Workshop Highlights: Dr. John Burdett Teaches Us the Art of Instrumental Music

Earlier this semester we had an amazing academy wide workshop revolving around skills and techniques from the disciplines in Instrumental Music. Director of Instrumental Studies and Director of Bands at Azusa Pacific University, Dr. John Burdett, taught our academy students the art of instrumental music. He demonstrated and led us through some skill building using the many different kinds of mallet instruments. Furthermore, Dr. Burdett focused on some of the most basic building blocks of music such as the division of time, vibration, and so much more.

WCHS PAA Instrumental Music Director, Stephen Olivas reflected on this academy wide workshop, "The students had hands-on experiences with the basic and finer concepts involved in instrumental music performance. In addition, students were made aware of how these concepts cross over into the disciplines such as theater and dance...". Mr. Olivas further reflected expressing, "Not only did Dr. Burdett present a different perspective on the concepts of instrumental music, he represented (to our students) an active participant in the performing arts industry".

Our students always gain such prospective from these workshops. Junior Performing Arts Academy Instrumentalist, Ansh Kumar (C/o 2025) stated, "Working with Dr. Burdett was engaging, his insights and ideas were unique to me even as a growing musician, and his application of these ideas through different instruments was both helpful and fun". Ansh continued, "My new-found knowledge will not only help me improve my own musicianship, however, it will also allow me to communicate ideas and share ideas with fellow musicians in a more clear and concise manner."

Overall, the Instrumental Workshop was a great success and our students were able to engage with a highly experienced and respected figure in the world of instrumental music. We are so grateful to have had Dr. Burdett facilitate this workshop and are blessed to be able to include him as one of our Teaching Artists.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in finding out more about the West Covina High School Performing Arts Academy and the opportunities it can provide to high school aged students, feel free to visit our website at WCHSpaa.org or you can email us at WCHSpaa@wcusd.org.