Join us every Saturday, through May 2025, at the Music Connection, LLC in Sycamore, IL!
This music education club will be open to all students, in grades 5th through 12th. Percussionists and non-percussionists are welcome to attend and learn from our reputable teaching staff.
Parents, family, and area teachers are welcome to attend to show support for the students. All drum club sessions are open rehearsals. Here are the upcoming drum club sessions:
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 23 (no session on Nov. 30th)
December 7, 14
January 4, 11, 18, 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April 5, 12, 19, 26
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
** The cost for each session is $ 10 per student (cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal).
All instruments and music will be provided. Students will need to bring their own sticks if possible. Extra sticks are available.
Students will have the opportunity to get additional training and feedback, from professional percussion educators, on various drum line and keyboard mallet instruments each week. This club is open to all percussionists.
** RSVP is preferred at least 24 hours before each session. RSVP to info@themusicconnection.com.
Students will have the opportunity to also learn new technical percussion exercises and cadences and perform at local showcases and community events.
For more information, please email drum club director Ben Weaver at info@themusicconnection.com or call # 815-217-5648.
Additional percussion teaching staff includes SHS alum Jordan Smith and NIU graduate music student Jared Hurn.
Please contact Ben with any questions. See below for staff bios.
Thank you!
—————————————————————-
Ben Weaver — director/instructor/arranger
Ben earned a Bachelors degree in Percussion Performance from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, a Masters degree in Management from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, and a Professional Educators License in K-12 Instrumental Music from Northern Illinois University.
He teaches and freelances around Chicagoland and has instructed/arranged/marched for Music City Legend Drum and Bugle Corps, Racine Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, the NIU Huskie Drum Line, and for various high school and middle school programs, including Sycamore High School.
He strives to help all students be active learners on their instrument, have a good work ethic, and be team players. He currently teaches music in the Sycamore CUSD 427 school district.
Call with any questions: 815-217-5648.
————————————————————-
Jordan Smith — Percussion staff
Jordan is an SHS alum and received his Bachelor’s in Music Performance from NIU. In addition to writing and instructing for the high school, Jordan has works published for chamber percussion and concert band and has also performed in the DeKalb Municipal Band, Jazz in Progress, Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Brass Band, and Rockford Wind Ensemble.
————————————————————-
Jared Hurn — Percussion staff
Jared is a versatile percussionist and drummer and is pursuing his Masters degree in music at NIU School of Music. He recently moved to DeKalb, IL from Wichita, KS, where he received his Bachelor’s degrees in Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies (Drum Set) at Wichita State University in May 2023. Within WSU, he was in the New Music Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Impulse Percussion Group, Jazz Arts Ensemble I and II, Jazz Combos, and Latin Jazz Ensemble. Jared taught privately at Damm Music and was the Percussion GTA at WSU for the 2023-2024 school year. Outside of WSU, he was involved with bands such as Trick Worm (Indie), Happy No Lucky (cover band), and Daydream (jazz fusion/funk), along with various combos. Jared has also taught at Camp Allegro Wichita and recently played in the pit for the production of “Guys and Dolls” with Newton Community Theater. He has also played drums for various churches, the main church being Wichita Bible Church. Jared hopes to build a fun and inspiring experience while teaching percussion.
