On May 11, 2001 the Austin High School band boosters hosted
the first annual North Alabama Percussion Festival at Austin
High School. This day was special for me to say the least
because my 8-year-old son Taylor was invited to come and participate
in this clinic. Taylor played a solo at the Alabama Bandmaster's
Solo and Ensemble festival on April 21st and received an exceptional
rating and won a medal for his efforts.
Mr. Clay Sloan who is the Percussion instructor at Austin
High School was the judge that day at solo and ensemble and
happened to judge Taylor along with the rest of my students.
He was very impressed with Taylor's ability and technique
for his age and personally invited him to come play his solo
at the clinic. There were approximately 70 kids participating
in this clinic as well as Mr. Neal Flum who is the percussion
instructor and assistant band director for the University
of Alabama and Mr. Troy Breaux who is in the same capacity
at Auburn University. One of the more notable guests and clinicians
that were there was Mr. Thom Hannum who is regarded as one
of the nation's foremost percussion clinicians. We didn't
know Taylor was going to be asked to come out in the middle
of the circle and play his solo for the whole group but he
did an excellent job and got a standing ovation! Taylor also
was given some really nice door prizes for his efforts which
included an Evans Hat, Vic Firth Stick Bag, an LP water bottle,
and about three pair of various size sticks and a set of mallets.
Here are some photos from the day. Hopefully next year's clinic
will be even bigger and more kids will have an opportunity
to participate.
