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OUR INSTRUCTORS

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Hamburg Percussion, "It's not a Place, It's an ATTITUDE!"
Our qualifications and experience are listed below. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions! It is my Blessing to share my enthusiasm of music and percussion with our students. It is my goal to offer high quality and affordable instruction in a safe atmosphere in the hopes to see our kids succeed with their dreams!

TIMOTHY J. THOMPSON

Owner-Instructor

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Mr. Thompson is a Third Generation percussionist in the Thompson Family. His grandfather, father, and brother are all drummers. And the tradition continues with the fourth generation! Mr. Thompson's youngest daughter currently plays drum kit.

Mr. Thompson's grandfather, Gifford W. Thompson Sr., played in Jazz and Dance Bands in Philadelphia in the 1920's. One of the known bands he traveled with was the "Black Cats." A family story includes him playing on a Barry Collapsible Drum Kit. This made it easier to travel to gigs on the Philadelphia street cars. As he supported his family after his father's untimely death, he traveled to gigs in an old Model T. The story goes, his band would continue to play as each band member would quietly pack up for the evening and hop in the Model T. Giff and the last band member would finish, grab their instruments, and hop into the running Model T outside the back door. This was the only way to make a "safe" exit from gigs without brawling with inebriated dancers who had intentions to continue with the evening!

 

Qualifications and Experience

 

Teaching Experience:

 

Teaching privately since 2011 to multiple students from Elementary to High School level in Western New York.

 

Over ten years’ experience as a High School Percussion instructor and composer for multiple award winning High Schools in Central Pennsylvania and New York. Composed, arranged, and instructed battery and front ensemble music for DCI style field shows and Indoor Guard and Drumline competitions for High School students. Competitive organizations include NYSFBC, Tournament of Bands, Cavalcade of Bands, Marching Bands of America, and the Keystone Indoor Drill Association.

 

 

 

 

Are you a Student? Looking for a stable business arm to launch your music efforts? Or, do you wish to stay involved with PERCUSSION outside your college classes or day job?

 I had multiple mentors and apprenticeships in my career. I am always open to discuss the CRAZY IDEA! I am passionate about keeping MUSIC (especially Percussion!) as part of our schools and for the development of our kids! If you are looking to make cash...there is none...LOL!  But, internships, resume, or CV support...we can talk about those ideas! Feel free to contact me!

Percussion arranging and instruction for award winning drumlines:

 

Orchard Park High School QMB, Orchard Park New York 2017- 2019, Battery Instructor

West Perry High School, Elliottsburg Pennsylvania 1981-1989, Percussion Director 

Cedar Cliff High School, Camp Hill Pennsylvania 1983-1986, Percussion Director

Red Land High School, Lewisberry Pennsylvania 1982-83, Percussion Instructor

Lewistown High School, Lewistown Pennsylvania 1982-1983, Percussion Instructor

Hanover High School, Hanover Pennsylvania, 1979-1981, Asst.Percussion Instructor

Big Springs High School, Newville Pennsylvania,1980-1981, Asst.Percussion Instructor

Performance:

 

“West Shoreman” DCA Senior Drum Corps, Percussionist

Penn State Jazz Band, Played Drum Kit 1982-1984.

Played drum kit professionally from 1981 to 1986 with local rock and jazz bands in Central Pennsylvania

West Shore School District, Red Land High School Marching Unit Drumline, Concert, Jazz, and Percussion Ensembles,  1978-1981

 

Awards & Associations:

 

 

                                

 

 

 

                                - Member of The United States Association of Rudimental Drummers. 

                                   The USARD is dedicated to he Performance, Preservation and Promotion of the Art of Rudimental Drumming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Study:

 

Gary Lenderman, Studied with “Legendary” DCI Drum Corps and High School Percussion Director, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1983. 

 

David Lazorcik, Studied Drum Kit and Jazz Percussion with Dave Stahl Big Band Jazz Drummer, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, 1978-1981

 

Frank Schreiner,  Studied Field Show development and instruction with West Shore School District Music Director, Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, 1982- 1983

 

 

 

 

 - Member of The National Association for Music Education. National Association for Music Education (NAfME), among world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.

 - Member of The Percussive Arts Society: the world's largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages. Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization, our mission is to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world.

TJ Thompson with WTPA Broadcaster and Jazz Drummer Chuck Rhoads drum battle  - 1981

Multiple Award winning Red Land High School Drumline, Lewisberry PA  1978 - 1981

 

-Member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild of America

-Member of the Sabian Education Network

-John Phillip Sousa Award Winner, Pennsylvania, 1981

-Lebanon Valley College Music Festival, Multiple County and District Band accomplishments

-Penn State University Alumni Association and Houghton College Alumni Association, Life Member

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Endorsements:

 

Hamburg Percussion endorses Vic Firth Drum Sticks, Sabian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and DrumDots

 

 

Education

 

Houghton College, Bachelors of Science Degree, Management

 

The Pennsylvania State University, Associates in Arts Degree, Business Administration

 

Summary

 

Strong supporter of our community and development of our children through music.  Accomplished Marketing and Sales Professional, and Business Owner for over 30 years.

 

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