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Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast Ep. 59 & 60
Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast
Episode 59: Jack Bell Interview Part 1
Today, Drummer’s Weekly Groovecast welcomes master percussionist Jack Bell. He was the principal percussionist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 32 years and an associate professor and coordinator of the percussion division at Georgia State University. In this episode, Jack discusses his early fascination with drums, and his studies with legendary teacher Harold Firestone. He details the method books he taught from and Firestoneโs teaching style, as well as winning a contest judged by the legendary Charles Wilcoxen. Jack then discusses studying at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music with Cloyd Duff, timpanist with the Cleveland Orchestra. ย Next, a unique audition with Robert Shaw initiated his eventual move and long-time job as principal percussionist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We round out the show with numerous stories about wonderful experiences, along with a mortifying moment that come during his orchestra life.
To skip the podcast intro, the interview begins at the 1 minute mark on the recording. Make sure you visit Jack Bell’s personal web site: JackBellPercussion.com. At this site Jack has compiled an incredible amount of invaluable information for all percussionists including detailed biographical, educational, and performance material. Jack also has a series of videos available that highlight his instructional methods as well as his performances.
Listen to Part 1 on Spotify, Soundcloud, or Itunes
Episode 60: Jack Bell Interview Part 2
Master percussionist Jack Bell is featured in an exclusive interview. This week we spend time on his lengthy and story-filled teaching career. Areas covered are: his 1967 move to Atlanta and initial job teaching the band and choral department at Columbia High School, followed by the development of his private percussion teaching studio. ย Then, in 1968, Georgia State University approached him to establish a Percussion Department. His program’s impact was reflected by the growing number of successful percussion students enrolled. Bell’s teaching approach on this podcast includes a performance of the rudimental swing interpretation of Wilcoxen’s All-American Drummer method book. We finish off the show by putting Jack through the rigors of the DWG Rorschach Test!
To skip the intro, the interview begins at the 1 minute mark on the recording. Make sure you visit Jack Bell’s personal web site: JackBellPercussion.com. At this site Jack has compiled an incredible amount of invaluable information for all percussionists including detailed biographical, educational, and performance material. Jack also has a series of videos available that highlight his instructional methods as well as his performance. Please check out his rudimental video demonstration.