Interview with
Tom Aungst & Neil Larrivee

Tom Aungst and Neil Larrivee are the driving force behind the reigning two time D.C.I. percussion champion, The Cadets of Bergen County. Tom is the percussion caption head and battery arranger, Neil is the instructor and arranger of the front ensemble.

In addition, these two gentlemen have made a big impact on the world of "indoor" percussion, with several trophies in the W.G.I. scholastic arena between them. Under Tom's direction, Dartmouth High School has captured two Scholastic World Championships (1998 & 1999) and has consistently placed in the top three. Neil is the former Percussion Director at King Phillip Regional High School, the 2000 Scholastic World Champions.

Mike Hoff, Vic Firth's Assistant Director of Education and Artist Relations, sat down with Tom and Neil to gain insight into the success of their programs - on the field and in the gym.
Listen our interview segments with Tom Aungst and Neil Larrivee
  
Clip 1:
 How did the 2001 & 2002 Cadets percussion sections differ in terms of talent levels and personalities? At what point did you "know" that you had the group that could win the percussion caption trophy?

Clip 2:
 Do you feel that the recognition and adjudication of the front ensemble has gotten better, or it it still a "best snareline wins" attitude?
Clip 3:
 Is there a systematic approach that you use for writing and arranging for the Cadets?
Clip 4:
 How have you evolved as arrangers? Compare your writing/arranging techniques from the early years to 2002.
Clip 5:
 How does your writing style differ from outdoor to indoor venues?

LISTEN NOW
or download it here
Clip 6:
 Neil, do you arrange with specific mallets in mind? How important is it to know what sounds your mallets will produce when you're writing?
Clip 7:
 How does your instructional approach differ from high school to drum corps?
Clip 8:
 Tom, describe the percussion scheduling at Dartmouth.
Neil/Tom: How long did it take to get your high school programs to the highest level?
Clip 9:
 Tom, in the last 21 years you've been with the Cadets, what major changes have you seen in drum corps?

LISTEN NOW
or download it here
Clip 10:
 If you had to leave a new percussion instructor with a "golden tip", what would it be?
Check out Tom's Vic Firth signature sticks!   (click on a thumbnail for a larger picture)
Original (STA): A long, "reverse tear-drop" tip and moderately long taper. Rebounds with ease and bold sound. In hickory.
L = 17", Dia.=.697" 		Indoor (STA2): A reduced version of Tom Aungst's Signature model. Modified to create great sounds for indoor snare. In hickory.
L = 16 5/8", Dia.=.675"

Check out these other Vic Firth educational features from Tom and Neil!

The Inner Game of Indoor Championships - article by Neil Larrivee

Rehearsing the Contemporary Percussion Ensemble - instructional video clips by Tom Aungst