James and Scott,
I'm a little newer to this message board. Will you tell me a little about yourselves, or give me a bio?

Ryan,

Thanks for asking. My bio on the "Marimba Players" page on marimba.org is a little out of date (NOTE TO NAT: I will e-mail you an updated version in the next day or so), so here's a thumbnail version:

BM, Ithaca College, (1988), where I studied with Gordon Stout and Bill Molenhof
MM (1990), Performer's Certificate (1997), Northern Illinois University

I've taught as a sabbatica' sub' at Ithaca College (1995) and NIU (2000); I've presented clinics at NIU, the Hartt School (University of Hartford), Kent State University, and others. I've written for Percussive Notes, and I'm currently a contributing writer for Jazz Player magazine.

I'm based about an hour outside of New York City - I grew up in Connecticut, moved out near Chicago for a few years, and moved back to the East Coast a couple of years ago. I freelance as a percussionist, jazz vibraphonist, and steel pan player, and I lead or co-lead the following: James Walker Group (jazz), Vokes-Walker Duo (classical voice and marimba), East Shore (Caribbean Jazz), Steel Sunrise Steel Band. Most of my work is jazz- or pan-related.

More info at my web site: www.malletjazz.com.

JW

well my bio isnt quite as impressive as James's is...

Currently: Im an undergraduate at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN where I am actually at Saxophone and Percussion (marimba specialist) double major. I am studying percussion with Dr. David Eyler..its a good time

My main gig is modern classical, I do a lot of ensemble work..mainly a flute and marimba duo but also with voice and saxophone as well. I give marimba lessons and will soon be taking on a very large front ensemble for possibly the biggest drumline of all time in central MN. (its got 50 members..yikes..a 24 member frontline..YIKES!)

look for my website that should be coming out shortly with lots of pics and soundclips and other fun stuff!

Scott