Mainieri, award-winning, jazz vibraphonist said.

Tips on performance and mallet techniques will be the focus of Locke’s two-hour workshop.  Guests are encouraged to participate in personal interaction during the course of the clinic.

Locke is an active Ross endorser and regularly performs mallet instrument clinics around the country. 

Jazz fanatics can also see Locke performing at New York City’s club Smoke in June and at the Zeltsman Marimba Festival in Wisconsin in July.

Ross is a proud sponsor of Jazz in June, an annual festival that has provided live music and activities every Tuesday throughout the month for the past 14 years.

Joe Locke to Appear at Annual Jazz in June Festival
with Nebraska JazzOrchestra

AUSTIN, TEXAS­ – April 12, 2005 – Ross Mallet Instruments announced this week that Ross’s premiere artist Joe Locke will be performing at one of the weekly installments of Nebraska’s annual Jazz in June music exhibition.

Fans can catch Locke’s performance with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra Tuesday, June 7 at Lincoln, NE’s Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden.

Locke is a well-regarded vibraphonist in the jazz and big band genres whose talents are recognized by the best in the industry.

“Joe Locke’s playing and writing have been an absolute joy to this vibist’s ears that have been
starving to hear a player who challenges himself on every tune,” Mike Mainieri, award-winning, jazz vibraphonist said.

This Jazz in June performance is one of many stops in Locke’s hectic road schedule.  Locke has been busy this year promoting his new quartet Four Walls of Freedom’s debut self-titled CD.

Jazz fanatics can also see Locke performing at New York City’s club Smoke in June and at the Zeltsman Marimba Festival in Wisconsin in July.

Locke’s stop in Nebraska is no small gig.  For the past 14 years, Jazz in June has been the annual music festival organized by the Nebraska Art Association and features several different jazz performers as well as a marketplace selling fresh produce and various prepared food.  Ross is a proud sponsor of the festival, which runs every Tuesday throughout the month.