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Brant is now a certified drum Instructor for the new Yamaha Popular Music Program.
Brant is a classically trained percussionist who have earned his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor
of Music Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Music. He is teaching as
a music specialist in the Eastern School District where he teaches instrumental ensembles,
choral and classroom music from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He is currently students in Mount
Pearl, at Reid Music Newfoundland (next to St. John's) Brant has over 14 years teaching drums
and percussion and over 18 years playing experience with various bands and styles of music.
While attending music school, he was a part of the percussion ensemble called the Schruncheons,
under the direction of the late great Don Wherry. He was also involved in the M.U.N Festival
Choir, Concert Band and principle percussionist for M.U.N Jazz Band. He has also performed at
the International Sound Symposium and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra on numerous occasions.
During his time here, his studies extending further than just playing drums and percussion. He
studied several courses in Music Theory, History, Piano, Composition and various educational
method courses. As part of his training to teach in the school system, he also studied
orchestral and band instruments such as brass, woodwinds, strings and guitar.
While in university, he showed great enthusiasm and flare for composing. He composed several
pieces which involved up to eleven percussionists, solo marimba, marimba and piano duets and
drum set duets. In 1997, Brant's piece entitled "Mindscape" earned him recognition in a local
newspaper that was reviewed by a known music critic as being one of his favourites. He continues
his compositions using digital keyboards to perform during his drum clinics and workshops.
Brant has held several drum clinics and master classes at music stores and schools. His first
clinic was held in St. John's at Music City in May 2001 which was a great success. In 2002,
Brant was very honoured to have the great funk drummer Zoro perform a master class at his drum
studio. Brant has also performed demonstrations in music stores in music stores in St. John's,
Halifax and Montreal demonstrating such techniques as ostinato patterns, Johnny Rabb rolls and
polyrhythms. As a part of his education and development he has a attended several drum clinics,
concerts, master classes and festivals featuring drummers such as Gregg Bissonette, Jojo Mayer,
Mitch Dorge, Tony Vederosa, Jonathan Mover, Dom Famularo, Kenwood Denard, Steve Smith, Zoro,
Virgil Donati, Planet X, Mike Portnoy, Hammer of the Gods - Led Zepplin tribute band, Johnny
Rabb, Simon Phillips, Will Kennedy, Vera Figueiredo, Billy Ward, Mike Mangini, Alex Acuna, Tommy
Aldridge and Thomas Lang.
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"Just to be in the presence of these great drummers, is just great
for your mind and soul. You will be influenced, affected and
motivated to get new creative ideas and techniques to add to your
drumming vocabulary." |
In July 2003, Brant organized a Drum Camp which consisted of a program designed to educated,
captivate and motivate drummers of all different ages and levels, to explore the world of drums
and drumming. This camp was such a success that he held another one in 2004 which was even bigger
and better. He is currently working on new programs for 2009.
In January 2004, Brant had the privilege to record several tracks at Great Big Sea's Studio for
the Neal O`Leary`s new CD titled "While I Was Gone". In the Spring and Summer of 2004, Brant toured
with Neal O`Leary to promote his new CD.
Brant is recognized by drumming companies such as Evans Drum Heads, Yamaha Drums, HQ Percussion,
Puresound Percussion, Grover Pro Percussion, & Tycoon Percussion and plays Sabian Cymbals. He is a
member of the Vic Firth educational program and a certified drum Instructor for the Yamaha Popular
Music Course which are held at Reid Music.
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