Learn about our talented percussion instruments private instructors:
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Paul Ross (Steel Drum) is founder and leader of the midwest’s most accomplished professional steel band, Pan Go. and holds a Master of Music in Steel Pan and a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from Northern Illinois University. A prolific composer, Paul’s collection of original compositions for steel band and steel pan solo are available from his publishing company Pan Press, Inc. In 1987 he founded the Elgin Community College Steel Band program. While at ECC he composed prolifically for steel band, writing 35 original pieces and arranging close to 100 others. In 1998 Paul produced “Full Circle,” the ECC Steel Band’s first CD, which included 3 of his compositions and a commissioned work by Trinidad steel pan legend Ray Holman. Paul has been directing the Harper College Steel Bands since the spring of 1998. During that time Harper’s advanced steel band has become one of the finest community steel bands in the nation. They have specialized in premiering new works for steel band. Paul has made three trips to Trinidad and Tobago, the home of the steel band, to perform in Panorama and the first World Steel Band Festival. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, Carnegie Hall, and on tour in Germany and Switzerland.
Darren Scorza (Percussion) began undergraduate studies at Eastern Illinois University in 1989. There he studied percussion with Johnny Lee Lane, and Jazz with Henry Butler. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1993. Since returning home to Chicago in 1994, Darren has worked as a freelance musician and private percussion instructor. He has had the pleasure of performing with many jazz artists, including Bobby Enriquez, Richie Cole, Kevin Gainer, & Kevin Cole. He spent two years as the house drummer at Chicago’s famed Pump Room with Singer Jim Rollins. He has also recorded with many local artists including Michele Thomas, Ted Hogarth, Ari Seder, and Hard Art Groop. Darren also has led the Big Joe’s Sunday Night Jazz Jam for three years. Darren has been percussion instructor for Maine South High School in Park Ridge, IL. since 1995. He also teaches at Notre Dame High School and Wunder Studios. Darren was the drummer for the “Tribute to the Rat Pack” show at the Royal George Theater in 2006. Recent recordings include Ari Seder’s Organ Trio, Jeff Hedberg’s C11 & Margie Gibson’s All We Need to Know (both now featured on Itunes). He is currently working on Michele Thomas’ new recording titled Messenger. If not drumming, he wastes too much of his time following hockey, doing bad impersonations and comedy, and has renewed his love for Van Halen & and the Police.
Harper College CE 