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Christopher J. Kent

Christopher J. Kent (“Chris”) received his Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance from Western Connecticut State University in 1996, where he studied percussion with David L. Smith, principal percussionist with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

Chris has been teaching percussion privately and has taught several High School Marching Band percussion Drumlines and “Pit” percussion ensembles since 1991. He has taught percussion professionally since 1996. Chris' expertise covers all areas of drums and percussion such as snare drum, drumset, mallet percussion, and music theory as well. In addition, Mr. Kent is proficient teaching all musical styles from Concert/Orchestral, Marching, Fife & Drum, Jazz, Latin, and Pop/Rock. Chris teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. In addition, Chris also teaches professional musicians who wish to strengthen weak areas in their playing, such as reading music, drumset coordination, music theory, and drum rudiments.

As a performer, Chris currently plays drumset and percussion with the Nathan Bayreuther Jazz Combo an incredibly talented jazz trio led by pianist Nathan Bayreuther. Before living in Nashville , TN for a brief time, Chris played drumset and sang harmony vocals with Avalon Express, a diversified “dance band” led by guitarist and arranger Ron Murray. Chris was also called upon to fill the drum chair in the band Innuendo, which played many of the top clubs in the southeastern CT area, as well as the Atrium Lounge at Foxwoods Casino. Chris currently plays drumset, percussion, and Timpani in the St. Mary's Mother of the Redeemer church choir and is a member of the congregation as well. In addition, Mr. Kent has been called upon as a freelance percussionist performing at churches, musicals, parades, private parties, weddings, and for professional concert bands and orchestras such as The Norwich Concert Band, Silver Cornet Band , and The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra .

Mr. Kent's diversity as a musician has provided him the opportunities to perform at the following musical venues: In CT: Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Mohegan Sun Casino, Toad's Place, The Garde Theatre; In Nashville, TN: The Stage on Broadway, 3rd and Lindsley, and The French Quarter; In Anaheim, CA: 2006 Winter NAMM Trade Show (Sennheiser stage).

Lessons $20.00 per half hour
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

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