Projects

Solo Repertoire & Chamber Music

Performing has always driven Mike’s study of percussion instruments. He has studied many standard pieces in the percussion repertoire as well as some that are less typical. His primary solo instruments are marimba and steelpan. The chamber music repertoire has been rapidly growing for these instruments in the last 20 or so years. It gives Mike great pleasure to take the stage with other musicians and play with duos or other ensembles.

Duo Projects

Duo music has always played an important role in Mike’s musical direction. Everywhere he travels, he can find at least one other musician to play with! Some of his inspirations in percussion duo music include the Britain-Moore Duo and Chappell-Teague Duo. Both of these pairings represent the marimba and steelpan combo that has driven much of his education and repertoire.

The Jazz Trials

The Jazz Trials is the premier jazz jam session in the Chicago Suburbs! Once a month, some of the top jazzers in the midwest come together to make music and have fun for a great Law Office Pub crowd. This event is ALWAYS no cover and often supports local charities through the Celebrity Bar Tender program. To learn more about The Jazz Trials, click HERE.

Steelbands

Mike has always had one constant in his musical journey: Steelband. Whether is it was playing with the Waubonsee Community College Steelbands, the U-Iowa PanAmerican Steelband, the incredible NIU World Steelband, or performing with Silver Stars in the Trinidad Panorama, he has always made time for his passion for the music and instruments of Trinidad and Tobago. He has studied steelpan solo repertoire and improvisation with Liam Teague during his time at NIU.

Instrument Restoration

Mike has always loved all areas of music, including instrument construction and restoration. Growing up in his father’s sandblasting, painting and powder coating business, he was exposed to product finishing and restoration. Recently, he has had the opportunity to restore several mid-60’s Jenco Vibraphones, old steel snare drums and other percussion hardware for professional percussionists in the Northern Illinois area. He is currently buidling his reputation as an excellent restoration technitian, taking projects as they come. If you are interested in these services visit the SIRR Information Page and send Mike an e-mail!  Click HERE to view some of his past work on Facebook.

Education

Education is the key to the future of music and of humanity. Mike is an active clinician and educator on the subjects of percussion, steelpan, and chamber music. He is available and qualified to teach private lessons and ensembles on percussion and steelpan. He is ALWAYS glad to have new students!

Mike is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team.

Arrangements/Compositions

As a percussionist and pannist, Mike realizes the challenge of having a limited repertoire available. Pan players in particular are in need of new compositions, in part because the instrument is so young. He always works to add to the repertoire by commissioning new works for steelpan solo or ensemble as well as arranging existing compositions and songs for the steelband or percussion duos.  He has commissioned several composers, projects are being completed regularly.  If you are interested in any information regarding his completed commissions or arrangments, contact Mike by phone or email.

Instrument Rental

Percussion in an infrastructure-heavy branch of music. Players are required to learn hundreds of instruments over the course of a career. Mike strives to ease the financial burden of purchasing all of these instruments by providing his collection to students and professionals for both practice and concert appearances. Latin percussion, hardware, keyboard instruments, concert percussion and accessories are all availible for rent. To inquire about instrument availiblity contact Mike by phone or email.