Percussion Seminar Creates Important KSC Connections

Expanding learning outside of the classroom and forming professional relationships are among the most important extras of a good college education. Adam Rhan, a senior music performance major, got just such a benefit this summer when he attended Chosen Vale, a renowned percussion seminar held in Enfield, NH. Encouraged by Music Lecturer and Chosen Vale’s Program Coordinator Amy Garapic, Adam got to perform four concerts during the 14-day festival, receive instruction in his solo repertoire, and study with a stellar line up of faculty including Michael Burritt, professor of percussion at Eastman School of Music; Cynthia Yeh of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Glenn Kotche of the band Wilco; and Matthew Duvall of the multiple Grammy-award-winning contemporary chamber music sextet Eighth Blackbird.

“Having faculty that are actively involved in the field and visible to others as a leader can only increase Keene’s reputation as a institution that is current, involved, and aware of all that is at the cutting edge,” said Prof. Garapic. “Not only am I sharing the things that are happening at Keene to other students and world-renown faculty, but I am bringing back all that I have learned from them. Encouraging a driven student like Adam to attend the seminar was really a no-brainer. He not only had the opportunity to learn from some of the best percussionists in the world, but he’s also created relationships with future colleagues from all over the country.”