Strike 3 Percussion

      Strike 3 Percussion is a dynamic trio of percussionists who perform with education in mind.  These three musicians met as graduate students at the world-renowned Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where they combined their love of music with a passion for educating and electrifying young audiences.  Individually they have performed for thousands of students of all ages around the country.

     The mission of Strike 3 Percussion is to provide a complete musical and educational experience, tailored to the specific requirements of each audience.  Their highly interactive program is specifically designed to stimulate young minds, while stressing themes like teamwork, openness and creativity, the science of acoustics, world geography and sociology, all through a unique presentation of highly accessible music.

       Strike 3 Percussion performs a wide variety of music on a diverse collection of instruments from all over the world. From improvised dance music and traditional West African folk songs to American and Japanese concert music, a spoken-word piece, and a ballet for six hands.  This eclectic program must be experienced first-hand to be believed.

PROGRAM

     Strike 3 Percussion will coordinate with teachers and administrators to provide educational materials for suggested activities both in preparation for their program, and as a follow-up to the concert experience.  Programs range from less than 30 minutes to over 60 minutes, for audiences ranging from dozens to hundreds, from pre-school to primary and secondary level, university level, and the general public.  All programs include question and answer sessions.

ABOUT STRIKE 3

     The members of Strike 3 Percussion are Brandon Bell, Matthew McClung, and Brian Vogel.  They have a collective wealth of musical experience, having played in orchestras around the world, studied and performed traditional music of West Africa, progressive Irish rock music, jazz, musical theater, avant-garde solo and chamber music, and more.  As educators they have led classes and day camps at the Young Children’s Division of the Preparatory School of the Shepherd School of Music ( Rice University) and currently teach at the junior high, high school, and college level in the Houston area.