“For as long as I have known Drew Tucker, both as a student and a professional, the students that he has turned out have always been of high quality and some currently perform in some ensembles at UCF. The news that he is starting this school for percussion is welcome news and im sure the best choice for aspiring percussionists in south florida.”

Kirk Gay
UCF

Faculty

Drew Tucker |  Andrew Atkinson |  David Burgos |  Ashley Vorsteg

He has also recorded with Deana Martin, Michael Civisca, and Charles Callelo to name a few. As a performer he has found his voice among various styles of music. Having studied at Berklee College of Music and the Harid Conservatory, Drew is as comfortable improvising on the vibraphone as he is with his marimba on the concert stage.

Drew's works for percussion ensemble have been performed at Bands of America National Percussion Festival, DCI Individual and ensemble competition (2nd pl 2004, 3rd pl 2005) and his arrangements for indoor as well as outdoor percussion ensembles continue to break new ground in pageantry arts. During his tenure as the founding percussion director at West Boca Raton High School, Drew has earned numerous accolades and awards including over 20 high percussion titles, acceptance to the Bands of America National Percussion festival as well as FMEA Music festivals, Superiors on the local and state level as well as performances with University of Miami professor Ney Rosauro, the University of South Florida Marimba Festival and the Florida PAS Day of Percussion.

He is also founder of the Florida Based Percussion Studio, the Tucker Academy which has produced students that have gone on to march such drum corps as the Boston Crusaders, the Magic of Orlando, the Blue Devils, Teal Sound, and the Santa Clara Vanguard. Many have also gone on to respectable institutions such as, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, the Julliard School, Berklee College of Music and the University of Miami.

Drew continues to expand his percussive vision with the start of his record label, Big Hug Music. Big Hug Music is a company that caters to developing high quality developmental music for children, prenatal to 5 yrs old. Using soothing live instruments as opposed to synthesized sounds, each classical track is proven to be a relaxing and comforting aid to child wellness and relaxation. He plays regularly with his acid jazz/hip hop group, probable cause and has a world music ensemble called the Rhythm Principle. Drew is an artist/clinician for Dynasty USA and Vic Firth.

Andrew Atkinson
Check out Andrew's music here and here.

David Burgos was born in Caracas, Venezuela in the late 1970's. At the age of 2 he traveled to New Orleans, La where he was first interested in music by watching his father perform at live venues. After a few years David moved to Miami, FL. where he attended Nautilus Middle School. There he began studying Trumpet under the direction of Raymundo Modia. David, only 13, immediately excelled and propelled himself to the top of his class.

David Burgos

He decided to continue his musical ambitions when he attended Miami Beach Senior High and joined every musical group available. David excelled in music all throughout the County and State wining numerous superior awards for solos and ensemble for both regional and state levels, chorus, marching band, wind ensemble, rock ensemble, jazz band, all-county principal chairs as well as all-state awards. David continued his studies at Miami-Dade Community College where he attended numerous European jazz festivals such as: The North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, and Lucca Jazz Festival. David attended Florida Atlantic University and currently works all over South Florida with his numerous musical projects.

Educating has always been a major focus for David's music and he has taught at Miami Beach Senior High as well as Miami Dade College. David was recently invited to play at the Kathmandu Jazz Festival in Nepal (Oct 2006). He was invited as one of the top international artist representing both the United States and Venezuela. David was an immediate hit and was quickly nicknamed EL David by all the locals. David continues to teach privately and does master classes for Universities and Public Schools all around the world.

Ashley Vorsteg

Possesing the musicianship of someone twice her age, Ashley embodies a rare energy . . . that of a virtuoso flutist and energetic marimbist/vibist. On Flute, her warm, rich tone and dynamic performances have her slated to be one of the great flutists of her generation. Having studied and shared the stage with diversified greats such as, Bart Feller, Keith Underwood, Nestor Torres, Kathy Blaha, Drew Tucker, Kirk Gay, Elissa Lokofsky, and Nancy Clew, she has learned to adapt to any performance situation and slide in and out of styles with ease. In addition to perfoming with her current ensemble, 'The Rythm Principle' Ashley has also performed with the New World Symphony, the University of Miami, and the Hollywood Philharmonic. Her Florida based music studio has already earned the reputation for producing award winning, well rounded students! Her masterclasses are regarded as Fun, Energetic and informative. She incorperates life skills into her pedagogy and helps students to find their passion. Coming from such a diverse musical background, her experiences prove invaluable for educating the next generation of musicians!