Phoenix grad and rising music star hosts drum clinic

by Submitted article | June 18, 2014 4:43 pm

As a John C. Birdlebough High School graduate, Kayleigh Moyer has deep roots in the Phoenix community and its music scene, so it was only natural for her to return to the district and show Phoenix students some tricks of the drum trade.

According to middle school band teacher James DeMauro, he had a hunch that Moyer was destined for success when she was just in middles school.

“You just knew she was something special when she was in fifth grade, and now she is on her way to becoming a world-class star,” he said.

Although Moyer is busy recording and performing in Nashville, Tenn., she recently made time to teach Emerson J. Dillon Middle School students some of the techniques she uses to impress music critics. She performed a solo on the timpani drums and showed students the differences in sound that the drum can make based on where it is struck.

“You can really rock out on the timpani drums,” she said as the students asked her questions about her technique.

In addition to receiving instruction from a rising star in the music industry, DeMauro said he wanted Moyer’s visit to serve as an inspirational tool for his students.

“Hopefully they will be inspired and realize that, as with anything, if you put the time and effort into it, you can do anything,” he said. “She’s got a passion for music and her hard work is being recognized now with a drum company endorsement and she’s touring in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. She deserves all of her success and this is only the beginning.”

The up-and-coming star is entering her senior year at Belmont University, where she is studying commercial music percussion.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/phoenix-grad-and-rising-music-star-hosts-drum-clinic/

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