Percussion
Percussion
Class Time(s):
Option A: Sunday, 10:30 -11:00 AM PT
Option B: Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:00 PM PT
Grades: 1 to 8
Program Leader: Rachel Chen
Program Description: Percussionists are often misconstrued as people who just "hit things". In reality, however, there's so much more to it. YAPA Kids Percussion will start by focusing on the snare and hopefully eventually work our way to mallet instruments. We'll start on the basics (if you already have experience with percussion, it never hurts to review), but don't worry, we'll soon be getting to the fun stuff, like rolls and flams. Although it's recommended to also have a practice pad, just a pair of drumsticks (not the ice cream, or the meat -- sorry) is enough (or a pair of pencils or chopsticks, though it won't be as effective).
Program Teachers: Rachel Chen, Michelle Chen, Sunny Wang, Julia Yee, Cole Heider, Walter Chen, Jacob Leung, Riley White, Hardik Gupta
Teacher Bios
Rachel Chen
Wassup everyone! My name is Rachel Chen and I'm excited to be sharing percussion, something which has always been an important part of my life, with you. I am a five year California All-State Honor Band Musician, a Santa Clara County Honor Band Musician, and a Bay Area Honor Band Musician. I have been a member of the California Percussion Ensemble and have also played in several quartets. I am currently a rising junior at Monta Vista High School, where I am a percussionist in the Wind Ensemble and part of the percussion section in the marching band.
Michelle Chen
Hello everyone! I'm Michelle Chen, and I'm so excited to meet you all! I've been playing percussion for around 10 years now, which might be longer than some of you have been alive! As a percussionist, I've played in multiple percussion ensembles, chamber groups, and concert bands, as well as performed a variety of solos. Being an all-state and county honor band musician, I'm sure I can provide everyone with an amazing experience!-
Sunny Wang
Hi! My name is Sunny Wang and I'm currently a rising senior at homestead high. I have been playing percussion for 10 years now. I play in my school's Wind Ensemble and I'm also part of the battery for marching band and winter percussion.
Julia Yee
Hi! I’m Julia and I’m super excited to be teaching percussion! I currently play in the marching band at Cupertino High School and am also a member of the Cupertino Symphony Orchestra as a percussionist. I fell in love with percussion in my first season of marching band, as we had such talented and encouraging percussion techs. I hope to pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gained from 2 years of marching band and winter percussion to you all. I have had a lot of experience on mallet instruments like the marimba and the xylophone, so I am well aware of all the work it takes to be a percussion player. I’m very passionate about how important strong basics are for being a great, well rounded musician, which makes me quite excited to share this passion with all of you! Hope to see you in the classroom!
Cole Heider
Hey guys! My name is Cole Heider, and I’m a percussionist who has been playing for around 9 years. I have experience playing in many different fields of percussion. In the marching arts I have played snare, tenors, and cymbals in different seasons. I was previously drum captain for both the winter and fall seasons of marching band/percussion at Monta Vista High School. I have around 5 years of drum set experience, where I played in jazz ensembles, but was also educated in many other genres. I’m also currently in the Wind Ensemble at Monta Vista for my 3rd year as a rising Senior. I hope to show you the excitement that the world of percussion brings, and use what I know to make you the best player you can be.
Walter Chen
Hey, I'm Walter Chen and and I've been playing percussion for 8 years now, in addition to playing piano for 12. In the fall I will be a senior and be serving my 2nd year as battery captain of my school's drumline. I'm familiar with a lot of different styles of percussion, including drumline, 4 mallets, drum set, and concert percussion.
Jacob Leung
Hello! My name is Jacob Leung. I have played percussion for my middle school symphonic band for three years. I am currently a rising junior at Cupertino High School, where I have been a member of the drum line for the past two years. I have played tenor drums for the marching band and for Cupertino High School’s varsity winter percussion program.
Riley White
Hi everyone, I'm Riley! I've been a music student for 8 years now, and am excited to share my knowledge with younger students! I am currently a senior and am serving in my school's drumline, taiko, steel, and wind ensembles.
Hardik Gupta
Hello everyone, My name is Hardik Gupta, I am a current Junior at the international Academy. I Have been playing percussion for 5 years and play other instruments like the saxaphone and the flute. I am the section leader in the Athens Marching band. I am part of the IA symphonic band and Jazz Band. I am excited to play some percussion with yall.