The beat returns to Winkler's Bethel Heritage Park as Mike Hiebert, local drumming instructor and long-time musician prepares to showcase the talents of 36 young musicians in a British-themed recital on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 PM.
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A recital tradition
“I've been doing recitals, I think probably six or seven years now,” said Hiebert, reflecting on how long he’s been hosting public showcases for his students. With 24 years of teaching under his belt, Hiebert noted that some of his earliest students are now “married with kids.”
When asked why this year’s recital centres on UK music, Hiebert explained, “It was actually presented to me as an idea by a student… but then I realized, wow, most of my favorite bands are from Britain.”
Hiebert quickly listed several: “Led Zeppelin’s my favorite. Def Leppard. The Stones. Pink Floyd… Queen, they’re all there… The Clash, the Beatles, of course,” he added.
36 students set to perform
While Hiebert teaches over 40 students, 36 are slated to perform on June 26. “I try to do it in a way that if there’s a younger student who maybe doesn’t have as much experience, they’re not right beside someone who has lots of experience and then make them feel bad,” he said. “That isn’t to say that it’s in perfect order, but it’s reasonably in that order.”
Prizes and participation
This year’s recital includes a variety of prizes, thanks to generous sponsors.
“Yamaha is giving away an EAD10 module, which basically turns your acoustic drum set into an electronic drum set,” Hiebert shared. “You can record straight to the Yamaha Rec’n’Share app, which downloads it automatically into YouTube.”
Other giveaways include drumsticks from Vader, a cymbal from Heartbeat “to the most practiced,” and merchandise from Sabian. “My newest sponsor is going to be giving away a cymbal, shirts and lanyards, and that’s just in the free draw that you get your name put into if you’re a student,” he said.
One unique prize will be awarded based on performance spirit. “That is given away to the person who connects their song to how they’re dressed… It doesn’t allow the best student to always just win. You have to bring the party.”
Open to the public
Although many attendees will be friends and family of the students, Hiebert emphasized, “It is open to the public. Yep. But it is going to be a circus — with all of the people dressed up in the British theme or their band’s theme. Whatever. It’s just going to be a really good time.”
Adding to the excitement, local food vendors Superior Smash and The Icecycle will be on-site.
Hiebert concluded, “Come out, support all the local up-and-coming drummers and let’s just have a good time.”
