Drum Corp/ Rock Band
Brandon is currently teaching two classes in Loyalton's schools. The first class is dedicated to introducing 6th grade students to the various types and cultures of percussion, from rock bands to marching band to various cultures from around the world. This includes listening to music and hands on exercises and music games.
The second class is an after school club for older students looking to build percussion fundamentals and to start playing music. There, the students learn how to play rudiments and rhythms on drum pads, scales and melodies on bell kits, and even some samba grooves and parts.
The school recently received a grant to fund the purchase of some new samba drums in order to start up a full on marching samba troupe during the fall semester, bringing the joyous, raucous music of Brazil all the way to California.
About Brandon Dodge
Percussion Techniques and our Concert Percussion program would not be the same without my wonderful Co-Teacher, Brandon Dodge!
Born and raised in Carson City, Nevada, Brandon Dodge graduated from Carson High School in 2013 and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor degree in Percussion Performance in 2018.
During his time in high school and college, Brandon has been part of as many as 13 ensembles at a given time. He has been in all state band and choir as well as been a featured soloist on several concerts and festival competitions. During college, he has played in everything from jazz band to orchestra to contemporary ensembles to percussion ensembles and then some. Some achievements include being a winner of the 2018 UNR Concerto Competition, as well as winning 2nd place in both the UNR Composition Competition and the Reno Pops Composer’s Competition in 2018.
Outside of academia, Brandon has performed in dozens of local bands and ensembles. He has also done clinics all throughout northern Nevada and some parts of California. He has presented in a Ted Talk and has appeared in the local newspapers dozens of times for his musical endeavors.
This will mark the third year Brandon has been a coach at Damonte Ranch High School. He has spent 2 years helping the Winter Drumline as a Front Ensemble Tech, and one year teaching the Percussion Techniques class (as well as appearing occasionally to help the Jazz Band or Concert Bands).
You can catch Brandon Dodge playing in his band, Phreemium, teaching private lessons or otherwise trying to share music with everyone he can