Hall of Fame 2022

by Rick Mattingly Beverley Johnston will never forget Nancy Zeltsman’s performance at the Marimba 2010 International Festival and Conference in Minneapolis, where Nancy played some of the solo marimba repertoire she had commissioned over the years. “I was impressed with Nancy’s no-nonsense approach to playing the marimba and her thoughtful interpretation of the music at…

by Robert Damm As a newborn in the Upper West Region of Ghana, Bernard Woma’s hands were clenched in fists, as if he was clutching xylophone mallets, a sign to his family that he was destined to become a gyil player. According to Julie Beauregard, “Bernard explained that the highest level of gyil player, known…

by Lauren Vogel Weiss A world-class multiple-percussionist plays many different instruments with skill, creates a proper musical interpretation, envisions the correct setup and “choreography,” and shares that knowledge with others. In Michael Udow’s case, multiple percussion, while one of his favorite “instruments,” is an excellent metaphor for his multi-faceted career. “Michael is a remarkable solo,…

by Lauren Vogel Weiss Roland Kohloff spent nearly half a century as Principal Timpanist in two of  America’s most prominent orchestras: the San Francisco Symphony and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to creating countless musical moments for live audiences and on recordings, he also left a lasting legacy through his students, who carry on…

By Rick Mattingly Peter Erskine once stated that the most vital music is created by musicians who are vital people. “They have something to offer,” he said. “Music is only a reflection. Once you get past the techniques, licks, and whatever, it’s who you are and what you believe in that’s going to come out….