Sept. 22, 3003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

A SUMMER OF ENRICHMENT --

SRU DRUMMER GROWS AS MUSICIAN DURING JOB AT DISNEYLAND

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – It’s a part of the college years for most students: Finding a summer job.

           A new twist on the tale played itself out this summer when Slippery Rock University senior Patrick Kennedy, of Butler, qualified to became the drummer for Disneyland’s 2003 All-American College Band. Only 20 college students in the nation passed Disney’s audition to join the elite band for 11 weeks.

            “It was the best musical experience of my life,” Kennedy, a music education major, said. “I grew as a musician, and it enabled me to practice many of the techniques I learned at Slippery Rock.”

           Participants were selected during an eight-city national audition tour. Kennedy auditioned in Washington, D.C. Duane Duke of the Disney Entertainment Work Experience Program said 400 students tried out. 

           Kennedy, who wants to teach percussion at the college level, delighted thousands of Disneyland guests by pounding the beat to jazz, big band, show, marches and rock-and-roll tunes. He also participated in clinics conducted by leaders in the entertainment industry, making for a very productive summer job.

           "Having performed two summers in the Disney All-American College Band myself, I canhonestly say that there are few musical experiences as valuable to a young musician’s growth,” said SRU’s Dr. David Glover, assistant professor of percussion.

             Glover said the program gives musicians professional-quality experience and pushes them to a higher level of performance. “Pat is one of the finest musicians we have had here at Slippery Rock University, and his involvement in the Disney program places him in the national elite as well," he said.

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