News Summary
Dr. Jesse Willis, the Director of Percussion Studies at Coastal Carolina University, plays a crucial role in developing young percussionists. With 22 students in his program, he emphasizes diversity and provides students with performance opportunities across various genres. With nearly 23 years of teaching experience, Dr. Willis integrates his extensive education to foster professional-level skills among his students. Through initiatives like the CalypSamba steel drum ensemble, he enhances their learning experiences while actively engaging with the music community.
Conway, South Carolina – Dr. Jesse Willis, the Director of Percussion Studies and Department Chair at Coastal Carolina University (CCU), plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of percussionists within the university’s music department. He oversees a diverse group of 22 percussion students, part of a larger music community consisting of around 100 enrollees amid CCU’s total student body of approximately 11,000.
Having dedicated nearly 23 years to teaching percussion, Dr. Willis has established himself as an influential figure in music education. His journey began in high schools located in Texas and Indiana before he took on his current role at CCU in 2010. His commitment to music education is exhibited not only through his teaching but also his active involvement in student performances and professional ensembles.
On a typical day, Dr. Willis starts his morning with a workout at the gym, preparing himself for the challenges ahead. His office is a testament to his passion for percussion, featuring an array of instruments, including a marimba, and a collection of percussion textbooks. In addition to his professional awards, the space is adorned with colorful drawings created by his daughters, adding a personal touch to the academic environment.
Dr. Willis holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Tech University, a Master of Music from Indiana University, and a Doctor of Music. This extensive educational background enriches his teaching methodology, preparing students for diverse careers in music, whether it be performance, teaching, or production.
His teaching schedule typically includes four to five private lessons each week. Dr. Willis is dedicated to fostering gender diversity within his programs, with approximately 30% of his percussion students being female. These students are not only engaged in local concerts but also participate in international performances, showcasing their talents on broader stages.
One notable initiative led by Dr. Willis is the steel drum ensemble known as CalypSamba, which rehearses regularly and has traveled to Trinidad for workshops. This ensemble serves as an important platform for students to enhance their performance skills while exploring various music styles. Dr. Willis emphasizes the importance of diversity in music, providing a variety of programs that encourage students to explore different musical genres.
Despite previous opportunities to perform with renowned groups such as Cirque du Soleil and Broadway, Dr. Willis values the stability and fulfillment that comes with teaching. He remains active in performance, regularly collaborating with ensembles such as the Long Bay Symphony and the Pour Buoys, a Trop Rock tribute band.
As Department Chair, Dr. Willis is also involved in faculty evaluations and has recently participated in the hiring process for a new music department faculty member. This administrative role highlights his commitment to maintaining high educational standards within the department.
On busy days, Dr. Willis often enjoys lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, Speedy Gamboa, providing a brief but welcome break in his hectic schedule. He conducts rehearsals primarily in the Coastal Band Hall, situated across U.S. 501 from CCU’s main campus, a facility noted as needing upgrades to better support student musicians.
The recent South Carolina Festival of Steel held at CCU celebrated Caribbean music and featured performances from local high and middle school steel bands, further engaging the community in the vibrant world of percussion. Dr. Willis continues to enrich the student experience by planning performance tours, including an annual event at Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse, which serves as a professional development opportunity for his students.
Dr. Willis aims to instill professional-level performance standards in his students, emphasizing the crucial aspects of timing and musical capability. Throughout the concert season, various showcases and free performances are organized, allowing students the invaluable experience of performing publicly, and helping them hone their craft in a supportive environment.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Willis enjoys a wide array of music genres, including Caribbean, Afro-Cuban, and rock. This varied musical interest further informs his teaching and performance, helping to cultivate a rich learning atmosphere for his students.
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Additional Resources
- Grand Strand Magazine: Banging the Drum for Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Percussion Education
- Chattanoogan: Willis To Join Lee University
- Google Search: Music Education
- Google Scholar: Dr. Jesse Willis Percussion
