Hall of Fame

by Teddy Hall Jr Professor Johnny Lee Lane has distinguished himself as a leader in percussion education and as an astute businessman in the percussion industry. Known by many of his students as “Prof Lane” or by many of his colleagues as “JL,” Lane has impacted many lives. He has served in many roles that…

by Lauren Vogel Weiss In today’s musical world, one can hear marimbas in television commercials, on concert stages, or via streaming services. Marimba players are on football fields during halftime shows and in large arenas playing with rock bands. How did this rosewood keyboard instrument become such a standard part of our percussion family? Look…

by Lauren Vogel Weiss If you were asked to name a famous female drummer, who would she be? Perhaps Cindy Blackman, Terri Lyne Carrington, or Shelia E.? Depending on when you were born, you might mention Karen Carpenter or Hannah Welton. But the real pioneer of female drummers may be Viola Smith. In his letter…

By Russell Hartenberger Over the past four decades, Beverley Johnston has been at the forefront of the artistic development of percussion repertoire and is unparalleled in her contribution to Canadian classical music. She is singularly responsible for commissioning, performing, and/or recording compositions from over sixty Canadian composers. Through her teaching, she has inspired female percussionists…

By Rick Mattingly “Jim Petercsak is a legend as an educator, author, past-president of PAS, conductor, clinician, composer, award winner, and virtuoso player,” says Nexus member Gary Kvistad. “He has played with the best of the best and his students — who must number in the thousands! — hold major positions in orchestras, education, and…

by Lauren Vogel Weiss Active as a percussion arranger, show designer, and drum instructor, Thom Hannum has been involved in six Drum Corps International (DCI) World Class Championship titles, with three different drum and bugle corps, during his four-plus decades in the marching arts activity. Two of those corps also received the Fred Sanford Award…

by Rick Mattingly Gary Burton says he has known Terri Lyne Carrington practically her whole life, since she was a child prodigy in Boston when he was Vice President of Berklee College of Music. “Many child stars fail to live up to their early promise, but Terri Lyne is a glowing exception,” Burton said. “She…

by Lauren Vogel Weiss Neil W. Grover is a renowned percussionist who has been pursuing his passion for creating world-class percussion accessories for over four decades. He has also achieved success as a top musician, playing with world-class orchestras and performing on soundtracks of blockbuster movies. “Neil has had an incredible impact and forward-thinking influence…