PERCUSSION Mark Shelton
[ WM ] Tell us about how you got started playing percussion?
[ Mark Shelton ] Back in an earlier century, Frank Congiardo walked into my classroom and announced he was starting band students in fifth grade. My parents agreed to rent a snare drum, and I joined the band program in McNairy County, Tennessee. Although I was not super-dedicated in the early years, as time passed my interest in music grew. Nearing high school graduation, my percussion passion led me to the decision to study music in college.
[ WM ] Who were your main percussion influences?
[ Mark ] In my childhood, hearing and seeing Ringo Starr and Micky Dolenz, along with other drum set players, influenced me toward playing drums. My teachers had the greatest impact on my musical development. The aforementioned Frank Congiardo taught me how to hold a drumstick and read music. Greg Stover’ s teaching had a significant effect on my drum set playing. During my college years, I studied percussion with Jim Scott, Gray Barrier, and Harold A. Jones.
[ WM ] Do you do any percussion session work?
[ Mark ] Yes. In decades as a freelance musician, I have worked as both a session percussionist and a producer. In times past, there was a bit of stress involved when playing or producing in a conventional studio setting due to time and money. Nowadays, with many projects produced in home studios and remote file sharing, the process is more relaxed. Last year, I released a new album Mark Shelton and Friends. It only took me three years to complete; it was a VERY relaxed process.
[ WM ] How important is sight-reading?
[ Mark ] In the late eighties when I began freelancing, sight-reading was a common occurrence. You showed up, there was a chart, and you had to come to terms with it quickly. For a percussionist, that could entail not only reading the notation but also making orchestration decisions. The internet has made a significant impact since it is now easier to receive a chart in advance of the gig. However, I continue to practice my sight-reading skills because it’ s still required in some situations.
[ WM ] What are your current gigs and musical pursuits?
[ Mark ] My live solo percussion shows continue to be a major focus. These one-man concerts feature my compositions performed on a variety of instruments such as hammered dulcimer, handpan, marimba, doumbec, bodhran, and cajon, along with looping electronic percussion. Currently, I am a member of the worship team at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, TX, and also play a monthly Shabbat service at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. Drum circle facilitation, teaching professional development workshops for music teachers, and content creation are among the services offered by Mark Shelton Productions. I hope to finish and release a new book in the months ahead.
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