Vibraphone

This is a video many of us have probably seen, this version is colorized which is cool. 

For me they play one of my most favorite songs 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square'. Also the third song they play is one of Gary's and I love to see how much the audience loves his playing and the song. I imagine Gary just floored musicians and especially percussionists. No one had played like this in 1966. He was the first. A must watch!

I've said this over and over. I don't know how anyone gets good without goals. Maybe there's a way but I don't think so. 
I think not having goals, is like learning how to shoot a bow an arrow with out a target. 

Beginners: 

Really try to memorize 2 of these 3 tunes at least: 

• Maiden Voyage
• Little Sunflower
• Blue Bossa
• Bags Groove

Intermediate: 

Memorize at least one of the beginner tunes and maybe 2 of these: 

If you are really interested in mallet instruments, this is an incredible place to visit! I was blown away the first time I went. 

If you are interested I put all this into NotebookLM an AI notebook. If you want to poke around: 

Tony's broadcast from the museum at the Wells Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research was very interesting. Dr. Frank Kumor described the instruments, and he's really knowledgeable and dedicated to the museum's mission. I'd like to talk with the professor because I grew up six blocks from what was the Musser factory in La Grange Park, Illinois, and when I was a teenager, I got a personal tour from the president. I also got to pick up my M55 at the factory in 1986. I hope Tony will post the video.

Hey everyone,

I’m really looking forward to being part of the upcoming Steve Weiss Mallet Festival in late July and early August! It’s always great to connect with other players in person, and I’m especially excited to work with many of you face to face.

During the festival, I’ll be teaching concepts directly tied to the two video lesson series I’ve been sharing here on VibesWorkshop:

🚨 Soloing Through the Changes Pt. 3 – Diatonic 7th Chord Outlinings on “Minority”

In Part 3, we take our soloing a step further by outlining each chord using full 7th chord arpeggios, adding more shape and melodic possibility to our lines. Still working with Minority, this lesson is about expanding from guide tones to complete harmonic outlines—while keeping strong voice leading in mind.

There is no such thing as a great musician without GREAT time.

I talk a bit about studying chords and voicings. We all have to do it, how are you going to do it? 

Notes for the Aug 2025 Workshop

Each year I think I do things a little differently at the workshops. At least in my mind it seems that way. Or maybe it's just I have a different attitude coming into each workshop each year.

I just love this stuff!