Ike H.

I started playing and taking private percussion lessons at the age of 10 in the 5th grade. I started playing jazz in the 6th grade, and continued to study privately with Ken Alexander until the 12th grade. During my adolescence I've held leadership roles in all ensembles I've ever participated in. These ensembles include Jazz, Symphonic Band, and Marching Band. I received several superior ratings for my solo and ensemble performances from the OMEA, and I've participated in several honors ensembles through the District V in Ohio. After high school I went on to Central State where I received several scholarships based on talent, and academics.

While attending Central State University, I studied jazz and world music. I was a key player in many ensembles at Central State including the Invincible Marching Maruaders, The Robeson Chamber Winds, CSU Steel Drum ensemble, CSU Percussion Ensemble, CSU Jazz Ensemble, and performed often in the pit orchestras. Also at Central State I was able to perform with their jazz ensemble at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival in Elmhurst, Illinois, where I was recognized for my improvisation on the tunes Equinox, Cole Porter's Night and Day, and Kenny Durham's famous Blue Bossa. All of these improvisations were done on the steel drum. I also was able to teach out of the country in Cusco, Peru while I was attending Central State where I taught Steel Drums, fundamental Music theory, and English.