Student Performance News - Carolina S.

This year on 3rd Thursdays in Kennett, the studio is producing a series of performances which we are calling Rock the Ramp! While there is a community building aspect to this, the Ramp Concerts are also a vehicle to provide our students with a performance opportunities.

This month, our guest performers were The Sin Brothers, our friends Erik and Mark Hetzel. They perform extensively throughout the region - the definition of what I would call local professionals. Where grooveKSq differs from other studios is that grooveKSq pairs students up with working professionals in front of a live audience. This is what musicians do, they play live. It is the best way to hone your skills.

Below is an excerpt from Carolina’s performance. She totally poised and under control, and the moment is absolutely not too big for her. Awesome performance by Carolina here.

The remaining schedule for Rock the Ramp! 2025:

August 21st: Resting Funk Face - BT, James McLaughlin (organ), Robert Mastroppolitto (guitar) play some 1960s and 1970s soul and jazz.

September 18: The Dukes of Bavaria: BT leads a German-style brass band which meets British and American hard rock and metal.

October 16: the grooveKSq All Stars - a showcase for some of our intermediate and advanced students

grooveFEST Spring 2025 Recap

There is no better test for a musician than performance in front of a live audience. The stars of yesterday’s performance were the students. They all prepared thoroughly, and let their playing do the talking! Thank you to all of the parents and families who provide a support system for these young performers.

Thank you to Jim Coarse at Moonloop Photography for some outstanding work capturing the event and the performers yesterday. Also special thanks to Guenevere and Calabrese Arts, it was a perfect venue for us.

Grooves & Brews Recap

WELL…. what an amazing turnout this afternoon for our end of summer party! Thank you to all who could attend. The students have been working hard on their material and it showed today with some really terrific (and rocking!) individual performances. There were quite a few students that came out to enjoy the afternoon and support their peers and that was also great to see.

In addition, we had a powerful djembe performance from our djembe teacher, Paco Samb, who gave us a preview of what the studio’s monthly djembe sessions are.

Finally, we had the debut performance of Ten N’ a Half, led by grooveKSQ student Evan R.

Thank you to Blondes and Brewnettes Brewing Co. for working with us on this event.

Our Fall programming announcements will be following soon!

Jazz Trio Workshop Recap!

Yesterday’s Jazz Trio Workshop was a GREAT afternoon. We were joined by Kyle Hancock (guitar) and Sarah Renz (bass), who gave the students their perspectives on small ensemble playing and specifically what they look for in drummers.

There is no faster way to improve than by playing with working professionals.

Be sure to subscribe to the studio’s YouTube channel as the videos from this event will be posted this week. Below is a quick video featuring longtime member Thomas Linderman working out a version of John Coltrane’s Giant Steps with a 5/4 twist on it.

Nate Smith Drum Clinic Recap

There is nothing more gratifying than when a plan comes together and things run smoothly. This afternoon, a very enthusiastic group of drummers got a front row seat to a true professional operating at the highest level of the percussion activity - Nate Smith.

Nate was gracious with his time and answered as many questions as time would allow. He performed several solo pieces he wrote for drumset, all of which had clearly defined song structures and conceptual progressions. He played with expert dynamic control and precision. He imparted some very practical, actionable advice about being a professional. It was a GREAT day.

Nate Smith takes the audience on a rhythmic journey….

Special thanks to Zildjian Cymbals, Evans drumheads, Vic Firth drumsticks for their awesome promotional support. Also special thanks to James Boruch for lending the drums from his personal collection for today’s event, and Dan Ciccone and Logan Ritterbeck for helping on the set up and sound engineering.

Nate Smith Drum Clinic Sunday, May 21st!

Nate Smith is a drummer, composer, & producer from Chesapeake, Virginia. His visceral, instinctive, and deep-rooted style of drumming has led to three GRAMMY® nominations and work with esteemed artists, including: Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Brittany Howard, Van Hunt, The Fearless Flyers, Norah Jones, and Somi. Smith fuses his original compositions with an eclectic mix of music, including everything from jazz to R&B to hip-hop to pop.