Drummer Takes Skills to the Next Level

Drummer Takes Skills to the Next Level
  • Arts
  • High School
Douglas Brittain

I learned that teamwork is really important.

Introduction  Mei Yamada was one of three drummers to be selected by audition to be a part of the prestigious AMIS Honor Big Band.  Mei represented Seisen in the Combo and Big Band performances at the AMIS Jazz Festival in Düsseldorf.  

Full name and grade:
Mei Yamada, Grade 9

Artistic passion:
Drumming

drummer

When did you start playing drums, and what made you decide on the instrument?
 2nd grade.  I started liking it most when I started playing with our school jazz band.

What was your experience like playing as a combo in the AMIS Jazz Festival? 
 It was great that I got to meet so many dedicated music students.  They were all so good, and I was able to bond with my combo members. I learned that teamwork is really important.  On the first day we weren't as close, but as the days went by, we got to know each other better, and it became easier to communicate and share our creative ideas. At the performance, there was one part that didn't go as planned, but we were able to resolve it on the spot without a problem. 

What was it like to play with the AMIS Honor Big Band? 
Although the festival was only 3 days, it felt like we had been preparing for years. Although there were only 18 people in the Big Band, it sounded like there were more members due to the power and quality of everyone's playing.  I don't know how we put the concert together in two days, but the performance at the Gala Concert was even better than the rehearsals.  It was an honor to play with them. 

What are your next goals as a drummer? 

The more experienced drummers had a lot of power and creative fills, so I hope to improve my overall skills to take my playing to the next level. 

 

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