Saturday was the Day of Percussion at Sacramento State University at Capistrano Hall. Many of all ages came out to experience the day of methods on how to become a better percussion artist.

That evening, guests were able to listen to a live concert put on by special guest artist Keith Terry & Trio Lite, featuring Bryan Dyer and Steve Hogan, Terry Bozzio, drum set and percussion recital.

The drum day began with registration and showroom displays at 9:30 a.m. Students got in for $15, which including the concert later that evening.

The day was filled with clinics on various types of percussion instruments and how to play them as well as workshop to improve their skills.

At 10 a.m. a solo snare drum showcase was performed by Casey Brohard, one of the special guests. “I love teaching young students about percussion instruments,” Brohard said. “I feel great molding young minds.”

One of the cool things about the Day of Percussion is that high school students can get involved in it as well, said Deborah Cardoza, a sophomore music percussion performance major.

For instance D-Vante Morales, a sophomore at Natomas High School had a solo artist spotlight during the clinics. “I’m excited, but kind of nervous because I never played a solo before!” Morales said.

Morales heard about the Day of Percussion through his music teacher at school.

Younger musicians filled the hall as the majority of students were in high school.

When it came down to the raffle that took place at 5:30 p.m., people were in waiting because Skip’s Music donated a drum set to be raffled away to a lucky musician.

Even students were excited about the day of events. “I have been at a Day of Percussion at Fresno State, but it is nothing like hosting it at your own school,” said Sophmore percussion performance major Deborah Cardoza.

At 4 p.m. the percussion ensemble showcased from Percussion Group Davis, Gamelan Dharma Santi, Natomas Charter School Percussion Ensemble, Pleasant Grove High School Percussion Ensemble, along with Sacramento State Percussion and marimba soloist Matthew Darling.

The day was full of smiles as students of the arts came with room to grow and left with knowledge about percussion to help them on the way.

David Green can be reached at [email protected]