All About AHN’s Percussion Teachers
January 18, 2017
Percussion is an interactive class, where the students learn how to play with each other to create a part of the sound of a orchestra. Photo Credits: Camille Opp (Achona Online)
Yohance Wicks grew up in Orlando, Florida and now works at Ruth Eckerd Hall as a music department chair. Wicks went to school at Stetson University and graduated with a double major in vocal performance and music education and a minor in jazz piano.
How did you end up at AHN?
“Through Ruth Eckerd Hall, the two schools reached out to each other and wanted to develop and build a musical program at AHN and as music department chair, they asked me to come out and teach a few classes.”
What experience have you had with percussion?
“Percussion is actually one of my first instruments, I grew up playing in the church on a drum set and then modified that and played drum line in high school and developed a lot of technique there and then continued to play drum set in various bands and developed other instruments as well.”
How long have you been playing?
“I have been playing for 29 years.”
Do you play any other instruments?
“Yes, I play the piano, electric bass, drums, sing, kazoo, organ, saxophone, and a lot of the stringed instruments like the cello and violin.”
Sean Fote is 27 years old and is a part time music teacher who teaches general music, percussion, and School of Rock. He enjoys doing rock ensembles and music ensembles. Fote is also a professional musician touring locally.
How did you end up at AHN?
“Through Ruth Eckerd Hall, I used to be full time there as the Associate Director of Instruction. But, I really wanted to focus on teaching and performing personally so I transitioned out of the full time job to become a part time teacher, but also to focus on my own personal performance and music life so I can balance the two.”
How long have you been playing?
“I have been playing on a drum set since I was a little kid when I got a drum set for Christmas when I was eight years old. But, I started getting serious and actively getting better and knew I wanted to do this for my future when I was a senior in high school.”
With your experience with percussion, what is your favorite memory?
“I have a lot of memories but specifically through percussion it has allowed me to tour the country twice. At 16 years old, I was able to tour the country and compete over the summer for two summers prior to college and has been able to play with orchestras, pop ensembles, and big jazz festivals.”
