Hi, My name is Kerry Kennard, and am a drummer / percussionist and now composer, combining my years of music study and performance and been reading a few books on the Film music world has helped some. One of the best resources is "On the Track" by Fred Karlin and Rayburn Wright. Maybe a little dated, though there's good info. how to write and the composer's examples are helpful how to work with other people in the Film Industry.
I've performed drums on the road (1 + years), musicals in TN and OH, and performed on Holland America Line ships for three years, seeing about 3-4 diff. continents, spec. US, S. America, and European contracts. It's great experience playing diff. styles of music, as well as those Production shows listening to a click / sound tracks we performed with. Met many different musicians, due to when people come into the contract with the diff. ships. HAL was a great experience, learning the music, as well as meeting some of the guests. Hearing what the producers created I think helps with the composing work.
I've been learning Sync from many people last five - 7 years. I think writing to film is better, though know the Sync world is a stepping stone ... I think. :~)
I have a few irons in the fire this year with writing a few short films !
Main goal is to finish a Jazz project started a decade ago. There's one Blues tune instrumental on there. It's a Contemporary style as well, for myself. Plans are to finish by 4th Qtr this year, as time and funds allow.
The educational journey can be found on LinkedIn or this St. 32 profile.
I teach drums Part time, helping JH/HS through adult age.
Thank Ashley for the Mod. request last year. Hoping to learn from all of you as well. The Music creating / Music Tech / and performing part make up a lot of who we all are.
Have a great week everyone !
Kerry Kennard
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That's pretty cool that you performed on Holland America Line ships, Kerry Kennard. How long were you on a ship at a time?
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I love music for film!! I got to see Hans Zimmer in concert this past Fall. One of the best live performances I've ever seen! Danny Elfman is my favorite and I'm also a huge fan of John Williams. Alan Silvestri (love his score for Forrest Gump), John Powell, Michael Giacchino, James Horner (I first fell in love with film scores when my dad got the CD of the score for Titanic and I stole it from him and listened to it on repeat for several weeks). I can go on and on....
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Great to see you, Kerry Kennard. And fantastic IY post!
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Love this Kerry Kennard! It's been a while but I have played drums as well. Sure do miss it! Hope you have an amazing week!
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Glad to have you here Kerry - it seems like you are influenced by Jazz. Not sure if you know this but one of our Stage 32 educators is Terence Blanchard, famed Emmy and Grammy nominated Jazz Musician. He taught a great webinar for us: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/masters-of-craft-the-film-com...
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@Maurice -
Most Contracts were 6 months. Europe has a lot of History which came here. Colum - in Barcelona is Columbus before coming to USA / discovering it.
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Amanda Toney - thank you - yes, do have this jazz influence. ;-). Appreciate the link to Terrence !
Did you see my email about the emails going out ?
I mentioned it to Ashley. FYI. Helping those who receive many emails.
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Leonardo Ramirez 2 - do you practice or perform at Least monthly ??
It does help some. As I do more Recording/ writing, it’s nice to perform drum and Percussion parts for people and new clients. Lose it or use it, they say. Hope your week is awesome!
K. Kennard
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Hey Kerry Kennard - I’m more into piano now. I’m not at a point where I can perform yet but I do practice. Hope you have an awesome week as well my friend.
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Hey Kerry Kennard thanks for the book recommendation. As a composer I always viewed sync as a kind of retirement plan, build up my library and over time there's a nice passive income for later years. I'm a bit concerned that AI may put a stop to that, but I still like creating some library music once a month as a little project. Lovely to meet you and welcome!
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Thanks Hannah Woolmer - !