Workshops with Percussionist Michael Wood

 

With a career that has taken him from the orchestras of the Stratford Festival and National Ballet of Canada, Michael has travelled east to west coasts.  A percussionist and jazz vibist, he is equally comfortable on stage, in the orchestra pit, or the classroom setting.  In his tenure at Canada’s Premier Theatre “The Stratford Festival” Stratford Ontario Canada, he worked with over 100 international composers in live music, on stage, as well as recorded studio sessions.  His work with noted NYC Composer Stanley Silverman enabled him the opportunity to work with “James Taylor” in a compilation of works by Duke Ellington for Shakespeare’s “Timon of Athens” 1993. 

 

In addition to Michael’s 32 years at Stratford, he has performed regularly in Toronto’s Theatre Scene and Concert Stages including the Royal Alex, Hummingbird Centre, Elgin Theatre, Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts, The Arts Centre in Ottawa, Hamilton Place, and Kitchener’s Centre in the Square.  

                                 

Michael has adjudicated extensively throughout Canada as well as presented workshops for the British Columbia Music Educators' Association (BCMEA) and Ontario Music Educators' Association (OMEA) as well as the Music Fest Nationals in Ottawa.  His Vibraphone Master Classes have been well received at the University of Windsor, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Ottawa, Mac Master University and Western University.   Michael’s academic credits include director of the University of Waterloo’s Jazz Ensemble and percussion instructor (30 yrs).

 

A strong advocate for volunteering, Michael is active with Teen Challenge Farm, Habitat for Humanity and is a board member of the Ontario Percussive Arts Society.  He was one of the first 50 percussionists to join the PAS.  

 

During many years as percussionist, he exclusively endorsed Balter products.  Michael wishes to thank Yamaha & Mike Balter Mallets for their support and superior gear.