WA Conservatorium Percussion Ensemble 1988

5 6 PERCUSscene Issue 22

GaryFrance

PERCUSA U S T R A L I A ’ S # 1 P E R C U S S I O N M A G A Z I N E

ISSUE 22Jan/Feb/Mar

2018

By Daniel Susnjar

Passionate, dynamic, creative, game-changing, innovative, trendsetting, trailblazing, fearless, dedicated, tireless, inspirational,

artistic – these are a few words used to describe Gary France and the enormous impact he has had on the lives of countless

bandmates, musical colleagues, students and friends throughout his career.

With humble beginnings in Syracuse, New York, USA in the mid 1960’s, Gary has gleaned wisdom, skill and advice from leading

American drummers, percussionists and composers to become one of Australia’s foremost champions of the percussive arts – a

visionary leader, artist, musician, drummer, percussionist, timpanist, composer, ensemble founder/director, educator and mentor to

many of Australia’s finest musicians.

Since arriving in Australia some 30 years ago, Gary has helped to change the perception of the percussive arts in Australia –

continually creating initiatives which place the drumset and percussion in the spotlight whilst offering opportunities to talented

up-and-coming performers and composers. He singlehandedly created new musical ensembles which heightened excitement in

Australia for creative and concert music including the WA Conservatorium of Music Percussion Ensemble (aka “Defying Gravity”),

the Perth Jazz Orchestra and the Australian Marimba Ensemble – and helped to propagate this fresh new energy by collaborating

with many of the world’s foremost drumset/percussion performers and clinicians (including Dave Samuels, Trilok Gurtu, Kalani,

David Friedman and Fritz Hauser).

One of Gary’s trademarks as an educator lies in his willingness to share from his deep pool of knowledge in the fields of jazz,

classical and ethnic music (as a world music performer, his own personal research has led him to India, Africa, Brazil, Cuba and

South East Asia). His students have gone onto the become the next generation of Australia’s top percussive arts experts, with many

of them teaching in highly-respected tertiary institutions throughout the country.

As can be read in the testimonials at the end of this article, Gary is treasured amongst the many students whose lives he has

positively impacted. Speaking from my own personal experience, I can say that being around Gary and working with him is always

inspirational, always thought provoking and always fun!

Read on to discover the amazing legacy still being forged by the one and only Gary France.

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“The Illiad 2017” photo by Kimmo Vennonan

BEGINNINGS Gary France was born on October 28, 1957 in Syracuse, New York, USA. He began playing the drums at the age of eight, studying with well know Syracuse musician Herb Flower. In 1973, he was selected as the drummer for the New York All-State concert jazz band, beating out competition from the New York City area. In 1975, Gary began undergraduate studies at the State University of New York (Postdam) Crane School of Music – during which time he studied under celebrated percussionist performer/educator Jim Petercsak. While at Potsdam, Gary augmented his studies through intensive lessons from Leigh Howard Stevens, Dave Samuels and Don Alias, to name a few. By the time he had completed his studies at the Crane School, Gary had fostered not only his passion for drumset and percussion, but was also exposed to 20th century contemporary composition and ethnic musics from around the world. This holistic view of music performance and composition was to play a huge part in Gary’s later career upon relocating in Australia in the 1980’s. Following graduation from the Crane School with a Bachelor of Music Education degree, Gary began his Master of Music studies at the prestigious University of North Texas – studying with Robert Schietroma, Doug Howard and the legendary teacher/mentor Ed Soph – who Gary first met while attending his first Jamie Aebersold camp in 1973. Making a name for himself as a highly skilled big band drummer, and percussionist, Gary performed in the UNT Two O’Clock Big Band and toured Taiwan with the UNT Jazz Singers. Gary was also selected as the first and only drummer/percussionist, in the fifty-year history of

the program, to direct the prestigious Jazz Lab Bands at UNT (Six O’Clock and Nine O’Clock bands).TRAVELLING TO A LAND DOWN UNDER In 1986, Gary embarked on a musical adventure that was to change his future dramatically. Following the legendary 1983 UNT One O’Clock Big Band Australian tour, the university received contact from the WA Conservatorium of Music inquiring about potential drumset lecturers for a position opening in Perth. Gary applied for the job, was awarded the position and immediately relocating to Western Australia. Describing Gary’s 1986 appointment at the WA Conservatorium of Music by eminent Australian musician Richard Gill, in his 2012 book “Give Me Excess of It” – “The Musical Tornado Gary France had an almost immediate impact on percussion nationally.” That same year, Gary undertook a nine-city drum clinic tour throughout Australia and New Zealand – sponsored by Yamaha, Remo and Zildjian. It could be said that in the 1980’s, jazz and classical music education programs at Australian tertiary music institutions were two separate entities, with little to no opportunity for students to experience both disciplines as part of their every day class activities. Being the product of a wide array of musical styles and influences, Gary began to break new ground in Australian music education – developing programs merging jazz and classical studies. Founded in 1988, the WA Conservatorium of Music Percussion Ensemble (now known as “Defying Gravity” – directed by Tim White) did just that – bringing together students from both fields of study and generating a formidable list of award-winning, nationally recognised Western Australian performers including Chris Tarr, Ric Eastman, Alison Eddington, Evan Jenkins,

Nicole Turner and Michael Pigneguy. Although a busy educator, Gary maintained a keen focus on his jazz and classical performance skills – performing with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra and freelancing with visiting artists including James Morrison, Richie Cole, Nat Adderley, Dale Barlow, Jim McNeeley, Urbie Green, John Clayton, Emily Remler and Clifford Jordan, to name a few. During this time, Gary also created the Percussive Arts Society Australian Chapter (1987) and contributed a feature article to Percussive Notes magazine detailing Australian percussion ensembles, percussion education

programs and major Australian percussion works. His work singularly helped to put Western Australian percussive arts activities on the map, blazing a trail for innovation in percussion including the performance of important 21st century percussion works and commissions. Gary also commissioned the manufacture of specialised instruments including a chromatic 3-octave set of tuned cowbells built by former WA Con music technician Chris Murdoch, along with a one-octave chromatic set of boobams/octobans built by legendary WA drum maker Chris Brady. He also strove to provide outstanding WA Con students with opportunities to undertake study outside of Australia and receive credit towards the completion of their degrees, providing key leadership in establishing a student exchange program in 1989 between The Crane School and the WA Con sponsored by Westralian Sands Ltd. The 1990’s saw Gary initiate numerous high-level activities and innovations in

Australian music, and further expand his own musical studies. In 1991, Gary founded the Perth Jazz Orchestra (PJO), featuring visiting artists including Dave Weckl, Mickey Tucker, Don Burrows, John Hoffman and many more. The formation of this ensemble opened up further opportunities for Western Australian musicians to gain crucial experience performing with world-class visiting artists, as well as providing WA composers and arrangers with opportunities to write for this premier Western Australian large jazz ensemble – courtesy of the Perth Jazz Orchestra composition awards. Forever keen to avoid being pigeonholed, Gary sought to follow his deep passion for ethnic music and in 1993, travelling to India for performances with pianist Mike Nelson and in-depth study with percussive master T.A.S. Mani. In 1994, Gary travelled to East Java as a representative of the W.A government for jazz performances and in-depth studies in Indonesian Gamelan music. Following on from these experiences, Gary created the Heartbeat multi-cultural Music Festival in 1995, featuring

internationally renowned percussionist Trilok Gurtu along with an A-list cast of Australian drummers and percussionists. Commissioned by the City of Fremantle, this event allowed local musicians to witness performances and workshops undertaken by percussive experts from a wide array of ethnic backgrounds, and also provided opportunities for acclaimed Western Australian musicians to share their skills and knowledge. It was during this very prolific time that Gary joined Grammy award-winning artist Lucky Oceans’ band “Dude Ranch”. Their inaugural CD received outstanding reviews, and was heralded as “...one of the most accomplished country music albums ever released in Australia.” Bruce Elder, Rolling Stone Magazine, March, 1993. By this time, Gary had created a standard of drumming and percussion excellence in Western Australia which was recognised

around the country - with his students taking out awards including Australia’s Best Up and Coming Drummer (Ric Eastman in 1994 and Chris Tarr in 1995) and ABC Young Performer of the Year (Alison Eddington in 1995). In addition, Gary released his first CD of percussion music in 1995 entitled “Works for Percussion,” featuring commissioned works from outstanding American and Australian jazz pianists. Another important commissioned work (as yet unreleased) was Mike Nelson’s “Concerto For Percussion and Orchestra,” featuring Gary as a soloist with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra. By the end of Gary’s tenure in WA, he had risen to the Head of Music position at the WA Conservatorium of Music, leaving behind a legacy of unrivalled innovation (including a student exchange program) and excellence for current and future students to aspire toward.

EASTERN STATES BOUND (VIA THE USA) 1997 brought with it great changes in Gary’s life and career. The Canberra School of Music appointed Gary as their new percussion lecturer. However, the events leading to Gary taking this position were challenging for his new family. Says Gary, “My wife Sandra (from Perth, WA) and I were seriously considering relocating to the USA – where we would both undertake further study and raise our two year-old daughter. We were all set to consolidate the move as I had already received a full scholarship to undertake my Doctoral studies, when the Canberra School of Music called.” Similar to his humble beginnings at the WA Conservatorium of Music, Gary went about building music study programs at the Canberra School of Music from the ground up. Initiating new ensembles whilst constantly exploring various ethnic musics was the order of the day, with Gary undertaking further intensive study trips (Africa in 1999 and Brazil in 2001) whilst founding the Australian Marimba Festival Orchestra with Leigh Stevens (2001) – adding Gordon Stout and Kevin Bobo in 2008. A watershed moment for Australian Percussion was the first Australian Percussion Symposium and Eisteddfod (APS&E 2003) convened by Gary France. This symposium – a mini version of the Percussive Arts Society International Conference – gathered

Arts Monthly Cover sm

Gary France Oz clinic tour 1986

Gary France Collection

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“Gary taught me the importance of focusing on the pocket and efficiency at a very young age. His lessons where really fun and inspirational and just what I needed at the crucial point as a young student!” “I still remember him showing up for our first lesson, I was probably 11 and the first thing he did was remove my second mounted rack tom so he could get the ride cymbal closer and so I would focus on a four piece kit. As a kid I was mortified because I wanted “more” of everything but to be honest it was one of the best lessons I’ve ever learned and I’ve never put that other tom back up after all these years!” Jason Sutter – Drummer Marilyn Manson, Smash Mouth, New York Dolls, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave), and Foreigner

“Gary was my first drum teacher and I was eight years old. I remember being so nervous and excited for each lesson. Gary was so welcoming and friendly to me. In his big bellowing voice he would greet me: ‘Andrew! Ok! Let’s get to it!!’ Gary introduced me to a new world of rudiments and drum corps technique that really excited me. He impressed upon me early on that drumming required my discipline and focus to enable me to grow as a musician. He is a truly gifted musician and a masterful teacher. Thank you Gary!” Andy Fisenden – Guy Sebastian, Pete Murray, Void, K

“I feel very lucky to have had Gary as a teacher, and often remind myself of the many things he taught me about the beauty and importance of music, the essential assets of preparedness and professionalism, and that wherever and whenever you see an amazing percussion instrument you should buy it for your collection!” Bree van Reyk – Synergy Percussion, Paul Kelly, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra “It always amazes me how in hindsight you realise how important certain individuals were to your musical growth, for me Gary France was definitely one of those people, true story.” Evan Jenkins –

Drummer Neil Cowley Trio, voted one of the 7 best jazz drummers in the world by Rhythm magazine, 2014 “Gary France was one of those pivotal, influential teachers you never forget. His input into my career as a percussionist and fellow educator was enormous and I will be forever thankful for his guidance and professionalism during my time at the WA Academy of Performing Arts.” Iain Robbie – Tetrafide Percussion, Instrumental Music School Service W.A. Education Department “The heart of Gary’s teaching is commitment, it’s about being 100% committed- always!” Ric Eastman – Lecturer in Contemporary Drum set at WAAPA, Australian Session Drummer with Hank Marvin, Dave Hole, John Meyer, Lucky Oceans and more

“I met Gary as my teacher at WAAPA in 1988. He had such an exuberance for drums and percussion, and I guess it rubbed off on me – because I still play both to this day. Gary added a percussion ensemble to the course and got all of the drummers involved, it was fun times. He really brought a heightened awareness and insight with him to the scene in Perth…this is pre-internet, and he exposed us all to a bunch of great recordings/videos in his collection that simply weren’t readily available. Gary had, and still has, such a great energy for playing and also teaching. I learnt so much about being a drummer, teacher and percussionist from him, and not just how to play the rudiments – I’m so grateful for that.” Chris Tarr – Lecturer in Jazz Drum set at WAAPA, performed with Dave Samuels, Frank Foster, Randy Brecker, Kenny Drew Jnr, percussionist with the Lion King

“I never knew a more enthusiastic, dedicated, or proactive musician than Gary France- the very embodiment of percussive passion and the ultimate mover and shaker in every sense.” Adam Jeffrey – Principal Timpanist, Estonian National Opera

percussion students and professionals from around Australia to celebrate a week of concerts and workshops featuring Australian and International artist educators. Guests presenters included internationally-renowned drummers/percussionists Steven Schick, Mark Ford, Michael Udow, Michael Askill and many more. All the while, Gary maintained the PAS Australia Chapter – organising concerts and workshops, as well as PAS Day of Percussion events throughout Australia. Earning his stripes as a Canberra-based performer was also an integral part of Gary’s career at this time – working with ensembles ranging from the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Canberra Symphony (with whom he performed William Kraft’s “Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra”), to performing as a timpani soloist in Toru Takemitsu’s concerto “From Me Flows What You Call Time” with the Auckland Philharmonic. His orchestral activities also extended to picking up the baton to conduct major works for orchestra and percussion by Reich, Ginastera and Cage – including feature appearances at the Canberra International Music Festival. Following a continual passion to serve in the community as an inspirational leader in drums and percussion, Gary initiated a host of new events during his tenure at Canberra School of Music (which he directed in 2005).

It is important to note that many of the below events had simply not been conceptualised and/or undertaken on Australian soil prior to Gary’s direction – these were game-changing events which helped to increase the Australian public’s awareness and respect for music performance, music education and the percussive arts – all cultivated in our own backyard and undertaken through collaboration with Australia’s peak music bodies including the Australian Youth Orchestra, the Australian National Academy of Music and the Australia Council for the . Events including the Rhythms of Life Percussion Festival in 2002 (with the DRUMatiX Percussion Group), the Australian National Percussion Symposium in 2003, the Australian Music Educators National Conference 2005, the Australian International World Rhythms Festival in 2008, the Australian Marimba Festival in 2008, the Percussive Arts Society Australia Days of Percussion in 2012 and 2013 and the Percussive Arts Society Australia National Drum and Percussion Camp in 2014 speak volumes for Gary’s giving nature as a performer, educator and events director – seeking to bring people together through a shared love of music. His willingness to freely impart his knowledge and to present aspiring musicians and educators with career-

changing opportunities could be perhaps be seen as Gary’s everyday behaviour. Following on from more intensive ethnic music studies – this time in Cuba in 2004, Gary was given the prestigious opportunity to join the Percussive Arts Society board of directors in 2007, of which he has been a member since 1976. In amalgamating a wide array of ethnic and modern musical influences, experiencing a huge variety of musical situations from every conceivable artistic vantage point, and amassing an unsurpassed collection of traditional and custom-built personally commissioned percussion instruments, Gary’s reputation as an expert performer, composer and sound design artist was solidified on an international level. Gary’s projects at this time included composing the sound design and music for the Australian premiere production of QED by Peter Parnell (West Wing), Video Phase by Steve Reich with performances at the Taiwan-Australia New Media Art Symposium in 2006 and KOSA International Percussion Festival in the USA in 2006, collaborative composition and performance for the Southeast Asian segment of the 15th Asian Games opening ceremonies in Doha in 2006, the New Directions Music Festival in Singapore in 2005, as well as the Australian Percussion Gathering in 2010. He kept great musical company throughout these activities, collaborating with world-class artists including Fritz Hauser, Kalani, Giovanni Hidalgo and Antonio Sanchez. As an educator during his tenure at the ANU Canberra School of Music, Gary developed programs in the fields of classical percussion, music technology, world music and electronic music, and ushered in new ways of delivering classes – including the establishment of an electronic drumset lab.

NEW FRONTIER – NO TIME FOR REFLECTION After nearly 30 years of tertiary music service in Australia – singlehandedly building not one, by two Australian percussion departments into highly recognised programs delivering world-class graduates, Gary made the brave choice to avoid complacency and to move forward with new ventures on his career horizon. He retired from the ANU School of Music in 2014 to move his energies into opening one of Australia’s premier drums/percussion stores and music academies called “Groove Warehouse.” Located in a custom-built facility in Hume, ACT designed to merge entrepreneurial leadership with artistic and educational expression, the Groove Warehouse services drummers and percussionists throughout Australia via their highly successful online store, and has presented drumset/percussion clinics at the Groove Warehouse Academy featuring world-renowned artists including Virgil Donati, Kuniko Kato, Ari Hoenig, John Riley George

Kollias, Gregg Bissonette, and many more. During this time, Gary also became the inaugural Features Editor of PERCUSscene Magazine, publishing over 50 interviews and articles about Australian and international musicians including Gary Burton and Peter Erskine. PERCUSscene magazine has helped greatly to raise the profile of Australian percussionists throughout the world in the fields of classical, studio, jazz, latin and pop music. Gary’s latest project perhaps best sums up his sense of taking on new challenges head-on – leading a 7-piece latin group (with Gary on vibraphone) performing the music of latin jazz innovator Cal Tjader. He is in the final stages of completing his debut recording with this project, and will be touring in 2018. His recent recording and performance activities in Western Australia with this group also tied in with featured 30th anniversary celebration performances with “Defying Gravity,” the WA percussion ensemble which he founded. As is reflected throughout this article, Gary France’s career has not simply been based upon the pursuance of one specific goal. He has maintained his youthful passion, combined it with a holistic musical outlook and has successfully synthesised all of this into an incredible career which has not only taken himself around the world many times over, but has provided opportunities and inspiration for countless others to do the same.

For more information on Gary France, visit:http://garyfrance.comhttps://www.groovewarehouse.com.au

Follow Gary on social media:https://www.facebook.com/The.Groove.Warehouse https://www.instagram.com/garyfrance7

Here are some heartfelt reflections from Gary’s former students

Groove Warehouse Groove School 2016

AUDW 2012 Drum Competitions Judging Panel

PAS Australia Lifetime Achievement AwardsGary, Graham Morgan, Frank Corniola & James Bailey.

John Beck and Gary France PAS International Award 2012

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