The musical community of Laie got a rare treat on Saturday, March 6, as well known purveyors of the percussive arts paid a visit to BYU–Hawaii campus to put on a clinic entitled "Day of Percussion." Artists Jay Lawrence and Greg MacDonald taught classes throughout the morning to students and aspiring musicians about percussion essentials like improvisation and drum set technique. In the afternoon, a clinician arrived to organize a drum circle for the clinic participants, and in the evening, the BYU–Hawaii music department faculty and staff had a concert in which they presented their own music group called "Cross Currents."
During the concert, clinician Jay Lawrence was brought back to be a musical guest with the faculty ensemble. Lawrence was able to make a living doing what he loved in a society and economic climate that did not favor the arts.
Outside of the classes, participants were able to participate in a "World's Fastest Drummer" competition.
--Photo by Ryan Bagley