Percussion Department
Percussion Department - Core Philosophy
The Conservatory’s Percussion Department offers the very best in percussion education, with instruction on snare drum, drum set, mallets, timpani and world percussion (Latin percussion, hand drums/steele drum) Monthly workshops/masterclasses (free to SSC students) are offered in an effort to establish a strong and versatile student population and bring awareness to communities we serve.
Percussion Department Chair - Ed Sorrentino
Ed Sorrentino received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Berklee College of Music. In addition to being a percussion instructor and Summer Music Festival Program Director at South Shore Conservatory, Ed is a regular performer with New England Percussion Ensemble, a trio of percussionists recognized as one of the most in demand groups for cultural enrichment in the region. He was recently recognized for his innovative work with adults and children with disabilities. Ed is also well known as a topnotch freelance drummer, something that requires him to wear a variety of musical hats and provide solid percussion for many of the area’s jazz, rock, dixie and show bands. Ed is also a certified drum circle facilitator.
Instrument Instruction
Private Lessons
Most students start private lesson instruction in percussion in grade four. During each 16-week semester, each private lesson student receives an evaluation from the teacher to keep the student and the parent apprised of the student’s progress.
30 minutes - $672 per semester
45 minutes - $928 per semester
60 minutes - $1184 per semester
Semi-private:
30 minutes - $336 per semester
45 minutes - $464 per semester
60 minutes - $592 per semester
Group Instruction - three or more students:
60 minutes - $350 per semester
Percussion Department - Class Offerings
Drum Circle
Sponsored by Mollie Dunn
Ed Sorrentino
Drum Circe is a hands-on, rhythm-based musical activity for all age groups. This fun, effective means of communicating through drums and percussion instruments provides health-promoting strategies such as self-expression, stress reduction and exercise. A trained facilitator leads the group.
4 weeks
Hingham: Friday, 7-8 pm
| $85/person | $160/family |
Beginner/Intermediate Percussion Ensemble
Ted Sajdyk
12 weeks
$250
| Hingham: Thursday, 6 - 7 pm |
Intermediate-Advanced Percussion Ensemble
Ed Sorrentino
12 weeks
$250
| Duxbury: Wednesday, 7 - 8 pm |
Advanced Percussion Ensemble
Ed Sorrentino
12 weeks
$250
| Hingham: Saturday, 8 - 9 am |
Mallet Ensemble
Ed Sorrentino
This ensemble is designed to help students with reading melodies on mallet instruments. Most percussion students start with rhythms and this takes it to the next level.
$250
| Hingham: Thursday, 7 - 8 pm |
Chamber Music
Sponsored by Grafton Memorial Fund
Chamber opportunities are available in strings, percussion, woodwind, brass, voice and mixed instruments with or without voice. Playing in a small group setting, with each participant focusing on his/her individual part, can greatly improve a student’s playing, and is a helpful supplement for any student in a school band or orchestra program. Placement auditions are required to ensure that students are placed with others at the same level of expertise. Students must audition by September 26, 2008 to be included in the fall semester ensemble program. For a placement audition please call Donald Zook at 781-934-2731, ext. 16 to schedule an audition time. Ensembles meet weekly for one hour. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. 12 weeks
$250
Honors Percussion Ensemble
Advanced students in the Honors Percussion Ensemble are chosen by audition, and perform throughout the year at the Conservatory and in the community. For a placement audition please call Donald Zook at 781-934-2731, ext. 16 by September 26, 2008 to schedule an audition time. All ensemble students participate in a chamber concert at the end of the semester. Honors Ensemble students receive a 50% discount off the regular ensemble rates. 24 weeks
$250/year
Bay Youth Symphony (BaYS)
Music Director Jim Vinci
Managing Director Candace Kniffen
Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes
BaYS is an auditioned*, sequential youth orchestra program designed to create an opportunity for dedicated and talented young musicians, living in communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, to perform symphonic music at a high level in a well organized orchestra program. In partnership with The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, the program currently offers ensembles at three levels: a string ensemble for younger students, an intermediate level full symphonic orchestra, and an advanced full symphonic orchestra. Artistic Director Steven Karidoyanes acts as artistic advisor and meets with the orchestras three times per year. Students are coached by SSC faculty members and area music educators. All rehearsals take place at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center.
Duxbury Performing Arts Center: Wednesday evenings
Dolce Strings (string ensemble): Theresa Johnson, Conductor
Sinfonia (intermediate full orchestra): Nicholas Tatarka, Conductor
Symphony (advanced full orchestra): Jim Vinci, Conductor
*No audition is necessary for Dolce Strings. This performing ensemble is usually comprised of students in elementary school who have been studying their instrument for one or two years, and are ready for fundamental ensemble playing.
For more information or for an audition, please contact Managing Director Candace Kniffen at c.kniffen@sscmusic.org
| Dolce Strings: $300/year | Sinfonia: $350/year | Symphony: $425/year |
Concerto Competition
January 22, 2009
4-8 pm, Hingham Campus
All instrumental and voice students are invited to participate in the Conservatory’s annual Concerto Competition. First prize scholarships are awarded in each of three age divisions. All winners perform in the Concerto Competition Winners Recital on Saturday, January 24, 7:30 pm in Hingham's Large Ensemble Studio.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for private lessons for children whose families can document financial need. Application forms are available in the office and as a downloadable Word Document and must be filled out and returned prior to the first week of the semester. All applications will be considered by the Scholarship Committee, which meets before each semester to grant assistance. Recipients of scholarship aid must reapply each semester. The deadline for Fall 2008 financial aid applications is August 8, 2008. The deadline for Spring 2009 financial aid applications is January 9, 2009.
South Shore Conservatory admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all rights and privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.