Industry News – May 2024

Majestic Percussion
Stephen Kehner Joins Majestic Percussion as New Artist Endorser
Oregon Symphony Assistant Principal Percussionist Stephen Kehner has joined the Majestic Percussion artist roster, adding his skill as a performer and his passion as an educator to the esteemed lineup. 

“I’m proud to be associated with the Majestic brand because their mission aligns closely with my own,” states Kehner. “They develop and create the highest quality instruments while also robustly supporting percussion music education initiatives that I think will continue to be transformational for the next generation of exciting young musicians,” says Stephen.

Stephen Kehner brings a wealth of experience and talent to Majestic Percussion. Prior to his tenure with the Oregon Symphony, Stephen served in prominent roles with the Utah Symphony & Opera and the New World Symphony. His performance background includes collaborations with the St. Louis Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Silk Road Ensemble, Sö Percussion, and more.

Beyond his accomplishments as a performer, Stephen Kehner is deeply committed to education. He has mentored students across various settings, including summer music camps, high school marching bands, and university percussion departments. His dedication to cultivating young talent extends internationally, as evidenced by his coaching of students in Colombia alongside his performances with the Iberacademy youth orchestra.

As a devoted advocate for diversity and inclusion in classical percussion, Stephen Kehner serves as a Professional Member of the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion. Additionally, he is a teaching artist for The Percussion Conservatory, a digital platform dedicated to classical percussion education.

“The addition of Stephen to the artist roster is an exciting development for the Majestic team,” says Nic Milliner, Brand Manager for Majestic Percussion. “Beyond his truly exceptional musical talent, Stephen’s unwavering dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and advocating for the percussion community embodies his character and seamlessly aligns with our brand vision. We anticipate a partnership that will thrive for years to come.”

Stephen’s artist page: https://majesticpercussion.com/us/artists/stephen-kehner/

Majestic Percussion
Majestic Percussion Welcomes Joe Kelly as New Artist
Toronto Symphony Assistant Principal Timpani/Section Percussionist Joe Kelly, has joined the Majestic artist roster. With an impressive career spanning orchestral performances, education, and solo engagements, Joe Kelly brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Majestic Percussion family.

“Majestic has a remarkable way of balancing quality builds with creative designs and the sonic results are stellar,” said Joe. “The Opus One Snare Drum series is a wildly versatile addition to the market. They end up on our stage here in Toronto often. Crisp, powerful, expressive. These drums are truly a pleasure to play.”

Joe Kelly has been an integral part of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 2018. His dedication to music education extends beyond the orchestra, as he serves as a private educator in Toronto and mentors the percussion section of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Prior to his tenure in Toronto, Joe Kelly was a percussionist in the New World Symphony. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, as well as a Professional Diploma from Roosevelt University. Joe is also an alumni of the Lucerne Festival Academy and the Tanglewood Music Center, where in both programs he has returned as a soloist with their Alumni ensembles. 

“The Majestic team is thrilled to bring Joe on to the Majestic roster of artists. He is a remarkable musician who plays with a sense of expressiveness and passion that is a joy to witness. We look forward to many years of collaboration,” says Nic Milliner, Brand Manager for Majestic Percussion.

Joe’s artist page: https://majesticpercussion.com/us/artists/joe-kelly/

Porter & Davies
Til Lindemann Drummer Joe Letz Joins Porter & Davies
Porter & Davies is delighted to announce that Til Lindemann’s drummer Joe Letz has recently purchased a TT6 Equipped Throne.

Joe Letz is a multi-talented drummer and DJ. He was drummer with the Norwegian electro-industrial band Combichrist for more than thirteen years during which time they toured as support for metal legends Rammstein. More recently this versatile player has joined Rammstein’s frontman, Til Lindemann in his solo project Lindemann. His hard hitting style ensures the driving atmosphere of Lindemann’s music is forced into every cell of the listeners body.

On the recent 2023 European tour he used the Porter & Davies  TT6 Equipped Throne. Its bespoke 1000TW super-transducer sends high-quality audio over a full range of tactile frequencies to a drummer allowing them to literally feel everything they play through their body. The highly sensitive throne which can be driven by a stage amp from the monitor desk has a wide, powerful dynamic range with no latency. It is particularly suited to fast double bass drum and / or double pedal players in high volume situations.

Talking about the TT6 Letz said: ‘Every once in a while you stumble upon a piece of gear that you simply do not know how you functioned so long without….This throne is EVERYTHING!  To think that just a couple of months ago I required what was basically an entire PA system to be sitting next to me on stage….This thing is never leaving my side again!’

To find out more about replacing the PA system sitting behind the drum kit please go to porteranddavies.co.uk/.