Castleton, Vermont, USA – The 18th KoSA International Percussion Workshop, Drum Camp and Festival celebrated its annual week of intensive learning, living and sharing with world-renown drum & percussion masters this past July 2013.
Held in the breath-taking setting of the majestic mountains of Vermont, participants ranging in age from as young as 7 to experienced players of 70 years of age came from all over the USA and Canada to soak up a one-of–a kind musical experience. KoSA’s theme this year, “Drumming Up Happiness!” is a timely sentiment in this current time.
The entire KoSA team, lead by KoSA Co-Founders and Directors, Aldo Mazza and Dr. Jolán Kovács transmitted a clear message. With their nearly two-decade long mission of using music as a conduit of peace, with a commitment to music and music study that ultimately affects lives by making
participants learn to make better decisions and grow an optimistic, happier perspective by mastering the drum, and the entire percussion family.
Tim Duch, a first-time attendee from New Jersey, was clearly blown away from his experience as he stated: “This collaboration of percussionists all playing and learning together was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had!” Robert Blumofe from Massachusetts echoed this sentiment as he witnessed how the participants had the unique opportunity to have “casual conversations with musicians and music legends over lunch and dinner.”
This borderless atmosphere is but one part of the unique KoSA experience and the Faculty certainly appreciated this experience as well. According to Boston Symphony Orchestra percussionist Frank Epstein (a first-time Faculty member at KoSA 18): “I have not had a similar experience anywhere.
The experience here was uplifting, energizing and comfortable. The mix of students and faculty is so inclusive that it creates a feeling of openness and freedom of expression enjoyed by all the participants.”
The nightly concerts of the KoSA Music Fesitval were streamed live in collaboration with Drum Channel (www.drumchannel.com). Approximately 20,000+ viewers from around the world witnessed the mind-blowing performances of KoSA’s stellar faculty which included: Memo Acevedo (Tito Puente),Sergio Bellotti (Berklee College), Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall), Eriko Daimo (international marimba artist), Mario DeCiutiis (KAT electronics founder), Frank Epstein (Boston Symphony Orchestra), Dom Famularo (drumming's Global Ambassador), Daniel Glass (Royal Crown Review), Aldo Mazza (Repercussion/KoSA Artistic Director & Founder), Allan Molnar (Nelly Furtado), Jeff Queen (DCI Drum Corps Champion), Ron Reid (steel drum specialist-Berklee College), Marcus Santos (Brazilian master- Berklee College, Grooversity founder), Jeff Salisbury (University of Vermont), Michael Taylor (West African drumming), Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Weather Report, Genesis, Phil Collins), Ed Uribe (Ray Barretto), and Glen Velez (four-time Grammy winner/Paul Winter consort), The nightly performances also featured smoking hot performances from KoSA’s talented rhythm section: Irio O‘Farrill on bass, and Bob
Quaranta on piano. Special highlights of the week included Shadow’s Fall drummer Jason Bittner who suprised everyone by stepping out of his traditional musical style - speed metal drumming - and dazzling the audience with an incredible funk number. Chester Thompson played an unforgettable evening of jazz and original compositions and Ron Reid, this year's steel pan instructor, adapted the pan to some wild jazz scales with impeccable timing and feel.
Continuing the long-standing tradition, KoSA awarded “Lifetime Achievement” awards this year to two very deserving KoSA Faculty members: the talented and ever-so-humble Frank Epstein, as well as legendary and versatile drummer Gregg Bissonette who was visibly moved and completely surprised to receive such an accolade. Two newly established awards, KoSA’s “Recognition Award“ were also presented to Marcus Santos and Allan Molnar in acknowledgement of their tireless efforts in promoting music education and for being dedicated ambassadors towards the KoSA mission.
The KoSA world is continuously in expansion with programs not only in USA, but in Cuba ,Europe and in China. For more information on all things KoSA, visit us at www.kosamusic.com and at facebook.com/kosamusic
Contact: Dr.Jolán Kovács
Phone: (514) 482-5554
info@kosamusic.com
For Immediate Release
August 2nd, 2013
