Kid Rock Percussionist, Trenton Grad to Hold Workshop in Wyandotte

This year's Downriver Day of Percussion is expected to have a wealth of talented percussionists including one that's revving up to go on tour with legendary Detroit rocker Kid Rock for the fifth straight year.

Percussionist Larry Fretangleo, 60, of Trenton, is signed up to hold master classes, demonstrations and clinics for area musicians looking to step up their game.

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 4 percussionists can learn to play like the pros in all areas of percussion at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte.

Mark D'Angelo, director of instrumental music at Roosevelt, co-founded the event last year with fellow musician Mike Hejka, band director for Westland Public Schools.

D'Angelo said the day-long event was created because percussionists are often underserved in the realm of high school instrumental music.

"We want kids to walk away inspired, with more information about percussion," D'Angelo said.

Registration is $20 and begins at 9:30 a.m. at the event.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in percussion including students, teachers and enthusiasts, D'Angelo said.

Thanks to a successful first year, the event is expected to hold more clinics featuring other well-known Detroit area Jazz percussionists Michele’ Ramo and Sean Dobbins.

D'Angelo is a master in African drumming and will be holding a workshop of his own. Other workshops will feature advanced drumset and beginning and advanced drumline with a litany of seasoned musicians.

John Dorsey, associate professor of music at Eastern Michigan University, will hold workshops for rudimental snare technique

The event will conclude with a performance by Fratangelo who has has recorded and toured with world famous artists including Aretha Franklin, George Clinton and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Fratangelo has performed at The White House, the British House of Parliament, the Grammy Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Saturday Night Live.

Fratangelo's performance costs an additional $5 and will begin shortly after classes end.

For more information contact the Downriver Day of Percussion at 734-494-0227, downriverdayofpercussion@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page. 

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