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February 11-12, 2012 - NYU Frederick Loewe Theatre
PAS KoSA NY Weekend of Percussion
KoSA around the world in 2010/11
KoSA Italy 2011 - La Vita e Bella!
On April 2 & 3, 2011, KoSA held its first official workshop in Turin, Italy in collaboration with the GM Drum School in Torino. Aldo Mazza (Repercussion; KoSA Founder and Artistic Director) and drumset artist Sergio Bellotti (Berklee College of Music) were invited to lead and instruct for a two-day intensive workshop at this well known school covering the universal topic "It is about the Groove".
Aldo and Sergio drew from their considerable performing and teaching experiences and developed a program for the eager students to work on groove techniques and topics. Covering a broad range of topics, from drumset to hand and world percussion, the classes included both performing and interactive sessions.
At the end of the first day, the fifty participants in Torino were treated to a live video connection to New York where KoSA Artist Alumnus and digital media expert, Allan Molnar, facilitated a live interactive video discussion with KoSA alumni faculty artists Mike Mainieri, Marcus Santos, Michael Wimberley and Jim Royle.
"The two day intensive workshop culminated in a public jam session at a local club in the famous Piazza Immanuele. Sergio Bellotti and me were joined by local musicians in an evening of jamming and hanging with many students and local musicians," states Aldo Mazza. "KoSA Italy 2011 was hosted by the GM Drum School and its energetic director and drummer Gigi Morello. We at KoSA believe Mr. Morello has created an impressive drum school in Turin-complete with state of the art facilities and instruments. We look forward to returning soon."
KoSA wishes to thank the local organization and professional team who made this workshop possible.
KoSA Italy sponsors were LP, Sabian, ProMark, Evans, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Ringo Music and Vibe Drums
KoSA NYC 2011...
Thunder in the Big Apple
On Sunday, March 29th KOSA held its KoSA NY one day workshop including clinics and concert at Lehman College. The event featured top artists from a variety of musical genres. Clinicians were Arnie Lang, Aldo Mazza, Johanthan Haas, Allan Molnar, Scott Kettner, Mike Clark, and Victor Rendón joined by his group "Co-Tim-Bó" (Victor, Chembo Corniel, Guillermo "Memo" Acevedo, Cascadu, & Yasuyo Kimura) and guest Aldo Mazza.
The event started with Arnie Lang (NY Philharmonic), Jonathan Haas (NYU) an Aldo Mazza (Repercussion) who engaged in a workshop on "The Percussion Section in the Concert Band". Participants included Penelope Jacono directing the Celia Cruz High School percussion section performing the piece "American Faces"by David Holsinger. The clinicians then gave valuable suggestions for improving performance such as stick selection, playing position in relation to the conductor, attack & articulation of specific note values as well as dynamics.
Scott Kettner took the audience on musical journey to Brazil covering the Northeast rhythm known as "Maracatu". It was first performed in a traditional context using percussion and then orchestrated on drumset. Scott then demonstrated and discussed some of the similarities between Brazilian and New Orleans drumming. Overall, a very informative and interesting presentation.
Mike Clark who is known for his work with Herbie Hancock covered the topic "From Swing to Linear Funk". Mike expanded on his concepts of jazz and the relation to linear funk on drumset. He then performed and demonstrated with special guest Jerry Z on organ. Before treating the participants to some fiery musical performances, Mike highlighted the importance of playing the "form" and playing musically.
The final clinician of the day was Victor Rendón joined by his group "Co-Tim-Bó" (Victor, Chembo Corniel, Guillermo "Memo" Acevedo, Cascadu, & Yasuyo Kimura). The group started with a performance featuring batá drums and segued into a traditional Cuban bembé. A discussion of the different rumba styles then followed which included yambú, rumba columbia, guaguancó, and the relatively new style of guarapachangueo. The clinic ended with the performance of a percussion arrangement of "Manteca" which featured the group and guests Aldo Mazza, Allan Molnar, and Scott Kettner.
This event in New York was a great success culminating with a fantastic performance by the 80 piece Lehman College Concert Band (led by Alan Hollander) performing "Mambo #5" arranged by Armando Rodriguez and Victor Rendón. Former NY Philharmonic percussionist, Morris "Arnie" Lang joined the group on timpani as well as Aldo Mazza and Allan Molnar among others.
Many thanks to our KoSA NYC sponsors: Sabian, Evans, LP Music, Vic Firth, Remo, Lang Percussion, Promark,Toca, Istanbul Agop, Tama, DW
KoSA Cuba 2011 rocks the island...
KoSA Cuba held its annual workshop and festival from March 6-13,2011. This year's program was jam packed with conferences, hands on classes , private lessons and evening concerts in historic Havana.
The week started with a conference & introduction to Cuban music by the distinguished and renowned ethnomusicologist Dr. Olavo Alen, giving the participants an overall view of Cuban culture, music and its various genres. Followed by a personalized introduction tour to Old Havana and other historic sites .
Conga drums classes were conducted by top artists: Tomas Ramos "El Panga" Julio Lopez from Klimax, and Yaroldi Abreu from Irakere and Chucho Valdes. Timbale classes were conducted by Jean Roberto Figueroa from Klimax with his personal "Timba Rhythm" approach to that instrument. Special guest, Roberto Smith who is the inventor of the new foot maraca shaker manufactured by LP ,demonstrated the ultimate independence in performance as a solo percussionist covering all the percussion parts .
The legendary Timbalero, Amadito Valdes (of Buena Vista Social Club fame), spoke about his philosophy and approach to soloing while demonstrating the classic way of playing Danzón. He also showed the "Abanico" roll, and his unique bell patterns for Guajira, Son and Mambo.
Drumset was taught by Juan Carlos Rojas "El Peje" ( chucho Valdez drummer) and session drummer ,Oliver Valdes ,each exemplifying their own unique and creative approach to Cuban rhythms on the drumset. Some of the drumset rhythm adaptations were Abakua, Pilon, Mozambique and Latin Jazz. Assisting with translation and "hands on" instruction were Aldo Mazza and Memo Acevedo .
Exciting highlights of the workshop were a special class with Cuban percussion group Percuba Ensemble teaching rumba as well as special traditional concepts in performance . Seeing Amadito Valdés, Oliver Valdes, Jesus and Yuliet Abreu from 'Los Papines' and Enrique Pla do an impromptu jam/Descarga. KOSA participants were also given the opportunity to see various electrifying live performances with top Cuban artists and dance troupes throughout the week such as Enrique Pla, Changuito, Rodney Barreto, Ruy Lopez Nussa, Giraldo Piloto and Klimax, Cuba's top female drummers Yissy,Naile and Yuli,Yoruba Andabo, the legendary Rumba groups Los Papines and Muñequitos de Matanzas, and one of the top bands today, 'Pupy y los que son, Son'.
The winners of the national percussionist contest performed live and received prizes of drums, congas, timbales, bongos and cymbals offered graciously by LP, Sabian,Evans and Mapex.
The week was a tremendous success and exhilarating experience for everyone. For 2012, KoSA Cuba /Havana drum festival will take place March 3-10... get it on your calendar!
KoSA Cuba & Havana Drum festival sponsors were : LP, SABIAN, EVANS, and MAPEX
KoSA China 2010
Montreal, July 27, 2010 – KoSA Music founder Aldo Mazza has just returned from a trip to Tianjian and Beijing, China, where he served as a special instructor to to one of China’s most prominent music academy’s growing percussion program.
"China is aggressively pursuing music education, " states Mazza. " This particular academy has 40 locations throughout the nation of China. The program I was asked to present at was a one week intensive workshop for both students and the academy’s faculty.”
Mazza presented master classes on drum set and djembe, as well as performed on drums, djembe and Latin Percussion instruments.
"I found the students and faculty to be extremely enthusiastic about learning the techniques and nuances of other culture’s drumming styles. These people are on a mission to be the best they can be at everything, and this includes their knowledge and performance ability with the music and techniques of other cultures, specifically, rock, jazz, fusion, afro-cuban, African, latin and world music.”
About Aldo Mazza: Aldo Mazza is Founder and Artistic Director of KoSA Music, and a member of the internationally acclaimed percussion ensemble, Repercussion. He is an internationally recognized drummer, percussionist, recording artist and clinician/educator. He has recorded with such artists as Celine Deion, Jon Bon Jovi, Nikki Yanofsky and Aldo Nova; and has performed live with such artists as James Brown, Chris De Burgh and Oliver Jones.
About KoSA Music: In 1995, a group of like-minded individuals began the groundwork for the KoSA experience, creating from scratch-the faculty, the identification of facilities, the course structure and events for an expanded educational and experiential experience. KoSA believes music is the only universal language, transcending all social, economic, cultural and political boundaries. Within every KoSA project, the core philosophy is that with the sharing of music, the world works better; much better. All who experience a KoSA event have found that the "sharing" that occurs, is multi-faceted--not only do KoSA participants learn from the Masters of their craft, but the Masters learn from the participants and from each other. KoSA has headquarters in Montreal, Canada, and presents clinics, festivals and workshops world wide.
Mazza’s clinic presentations in China was sponsored by LP, Sabian and Evans.
July 2010 - KoSA Centre des Arts, Montreal
KoSA Rock Band Camp
Play in a band, perform in a concert, work with experienced professionals while learning the ins & outs of the music industry.
July 27–Aug 1, 2010 – Castleton, Vermont
KoSA 15 Summer Workshop, Camp and Festival
Memo Acevedo, Marcus Santos, Mario DeCiutiis, Bill Bachman, Dom Famularo, Paul DeLong, John Beck, Aldo Mazza, Allan Molnar, Liberty Devitto, Anders Astrand, Lou Robinson, Jim Royle, Jeff Salisbury, Rick Van Horn, Glen Velez, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, John Riley & more.
>Learn More Here
Saturday May 15, 2010 – KoSA Centre des Arts
Changuito Workshop / Clinic & Concert
KoSA will present a historic workshop / clinic with the legendary Cuban percussionist, "Changuito" (Grammy recipient and man responsible for SONGO). Later that night, Changuito will also perform live at the KoSA Centre des Arts with special guests Walfredo Reyes Sr. and The Cuban Martinez Show.
Workshop Date: May 15 — 1-4pm $55
(timbales, conga, drumset)
Concert: May 15 — 8pm $35
>Learn More Here
>View Workshop Flyer Here
>View Concert Flyer Here
March 21, 2010 - Winnipeg, Canada
The KoSA Winnipeg DrumTalk Festival
Special one day clinics featuring Jim Riley, Curtis Nowosad,
Andrew Stricko, David Stanoch, Aldo Mazza, and directly from Cuba-legendary Giraldo Piloto with
JULIO LÓPEZ SÁNCHEZ & JEAN ROBERTO SAN CRISTÓBAL of Klimax
>Learn More
March 7-14, 2010 - Havana, Cuba
KoSA Cuba 8th Edition - Havana Drum Festival
Participate in a thrilling, one week study program including activities of the Havana Drum Festival – individuals and performing groups are welcomed- open to all.
>Learn More
Oct. 26, 7:00PM - KoSA Centre des Arts, Montreal
Pete Lockett (Peter Gabriel, Jeff Beck)
Award winning musician Pete Lockett is one of the most versatile and prolific percussionists in the World. He has recorded and/or performed with Björk, Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Jeff Beck, Vikku Vinayakram, Ustad Zakir Hussain, The Verve, Texas, Nelly Furtado, Primal Scream, Jarvis Cocker, U Shrinivas, Afro Celt Sound System, Vanessa-Mae, Pet Shop Boys, Hari Haran, Amy Winehouse, A R Rahman and many more!
>Learn More
KoSA New York
One day workshops and clinics with top artists and surprise guests. Plus an evening concert featuring many surprise guests. Proceeds from this event will go to Rick Van Horn's wife's medical fund.
July 30-Aug 2, 2009 - Montreal
KoSA International Percussion Workshops,Camp & Festival
WE STUDIED WITH THE GREAT ARTISTS OF OUR TIME: A week of intensive, hands-on classes, concerts, special sessions, jam sessions
with professional world-class drummers and percussionists.
>Learn More
Sunday, March 29, 2009 - Lehman College - New York City
KoSA New York
A day in New York in an exciting event featuring Bobby Sanabria, Memo Acevedo, Victor Rendon, Aldo Mazza & special guests.
>Learn More
Oct. 19-26, 2008, Cuba
KoSA Cuba -The 7th edition of the KoSA CUBA Percussion Workshops and “Fiesta del Tambor”
We experienced hands-on classes with major Cuban artists, concerts, lectures, historical and cultural visits.
> Read More
Castleton State College ~ Vermont
KoSA USA 08
Thanks to all who joined us for the 13th Annual KoSA International Percussion Workshop, Drum Camp & Festival.
> Read More
KoSA Eleven DVD Launch
Thanks for being a part of the
KoSA Eleven DVD Launch Parties.
NEW YORK
> Check out John Saponara's photos!
TORONTO
>
Check out Neal Burstyn's photos!
Havana ~ Cuba
KoSA Cuba 07
For its sixth edition, the KoSA Cuba Workshops decided to spice things up in a different way by offering participants the unique opportunity to discover the Cuban rhythms and culture of the province of Matanzas, Cuba. “KoSA Cuba 2007: The Matanzas Project” was a cultural exploration of Cuban roots – Matanzas’ style.
> Read More
Vermont ~ USA
KoSA 12
The KoSA experience was much talked about by the pros, attendees and companies that make up PASic, the world's premier percussion event.
> Read More
Havana ~ Cuba
KoSA Cuba 06
The annual Havana International Drum Festival –“Festival Del Tambor” - was held in Havana, Cuba this past October. The event was established in honor of the great Cuban drummer, composer and arranger, Guillermo Barreto (Tommy Dorsey, Nat “King” Cole, Johnny Richards, Chico O’Farril Band), who is the uncle of one of Cuba’s top drummers – Giraldo Piloto. Giraldo Piloto now serves as the Artistic Director of the Festival...
> Read More
Vermont ~ USA
KoSA 11
Nestled in the Mountains of northern Vermont. Johnson State was our original choice for the very first KoSA workshop, and we are grateful to the hard work of the team to help us return.
> Read More
Havana ~ Cuba
KoSA Cuba 05
The fourth edition of the KoSA CUBA Workshops took place in beautiful, historic Havana, Cuba in October of 2005. KoSA teamed up with the “Havana Drum Festival” (Fiesta Del Tambor) – a festival honoring the late and legendary drummer Guillermo Barreto. Canadian artists Charlie Cooley ( Caleb Porter; Manteca) and Aldo Mazza (Répercussion; artistic director and founder of the KoSA Percussion Workshops & Festival; and of the KoSA Academy) were invited by the festival director, Giraldo Piloto (Klimax) to give clinics and to perform to a packed and enthusiastic audience of some 2, 500 people at the “Teatro Nacional” of Havana. New to the already well-established Havana Drum Festival was teaming up with the KoSA Cuba Workshops.
> Read More
Vermont ~ USA
KoSA 10
Not only did our participants benefit from the near-utopian communal aspects of the week, but our faculty members were also completely caught up in the sharing of their tips, experiences and performance tricks with each other. And, as far as our KoSA Festival is concerned, from the opening performances on Monday evening, through Tuesday's powerhouse, Wednesday's AfroCuban/Latin theme, Thursday's astounding performance, the always surprising and wonderful Participants Concert on Friday, and the diverse and electrifying Grand Finale Concert, the week was a complete high for all involved - including the over 2000 members of the surrounding communities.
> Read More
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