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Vic Firth Artist:
Born in Queens, New York, Edward “Ted”
Atkatz began his studies at the age of ten at the Bloomingdale
House of Music and later attended the Manhattan School
of Music Preparatory Division. He then studied with Tom
Gauger at Boston University. After graduating with a bachelor's
degree in percussion performance and music education magna
cum laude, he spent a year teaching music in elementary
schools in Worcester, Massachusetts.
While attending
graduate school at the New England Conservatory of Music,
Ted was invited to participate in the Tanglewood
Music Center Orchestra in 1995 and 1996. Ted
earned a professional studies degree at Temple University,
where he worked with Alan Abel of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
He has performed with the Boston Symphony,
the Boston Pops, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, the Grand
Teton Music Festival Orchestra, the Harrisburg Symphony,
and the New Hampshire Symphony. Ted was a member of the
New World Symphony in Florida and has been a member of
the percussion faculty at DePaul University since September
1998. He was appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's
percussion section in October 1997 and joined the Orchestra
as principal percussionist that December.
In addition to his duties with the CSO
and various teaching appointments, Ted fronts the Chicago-based
band NYCO as songwriter and lead vocalist, as well as playing
keyboards and guitar. Also an avid long-distance
runner, Mr. Atkatz ran the Chicago Marathon in 2001 with
a time of 2:59:32. |
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Watch
our exclusive video interview with Ted Atkatz
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| Ted
explains the design of his new signature snare stick: |
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Made
from persimmon, which is known for its density, durability
and high impact resistance, these sticks produce a full
bodied and slightly darker sound than other wood. Long
taper for great control and clarity during soft playing.
L = 17”, Dia. = .660” |
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Check out NYCO's debut album:
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NYCO's independently released debut album, 'Two,' is the culmination
of two years of work by the band, whose principal songwriters are
Ted Atkatz (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Rob Kassinger (vocals,
guitars, upright bass) and Michael Valerio (vocals, bass).
The album was produced by Jim Tullio, known primarily for his
work with Los Lonely Boys, John Martin, Mavis Staples, and The
Band. He has won two Grammys for his work over the last 20 years,
and his signature sound is evident on ‘Two.’
‘Two’ was mixed by Shelly Yakus, who has received
critical acclaim for his work on the albums of John Lennon, Don
Henley, Tom Petty, and U2. Although Shelly spent many years working
with artists from major record labels, he has spent the last few
years working with unsigned artists. Both Shelly and Jim took an
interest in NYCO, and their work has produced unbelievable results!
www.nycomusic.com |
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