|
|
DRUM SAFARI BIOGRAPHY
After receiving a Masters Degree in percussion from the University of New Mexico, he held the position of Director of Music at East Mountain High School in Sandia Park, NM, where he directed the Rhythm Ensemble, World Percussion Ensemble, Guitar, and Jazz Ensembles. Draper created and implemented a highly successful curriculum, focused on culturally specific world music origins and societal influences. This is where he began facilitating drum circles at community centers and schools.
As an educator Brandon teaches drum set at the University of Kansas, UMKC, percussion director at Shawnee Mission West High School, and music director at Kansas City Academy. He maintains an active schedule as a performer, educator, composer, music curriculum consultant, drum circle facilitator and clinician at locations throughout the country, and strives to motivate and empower aspiring musicians of all ages.
Past Performances: Draper has performed at many festivals, universities, concert halls and conventions in the U.S. including the PAS Day of Percussion in Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, New Mexico Music Educators Association, Kansas and the Missouri Music Educators Associations. His extensive resume includes performances with both the New Mexico and Santa Fe Symphony Orchestras and the Kansas City Symphony. In contemporary and jazz settings, Draper has performed and/or recorded with Ottmar Liebert, Donna Summer, Mose Allison, Steve Coleman, Eddie Daniels, Bruce Dunlap, Steve Masakowskie, Dave Pietro, Brian Jordan, Doug Lawrence, Will Matthews, Bobby Watson, and Kevin Hays. His drum circles and children’s shows have been featured at libraries throughout New Mexico and Kansas, Jiggle Jam 2010, Kansas Art Therapy Conference, and community centers and churches in Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Colorado.
"Folks, Draper's range of ethnic styles has me hooked!" Santa Fe Reporter "Brandon Draper is an incredibly talented percussionist and clinician. His presentations are highly energetic, full of practical information and entertaining." Kevin Bobo "Brandon presented a solid clinic that inspired my students at many levels. In fact, he rolled three clinics into one session - world drumming, music technology, and drum set! I'm looking forward to our next collaboration." Dr. Kurt Gartner “..at times, Draper was a show unto himself” “This thrillingly visual mash-up of birds, human souls, and other Masters of The Universe meets the Neverending Story shenanigans -- paired with percussionist Brandon Draper's excellence in hitting things with sticks -- will make everything in your life okay. “
|
 VIDEOS/PRESS  |
|
As a child growing up in a musical household, Brandon Draper started drum lessons at the age of 5 and discovered his passion for creating and recording music while sitting in with his father's blues band, experimenting with four-track recorders, and spending hours at his drum set. Today, Brandon combines his talent for creating music with an exceptional ability to educate and inspire.
In 2006 he relocated to Kansas City and quickly became close friends with “Bongo Barry” Bernstein, leading drum circles, recording projects and looked to him as his mentor in music therapy and drum circle activities.
PROGRAMS