Mitch Markovich

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Mitch Markovich
Birth nameMitch Markovich, Jr.
Born (1944-08-19) August 19, 1944 (age 77)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genres drum and bugle corps, marching band, rock, Latin, jazz, gospel, and Contemporary christian music
Occupation(s) Musical artist, educator, clinician, and composer
Years active1957 (1957)–present
Associated actsChicago Royal Airs, Chicago Cavaliers, The Vanguard, Argonne Rebels, Nisei Ambassadors, etc

Mitch Markovich is an American percussionist, composer, educator, and clinician in the areas of rudimental drumming, marching percussion, drum and bugle corps, and marching band. He is best known for his intensive marching snare drum solo compositions and record-setting performances, entitled "Tornado" [RCS 1] and "Stamina", [RCS 2] and for his percussion quartet composition entitled "Four Horsemen". [RCS 3] Markovich's contributions to the style, notation, [1] composition, and performance of percussion have endured over the last five decades. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

He is the only person to have ever become both three-time consecutive undefeated National Champion, and the five-time consecutive undefeated Illinois State snare champion. [2] [3] He contributed to, or was directly responsible for twelve National and twenty-three State, Individual, and Group Championships in the drum and bugle corps marching percussion field. He was a marching member of the National Champion Chicago Cavaliers, and he has instructed, composed, and consulted with them and with other drum corps including the following: National Champion Chicago Royal Airs; the National Champion Argonne Rebels from Great Bend, Kansas; the Santa Clara Vanguard from California;the Nisei Ambassadors from Chicago and the Millstadt Crusaders from Illinois. [2]

Markovich is currently a clinician and concert artist for Pearl Drums and the Evans Drum Head Company. [2] [7] He is a drum set specialist in many styles including rock, Latin, jazz, gospel, and Contemporary christian music.

Career

Student career

Mitch Markovich studied music at Indiana University under George Gaber, and at The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago under James Dutton. He studied briefly under Ludwig Drum Company Clinician and National Champion Frank Arsenault, whose likeness would be later depicted upon the covers of Markovich's Rudimental Contest Series. He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Fort Hays State University.

Teaching career

Mitch Markovich first developed his international reputation in percussion, as a clinician and educational representative for the Ludwig Drum Company. He has taught and performed at major universities throughout the United States including Indiana University, Ohio State University, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas, the University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory of Music, the University of Wisconsin, and Northwestern University. He was the Head of the Percussion Department at Fort Hays State University. He has been on the faculty of the Joy School of Performing Arts.

He has headed clinics and performances at the International Festival of Percussion Art in Warsaw, Poland in 2004, and 2005. [8] He was a featured clinician at the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions in Columbus, Ohio and at Nashville, Tennessee. He was clinician and guest soloist at the 2002 High School All-State Festival of Performance at Arizona State University. He was guest clinician and judge at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Mitch Markovich was a member [9] of the National Championship winning Chicago Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in the 1960s. He was the President of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (N.A.R.D.) from 1976 to 1977. [10] He has performed at the Civic Opera House, and with Dick Schory's Percussion Pops Orchestra at Chicago's Orchestra Hall. Today, he conducts private lessons, is a Pearl clinician, [2] is an endorser of Evans drum heads, [7] and serves in a number of Christian church bands and projects.

Notable students

Markovich's history of students includes university department heads, professional players, teachers, and performers. The following is not an exhaustive list:

Bibliography

Musical

Rudimental Contest Series sheet music, perched atop a modern marching snare drum, with the cover featuring an illustration of Frank Arsenault Rudimental Contest Series portrait.png
Rudimental Contest Series sheet music, perched atop a modern marching snare drum, with the cover featuring an illustration of Frank Arsenault

Mitch's solos were the snare equivalent of Mount Everest ... Do, or die!

Mitch Markovich is the composer of a ten-piece series titled Rudimental Contest Series, published in 1966. This collection of rudimental solos, duets, and quartets ranges from "Easy" to "Difficult"; and it features various combinations of the snare drum, tenor drum, and bass drum.

The collection's greatest enduring impact upon percussion culture may be found in its more extremely athletically rigorous solos for marching snare drum, such as "Stamina" [RCS 2] and "Tornado". [RCS 1] Continuously used as audition and contest pieces over the last five decades, they are widely considered to be traditional standards. [17] Notoriously difficult even for experts, these solos have served as authoritative benchmarks of physical performance and academic correctness. Gregg Bissonette cited "Tornado" as an advanced traditional standard piece, in the rudimental snare section of his training video titled Private Lesson. [18]

Rudimental Contest Series

TitleDescriptionTempoGradeSource
"Stamina"rudimental solo for snare drum132 BPM "Difficult" [RCS 2]
"Tornado"rudimental solo for snare drum130 BPM "Difficult" [RCS 1]
"Four Horsemen"rudimental quartet for two snare drums, tenor drum, and bass drum152 BPM "Medium" [RCS 3]
"The Winner"rudimental solo for snare drum128 BPM "Medium" [RCS 4]
"Just Two"rudimental duet for snare drums128 BPM "Medium" [RCS 5]
"Teamwork"rudimental quartet for two snare drums, tenor drum, and bass drum128 BPM "Medium" [RCS 6]
"Fancy Four"rudimental quartet for snare drum, tenor drum, and two bass drums104 BPM "Easy" [RCS 7]
"Three Minus One"rudimental duet for snare drum, tenor drum, and two bass drums104 BPM "Easy" [RCS 8]
"Countdown"rudimental solo for snare drum104 BPM "Easy" [RCS 9]
"High Flyer"rudimental solo for snare drum104 BPM "Easy" [RCS 10]

Literature

Mitch Markovich has authored many articles for the now defunct annual Ludwig Magazine, where he has actively detailed and encouraged the replication of his core techniques and introduced entirely new techniques. He has consistently assured players that his music is not physically impossible, given the optimal technique. [4] [5] [1] [6]

Discography

Recording DateTitleDescriptionSource
1960VFW Nationals Drum and Bugle Corps FinalsBriggs Stadium, Detroit, Michigan [19]
1961VFW Nationals Drum and Bugle Corps Finals [20]
June 3, 19621962 Preview of Champions, Vol. 2Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey [21]
March 30, 1968Civic Opera HouseChicago, Illinois (the source tape of Markovich's and Arsenault's solos was physically degraded, and thus disincluded from the CD) [22]

Reception

"Stamina" is one of Markovich's many rudimental masterpieces. As the title simply implies, it requires demanding technique, strength, and a great deal of stamina ... As the drummer is sweating and struggling to make it to the finish, the audience sees fast and loud drumming that is a simple crowd pleaser.

— Michael Mazzullo, recital program notes from the Howard County Public School System High School G/T Music Program [17]

At first glance his solos appeared too difficult, maybe even unplayable. ... Mitch's solos were the snare equivalent of Mount Everest to a mountain climber; conquer them because they are there! Do, or die!

— Rick Beckham, owner of RudimentalDrumming.com, open letter recommending Markovich for inclusion into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame [3]

I was fortunate to be in the audience for this special night [in 1968] at the Civic Opera House. The Glenview (Chicago), IL-based Drum Corps Digest magazine presented this showcase featuring 10 outstanding drum and bugle corps, along with two featured soloists – Mitch Markovich and Frank Arsenault.

— Steve Vickers, publisher, Drum Corps World newspaper [22]

Now, what have we done with our American NARD rudiments? Well, for one, I am very proud of the fact that we have the best drummers in the world – be it dance, concert or military. ... I could name many more of the famous percussionists who are rudimentally trained – such as Bobby Christian, his son Norman Christian, Frank Arsenault, Mitch Markovich, etc., etc.

— William F. Ludwig, Sr., then President of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers, The Importance of Drum Rudiments [6]

See also

Related Research Articles

Snare drum Type of percussion instrument

The snare drum is a percussion instrument that produces a sharp staccato sound when the head is struck with a drum stick, due to the use of a series of stiff wires held under tension against the lower skin. Snare drums are often used in orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, parades, drumlines, drum corps, and more. It is one of the central pieces in a drum set, a collection of percussion instruments designed to be played by a seated drummer and used in many genres of music.

Drum and bugle corps (modern) Marching group of brass and percussion instrumentalists

A modern drum and bugle corps is a musical marching unit consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, electronic instruments, and color guard. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions. Participants of all ages are represented within the corps activity, but the majority are between the ages of 13 and 22 and are members of corps within Drum Corps International or Drum Corps Associates.

Drum and bugle corps (classic)

Classic drum and bugle corps are musical ensembles that descended from military bugle and drum units returning from World War I and succeeding wars. Traditionally, drum and bugle corps served as signaling units as early as before the American Civil War, with these signaling units having descended in some fashion from ancient drum and fife corps. With the advent of the radio, bugle signaling units became obsolete and surplus equipment was sold to veteran organizations. These organizations formed drum and bugle corps of civilians and veterans, and the corps performed in community events and local celebrations. Over time, rivalries between corps emerged and the competitive drum and bugle corps circuit evolved.

Snare drum technique

Snare technique is the technique used to play a snare drum.

Marching percussion Percussion instruments in a drumline

Marching percussion instruments are instruments specially designed to be played while moving. This is achieved by attaching the drum(s) to a special harness worn by the drummer, although not all marching bands use such harnesses and instead use traditional baldrics to sling their drums.

Drum rudiment

In rudimental drumming, a form of percussion music, a drum rudiment is one of a number of relatively small patterns which form the foundation for more extended and complex drumming patterns. The term "drum rudiment" is most closely associated with various forms of field drumming, where the snare drum plays a prominent role. In this context "rudiment" means not only "basic", but also fundamental. This tradition of drumming originates in military drumming and it is a central component of martial music.

Slingerland is a United States manufacturer of drums. The company was founded in 1912 and enjoyed several decades of prominence in the industry before the 1980s. After ceasing operation in the early 1980s, Slingerland was acquired by Gibson, who briefly revived it and owned it until November 2019, before selling Slingerland to DW Drums, who have announced the intention of re-launching the brand. Slingerland is strongly associated with jazz drummers, such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, who played signature instruments made by the company. Although primarily known for its drums, in the 1930s Slingerland also produced electric and acoustic guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles.

Gregg Bissonette American drummer

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Fred Sanford (1947–2000) was a percussionist, teacher, composer, and clinician. He is best known for his work in the areas of marching percussion, drum & bugle corps, and marching band.

Marty Hurley was an American percussionist, teacher, composer, and music clinician. He is best known for his work in the areas of marching percussion, rudimental drumming, drum & bugle corps, and marching band.

Frank Arsenault American percussionist, teacher

Frank Arsenault was an internationally known American percussionist, teacher, and clinician in the areas of marching percussion, rudimental drumming, drum and bugle corps, and marching band. He was a full-time Staff Clinician and Educational Field Representative for the Ludwig Drum Company. He is also well known in his field for his signature playing style, for his many championship titles, and for his recording of The 26 Standard American Drum Rudiments and Selected Solos.

Charles "Charley" Wilcoxon was an American drum teacher and drum method book author. He wrote several influential books on rudimental drumming that are still used by drum teachers today. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.

William F. Ludwig, Sr. American musician

William F. Ludwig was an American percussionist, drum maker, and founder of Ludwig Drums. He helped to create the National Association of Rudimental Drummers and is a member of the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.

John Wooton is an American percussionist, drummer, and professor of percussion. He is the director of percussion studies at the University of Southern Mississippi and has written two books on rudimental drumming.

Carl E. Gardner was an American percussionist, drum maker, and method book author.

The National Association of Rudimental Drummers is an organization created to encourage the study of rudimental drumming. NARD is responsible for the creation of the Standard 26 American Rudiments.

Joseph Burns Moore was a champion rudimental snare drummer, member of the Connecticut National Guard, instructional author, and founding member of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers.

Alfons Grieder was a Swiss rudimental drummer who spread awareness of the Basel Drumming style in America during the mid to late 20th century through his traveling, teaching, and publications.

Jay Wanamaker is a percussionist and the president and CEO of Roland Americas and formerly held executive positions at Fender and Guitar Center. He also worked for Yamaha, Alfred Publishing, and the University of Southern California, and was chair of the Percussive Arts Society rudimental committee that published the 40 PAS Drum rudiments. He has also published over 50 music books and instructional DVDs.

John Sterling "Jack" Pratt (1931–2020) was an American Army drum instructor at West Point as well as a celebrated rudimental book author. Pratt produced several volumes of rudimental solos and instructional materials and was also the founder of the International Association of Traditional Drummers (IATD), a member of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers (NARD), a member of the United States Association of Rudimental Drummers (USARD), and was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) Hall of Fame and the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.

References

  1. 1 2 Markovich, Mitch (1972). "Updating Rudimental Notation, Part 1". Ludwig Drummer. Chicago, Illinois: Ludwig (1972). ISSN   0459-9810. OCLC   6887564.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Mitch Markovich: Overview". Pearl Drum. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Mitch Markovich not chosen this year for DCI HoF". rudimentaldrumming.com. April 21, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  4. 1 2 Markovich, Mitch. "Rudimentally Yours". Ludwig Drummer. Chicago, Illinois: Ludwig.
  5. 1 2 Markovich, Mitch. "Stick Positioning for Better Control". Ludwig Drummer. Chicago, Illinois: Ludwig.
  6. 1 2 3 Ludwig, Sr., William F. (1972). "The Importance of Drum Rudiments". Ludwig Drummer. Chicago, Illinois: Ludwig (1972). ISSN   0459-9810. OCLC   6887564.
  7. 1 2 "Evans Drum Head Artists". Evans Drum Heads. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Pearl Drummer's Forum public calendar". Pearl Drummers' Forum. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  9. ↑ "The Cavaliers: History: 1960, Part 8 of 13". The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps . Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  10. ↑ "History of N.A.R.D." National Association of Rudimental Drummers. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Dean Kranzler biography at FHSU". Fort Hays State University . Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  12. ↑ "Dean Kranzler biography at Bethany College". Bethany College (Kansas) . Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Dean Kranzler biography at Kansas Wesleyan University". Kansas Wesleyan University . Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Instructor biographies at S.M. Hanson Music". S.M. Hanson Music. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  15. ↑ Gary Demuth (July 25, 2007). "For Those About to Rock". Salina Journal. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Hays High grad has hand in new percussion shaker". Hays Daily News. May 30, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  17. 1 2 "Howard County Public School System High School G/T Music Program". Digication & Google. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
  18. ↑ Gregg Bissonette (1990). Private Lesson (VHS). New York: DCI Music Video. OCLC   22866873 . Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  19. ↑ Mitch Markovich. 1960 VFW Nationals (monaural Audio CD, Booklet, and Tray Card). Vol. 2 (61st Annual Convention; digital remaster ed.). Fleetwood Sounds. FCLP2019.
  20. ↑ Mitch Markovich. 1961 – VFW Nationals (stereo Audio CD, Booklet, and Tray Card). Vol. 1 (digital remaster ed.). Fleetwood Sounds. FCLP2048.
  21. ↑ Mitch Markovich. 1962 Preview of Champions (stereo Audio CD). Vol. 2 (digital remaster ed.). Fleetwood Sounds. PC62S-2.
  22. 1 2 Mitch Markovich, Frank Arsenault. Fantasy in Brass II (two audio CDs, liner notes) (digital remaster ed.). Madison, Wisconsin: Drum Corps World. I was fortunate to be in the audience for this special night at the Civic Opera House. The Glenview (Chicago), IL-based Drum Corps Digest magazine presented this showcase featuring 10 outstanding drum and bugle corps, along with two featured soloists – Mitch Markovich and Frank Arsenault.
Rudimental Contest Series sources
  1. 1 2 3 Markovich, Mitch (1966). Tornado (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   7895690. 10-305.
  2. 1 2 3 Markovich, Mitch (1966). Stamina (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   223543970. 10-303.
  3. 1 2 Markovich, Mitch (1966). Four Horsemen (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   31334049. 10-332.
  4. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). The Winner (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   18396862. 10-304.
  5. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). Just Two (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   221069704. 10-320.
  6. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). Teamwork (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   31021512. 10-333.
  7. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). Fancy Four (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   31021525. 10-331.
  8. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). Three Minus One (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   221430739. 10-321.
  9. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). Countdown (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   31491703. 10-304.
  10. ↑ Markovich, Mitch (1966). High Flyer (musical score, booklet). Rudimental Contest Series. Glenview, Ill.: Creative Music, 1966. OCLC   31403367. 10-307.
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