TAPS Tuesdays
TAPS Tuesdays are a free series of interviews featuring Ted Atkatz in discussion with a leading performer or educator.
Each interview is supported by one of our sponsor companies or Artists and includes a giveaway for a live attendant.
Subscribe to TAPS on YouTube to view recordings of previous episodes!
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TAPS Tuesday with Matthew Howard
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Matthew Howard. Matt is principal percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is an alum of USC, New England Conservatory, and the New World Symphony.
This interview was supported by a stick giveaway from Vic Firth. Be sure to check out all of their great symphonic series products!
TAPS Tuesday with
Pablo Rieppi
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Pablo Rieppi. Pablo is a member of the NYC Ballet Orchestra, a regular guest with the NY Philharmonic, and has appeared on many Broadway productions and film scores.
As an educator, Pablo teaches at Juilliard Pre-College, Hofstra University, Rutgers University, the Long Island based program Percussion on The Sound (POTS), and is the co-founder of the online music education program Practice Pro.
His method book “Snare Drum Technique” and composition “Rhythmic Roots” are a staple in many players’ libraries, and he has recently created a set of accompaniment tracks to the Delécluse 12 Etudes.
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TAPS Tuesday with Casey Cangelosi
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Casey Cangelosi. Casey is a composer, performer, and Director of Percussion Studies at James Madison University.
In this episode, Ted and Casey discuss the audition process for university teaching jobs, Casey's journey as a composer, technique maintenance, and lots more. This interview was sponsored by Majestic Percussion, and featured a giveaway of a Prophonic Snare Drum. Be sure to check out all of their great products!
Majestic Giveaway Details
One lucky guest won a Majestic Percussion 14x5" Walnut Prophonic Snare Drum!
This drum has Majestic's signature "Multi-link" strainer, making it perfect for orchestral playing and fine tuning.
TAPS Tuesday with David Yoon
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features David Yoon, Associate Principal Percussionist of the Kansas City Symphony.
David joined the Kansas City Symphony in 2019, and is one of the youngest tenured percussionists in a major US orchestra. He has performed as a guest with the New York Philharmonic, and attended the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music.
This interview was supported by a giveaway from Dragonfly Percussion! Check out their awesome collection of mallets and accessories.
Dragonfly Percussion Giveaway Details
One lucky guest won the following items:
-Hard SC2 Suspended Cymbal Mallet on rattan
-3/4” Black Phenolic on Fiberglass (34B)
-Hard Leather Kick Drum beater (KDL)
TAPS Tuesday with Cynthia Yeh
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Cynthia Yeh, Principal Percussionist of the Chicago Symphony.
Cynthia and Ted talk about her education, audition path, and what it's like on the job in a major US Orchestra!
This interview featured a giveaway from Zildjian Cymbals of a pair of Cynthia's favorite orchestral cymbals!
One lucky winner received a pair of
18" K Constantinople Special Selection cymbals
Zildjian Giveaway Details
TAPS Tuesday with Leonardo Soto
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Leonardo Soto, Principal Timpanist in the Houston Symphony.
In this episode, Leo discusses his career path, advice for students, and how he prepared for his successful auditions.
Leonardo joined the Houston Symphony in 2018, and previously held positions with the Charlotte Symphony and the Michigan Opera Theatre/ Detroit Opera House. This interview featured a free lesson giveaway with Leo.
Parker Lee Interview
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Parker Lee, Principal Timpanist in the Metropolitan Opera.
Parker gave some very detailed examples of how he prepared for timpani auditions, and what he recommends to students and young professionals.
Parker has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2017, and can be heard on numerous broadcast and recordings since then. This interview was supported by Freer Percussion and included a giveaway of several pairs of timpani mallets.
Freer Giveaway Details
One lucky guest received the following items:
C-FS2 “Medium Hard” Felt Core Super 2 on CF
C-CD6 Soft Felt Core Large Cartwheel on CF
Custom Hornwoods on Carbon Fiber Shafts
BCS - Soft Bamboo Cork Core with Thick German Felt
TAPS Tuesday with Stephen Kehner
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Stephen Kehner, Assistant Principal Percussion with the Oregon Symphony!
Stephen and Ted discuss common misconceptions with auditions, how to balance professional life with practicing, and what it takes to win a job.
Stephen has been a member of the Oregon Symphony since 2020, and has also performed with the LA Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony, Utah Symphony, and many others. He is an alum of Florida State University, New England Conservatory, and the New World Symphony.
This interview was supported by Freer Percussion and included a giveaway of several pairs of Stephen's favorite mallets.
TAPS Tuesday with Tim Genis
This episode of TAPS Tuesday features Tim Genis, Principal Timpanist of the Boston Symphony.
Tim and Ted discuss Timpani and Percussion Auditions, mallets, orchestral careers, and more!
Tim has been a member of the BSO since 1993, he is the percussion department chair at Boston University, and the founder of Tim Genis Timpani Mallets.
