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Dear
KoSA Sponsors: I am sitting on the steps of one building at
Johnson College at Johnson Vermont. I wanted to write you and thank you
for your support of the KoSA 11 percussion workshop that was held this
last week. I attended the workshop for the third time this year. It will
not be the last time I attend I assure you. It was the absolutely and beyond
a shadow of a doubt one of the best experiences I have ever had. This is,
and continues to be, a world-class event with world known instructors (endorsers),
using your superb products. I want to thank you for your support
of KoSA. The workshop is a great vehicle for the viewing, hearing and playing
of your products. I have purchased many of the items showcased by
your companies, and endorsers, as a direct result of my participation in
this workshop. As a matter of fact, KoSA has introduced me to instruments
that I would have never been comfortable playing, much less owning.
Thank you again for your support of the KoSA workshop,
- Sincerely, Keith Allen =================== Thanks
for such an incredible experience......I'm still on a high ! That week
really did change my life.....So many great memories of music and people.
Now's it time to get to work, practice and learn to speak Spanish (for
my next trip to Cuba !).
=================== Hey Aldo/Jolan - Thank you so much for your hospitality and for allowing me to participate in your wonderful event this year. It is truly a unique and educational life experience! I would be honored to be on your faculty again at anytime in the future. I have put up a KoSA Video "Teaser" as a preview to an in-depth feature article that I will be doing on my Web site within the next month or so. http://www.tigerbill.com/media/kosateaser06.wmv - Thanks again! Tiger Bill Meligari =================== Jolan
& Aldo- Many thanks. I was truly blown away by the scope of the
subject matter
- Stay well! Sincerely, Ed Soph =================== Aldo and Jolan did a wonderful job putting together a unique and exciting experience for everyone who attended. The accommodations were pleasant, the location was so beautiful, the people were nice and everyone was friendly. The faculty were incredible. We learned so much! I just started my adventure with drumming and I'm grateful to have discovered these people. I decided I wanted to learn the drums and on New Year's Eve googled 'drum camp' and found the KoSA website. Aldo and Jolan came across as the kind of folks I like to be around and their event sounded exactly like what I was looking for. I went on instinct. Never heard about this before. It exceeded every expectation I had. I hope to go back next year. There were kids as young as 8 and as old as 83. I'm a 37 year old kid. :) What a joy this was for me. I have so much respect for these incredible musicians. More like awe really. Drumming looks easy when you watch any of the KoSA faculty play. (Then I pick up my sticks and I look like that wind-up monkey with the drum and cymbals...much to learn, much to learn:) I'm still taking it all in and I've been home for 10 days! We had so much fun. Thank you very much for your support of this organization and the KoSA drum camp. - All best regards, Kathy McCurdy =================== "Dear
Aldo and Jolán,
- Enthusiastically, Marisa Leva ( PA, USA)." =================== I enjoyed
very much the Mini Kosa organized by Aldo Mazza on june 2 and 3 in Montreal.
J'ai
vraiment apprécié la fin de semaine du mini KoSA Montréal
car cela m'a aidé à développer
- François Laliberté =================== As
a professional drummer and music educator I highly recommend attending
the KoSA Festival for student and professional players. In this setting
you can learn from the fantastic teachers and also from the students that
are learning from these teachers. Everybody has something to offer
at KoSA.
- Glenn Ceglia, Author of Eighth Note Rock For The Beginning Drumset Student =================== Thank you again for an unbelievable experience. I was a little apprehensive about my second KoSA. The reason being I couldn't see how the first could be topped. I should not have given it a thought. Like life, we get exactly the experiences we need and are ready for. My first KoSA was like looking at a masterpiece, say a Van Gogh, from a distance. It was extremely beautiful and engaging. My second KoSA was like standing a foot or so away from it. I was more involved with some of the finer points of the composition. I am looking forward to KoSA 11 and it's musical brush strokes. - Keith Allen =================== The testimonial of my experience at KoSA can only be found in my gratitude. But, how do I thank you for the ten thousand moments of education, sharing and music. How do I thank you for the honesty, the soulfulness, the brilliance that is Kenwood Dennard and his ability to make me more. The letter that I wrote that allowed me to find KoSA, was about a boy who was hearing impaired and my belief that he could be a great musician and then walking into Kenwood's class and having my belief validated in Kenwood's amazing accomplishments. How do I thank you when as I sat with his Father a fourteen-year-old boy made our hearts burst with pride as we all jumped to our feet in standing ovation and you heard the word "prodigy" whispered around the theater. How do I thank you when driving home with the man that made me want to play the Drums tries to teach me about the business and the life of a Rock and Roll legend. Imagine my surprise when Liberty DeVitto admitted to being nervous and intimidated to be playing with these amazing artists that came from everywhere to be at KoSA. I told him that we marveled at the artistry of Walfredo Reyes, Jr., and stood awed at the artistry of Jeff Hamilton and that we were astounded at the speed of Richie Flores' hands. But, when Liberty took the throne-we got up to dance. His eyes lit up as he said, "really?" I said, "Yeah, man! And don't ever say that again. Besides, next year with a little luck, Weckel will be here, maybe Gadd..then you'll really have something to be nervous about. We laughed, my Rock and Roll legend felt a little better. Then Arnie Lang told us stories of working with Leonard Bernstein. How do I thank you for Walfredo Reyes., Jr. I told him about Brandon. Brandon is one of my students. He is a thirteen-year old. He has talent and he's bright and he has desire and he has chops. He also has tremendous support from very loving parents and a wonderful future in music. A week of so before leaving for the KoSA festival I learned that Brandon was very sick and would probably never play the drums again. In an art that has never given me a moment of pain, only joy, I was devastated. I wanted to give up teaching. Walfredo stood with me in the middle of the campus, in the middle of the night, with a sore throat for one hour helping me find another way. He spoke of Eddie Tuduri and gifted artists and the positive force that we can all be for those of us wounded. After listening to Walfredo's almost super-natural artistry on his instrument who could imagine that his heart would dwarf his talent. How do I thank KoSA? I'll tell you how. I will go on teaching. I will work as hard as I can to be the best teacher that I can be. I will share my knowledge with anyone. I will be ready to learn from everyone. I will endeavor to play great always. I will share the gift of music with every human being that I meet. I will tell people about the cause, the KoSA, and I will learn everyday. And I will never give up on Brandon...never! After the Grand Finale of last Saturday evening as I was leaving the theater I stopped by the doors to turn and look at the stage one last time. I can see it now and how it sparkled with the instruments to make the music we love. I thought, wow, what has this week been about. Then Francois, the fourteen year old, who amazed us the night before came over and stood next to me. We stood there for a few moments and I knew, somehow, he was thinking the same thing I was. Then he turned and looked at me and smiled.and in his broken English, he said, "Gary, It is Beauty!" I smiled back and said "Yes, Francois, that's it..Beauty." The essence of KoSA will be a part of my heart and my music, always. Thank you Aldo, Thank you Jolan. Thank you to your most amazing staff. - Most Gratefully Yours, Gary Sofferman, a new family member. =================== Many, many thanks for everything you do to make KOSA a reality each year. Our son, Manny, was enrolled for just one day, but the impact it had on him will last forever. The time spent with Walfredo (Reyes) continues to manifest itself in his new appreciation and exploration of Latin drumming. My daughter also came to Saturday night's performance and she has been searching for an instrument now that she will be going to middle school where that is an option. She had been trying out the flute, but at intermission we found her totally engaged with one of the bongo drums in the lobby with a beaming smile on her face. It was truly a moment of rapture for her, so we think she's found her instrument inside her right now. Our best to you and yours, for a healthy, happy, rhythmic year. - Mike, Julie, Manny and Haley Kessler =================== Aldo: It was a pleasure being in KOSA and being with you, Jolan and the whole KoSA family. Unforgettable experience! I will be home soon - can't wait to see the KoSA:10 photos. Let's keep in touch, all the best to you" - Walfredo
Reyes, Jr.,
=================== Great Memories? Yeah, they abound. I wish I could incorporate, in one glorious moment , every thing I learned and felt that week, into my playing. .Practice, practice! - All the best, Herb Harris =================== I wanted to drop you a line to thank you for yet another wonderful experience at KoSA 10 this year. I am continually in amazement of Rylie's ambition and talent, for a ten year old his thirst for musical education is just inspiring. Your workshop is a fabulous outlet for him and for me - while I am not musically inclined; just being in that environment is a treat! Your vision of creating the ultimate percussion education experience has benefited so many, and I want to thank you both and your staff for everything - especially your kindness. - Thank you again, April Carr and Rylie Lynch =================== Dear Aldo & Jolan, congratulations on a great sucess. But more importantly, thanks for the wonderful experience my son Kyle had at this year's KOSA. He has continually commented that it has inspired his playing and love for drumming. He will definitely be back next year. - Thanks again, David McCallis, President, Latin Percussion, Inc. =================== I am Andrew Green's father. He was one of your younger percussionists this past summer. He is attending Interlochen Arts Academy, starting last week. Andrew auditioned for the jazz program at Interlochen this past Saturday. He was selected to play drum set for Interlochen's Jazz Ensemble. He attributes his selection in no small part to KOSA 10, and particularly his time with Mr. Jim Chapin. Thanks again for your fine work. - Regards, Bob Green =================== Hello
to the wonderful people at KoSA. I had the most privilege to attend
KoSA 2004, where I believe the motto was "Feel it." Well I will tell
you I have "Felt it." Since attending your most wonderful creation, my
drumming mind has expanded in ways which I did not know were possible.
The wonderful, warm staff and amazing students are a testament to all that
is good in music, not to mention life. It seemed that no matter where I
turned, I was captivated by the sheer talent and personality that
was presented to me by everyone attending. Some of the most memorable experiences
include: Kenny Arnoff ( Which I had the most grateful chance to see at
one of his clinics in my home town of Barrie, (Ontario) and to my surprise
he actually remembered me. It's just another testament to the intimacy
of the KoSA experience. A week seems way to short to take it all in but
let me say, it felt like a eternity in bliss! I look forward to KOSA 2006,
which I will crawl to if I have to from my new home on Vancouver Island.
To Aldo and Jolan PLEASE find it in yourselves to continue to give the
world the privilege of having such a world exist.
In a magical 24 hour period we witnessed outstanding performances by the 86 year-young legend Jim Chapin and the 10 year-old soon-to-be very sought after drumming sensation, Rylie Lynch, displaying and sharing the very thing that has brought me and many others back to this wonderful event year after year: the passion for drums and drumming. In my 10 years as a participant at this annual event I can honestly say that the KoSA experience remains fresh. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the faculty/artists/staff and to the other participants. Together, it creates create a very special and always memorable mid-summer week of learning. I look forward to KoSA 11! -Take care - we'll see you guys soon, Geoff Lang =================== Hi Aldo, I wanted to let you know how right you were when you emailed that attending KoSA would be a great inspiration for my son Ben. Ben (age 11) attended for one workshop day (my husband Tom accompanied him). They also attended two of the concerts. Ben has not stopped drumming since. And I mean that literally. Since KoSA, he drums every chance he can get. He came back so excited, i inspired, motivated -- It's so thrilling to see him work on his drums. We live in a small village in Vermont, drum teachers are hard to come by and his most recent drum teacher didn't have the connection with him that he's been craving. KoSA showed Ben that there are people out there who take music as seriously as he does. He wants to attend for the whole week next year and is already working on ideas for earning some money to do so. Thank you so much for KoSA! You have made such a difference in the life of a budding musician. - Jennifer Anderson =================== Dear Aldo, Hope you are very well. This is Gustavo from Argentina! KoSA is one of the greatest events in the world, even getting magazine covers! My congratulations to you and all the team of this event for the continued levels of excellence. - Gustavo Meli =================== I had heard about KoSA but never participated. I've taught and performed at these types of gatherings in different countries for almost 20 years, but there is definitely something special about KoSA. Maybe it was the location, the relaxed summer groove, the obviously polished presentations by Aldo and Jolan, or perhaps it was the eagerness of the students. Whatever it was (likely all those things), myself and the rest of the faculty connected in a share-play-and-have-fun kind of mode which was really quite special. I'd highly recommend KoSA and hope I get a chance to make it back there again soon! - Arthur Lipner, Marimba/Vibes =================== "I had to think twice before traveling 9,000 miles from New Zealand to the KoSA International Percussion Workshop. It was worth every mile, and I'll be back!" - Alan Burden, New Zealand =================== "Being immersed in percussion for a week, and spending time learning from the masters, is an incomparable experience. Thank-you KoSA!" - Martha Cipolla, Georgia, USA =================== Vermont Public Radio, TRANSCRIPT (July 29, 2005) (Host) Some of the best known drummers in the world are in Castleton taking part in the tenth annual KoSA International Percussion Worskshop. The unique week long music camp offers hands on classes in everything from jazz, rock and classical percussion to Japanese Taiko drumming, marimba, vibraphone, timpani and more. VPR's Nina Keck reports: (Keck) Sitting in on the morning master class at KoSA's percussion workshop is like getting the sampler platter at a great restaurant. (sound of marimba playing) (Keck) Yuko Yoshikawa demonstrated the jazzy, dream like quality of the marimba. Her performance came complete with tips on the best mallets, striking techniques and talk about where marimba music is headed. A few minutes later, retired, long time Boston Symphony percussionist Arthur Press shared a few snare drum techniques. Then Cassio Duarte brought out a Brazilian botacada. It looks like a tambourine - but sounds, when you play it well, like this. (Duarte plays botacada) (Duarte) "I've been teaching for many years and when people well, playing that Botacada thing is too fast - I cannot play that. But we can do that very slowly and the technique itself, there are a few exercises that will make it a little easier. (Keck) Then Cassio Duarte does what the 140 students attending this year's KoSA workshop eagerly wait for. He breaks down his complicated rhthyms into manageable lessons. (Duarte) The thing is when you play the pandaro, you have to articulate the left and the right hand together. That's the trick. . . . just starting from the basic, finger tips drill like this. Then we can also work with the left hand . . . . one two three four, one two three four." (Keck) After the morning's master class segments are finished, the day's regular course schedule begins. The instructors are a veritable who's who among drummers. You may not recognize their names, but the people they've performed with include: Sting, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Dizzy Gillespie, Phish, Diana Ross, Elton John and Ray Charles - to name just a few. Aldo Mazza, a percussionist based in Montreal, is the founder and artistic director of the KoSA workshop. (Mazza) "Over the years, I've always wanted to create something where I could now bring in my friends who were now my peers - bring them together and have people come from anywhere on the planet to study with these art forms. With no language barriers - have it in a place like Vermont, so it's like neutral territory - it's just a beautiful place and we just get down to music and learning and exchanging." (Keck) Tuition for the weeklong camp is $900 which includes room and board. Mazza says what makes the KoSA workshop so unique is that the teachers and students live together in the dorms. Sixteen-year-old Andrea Pasella from Buffalo, New York says it was a bit overwhelming at first. (Pasella) "It's just like surreal sitting at the table and looking down. There's all these world class performers and the winner of the world marimba contest and you're just sitting there talking to them like it's a casual everyday person." (Keck) 51-year-old Lee Ellison, from Killington has been coming to the KoSA workshops for the past five years and says the egalitarian approach to teaching gives the event an almost spiritual quality. (Ellison) "It's like coming to Mecca for me. Those guys go do their religious stuff and this is my religious thing and I come here for it. People from all over the world come here. There's no place on the planet Earth where you can walk around and see a five year old walking around with sticks in his hand doing chops, and a sixty or eighty-year-old walking around doing chops or teaching chops." (sound of drumming) (Keck) Just before lunch, Kenwood Dennard wraps up his intermediate drum class with some site reading exercises. (Dennards) "Alright I'll make it this way. All of the ghost notes will be on the 8th note rhythms, not on the 16th, so they'll be here." (sound of drumming) (Keck) The thirty students in his class pay close attention, many drumming along on their laps or counting out the beats. (Dennard) "KoSA Atmosphere is so sweet, man. This is what I feel like we need to preserve in this country - This sweet vibe of learning. I'm digging this." (Keck) For Vermont Public Radio, I'm Nina Keck in Castleton. Note: Students will perform Friday at 8 at a public concert at the Castleton Fine Arts Center. Saturday night at 8, it'll be the faculty's turn with a grand finale concert, also open to the public. © Copyright 2005, VPR |