L.e.a.P., based out of Lindenhurst, IL, is the parent organization of the LEAP WGI Independent Open Class indoor marching percussion ensemble and the Jump Start grade school percussion ensembles. However, L.e.a.P. has redefined grade school percussion education with their latest program…Camp Drum, “The Nature of Percussion”.
With two programs already in place, the L.e.a.P. organization was ready to move forward with plans for Camp Drum, a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together percussion education and traditional summer camp activities. Hoke explains: “I initially came up with the idea for Camp Drum over fifteen years ago, but didn’t have the resources at the time to make it a reality.
But now, with the L.e.a.P. organization in place, and the continued support of Vic Firth, we were able to move forward.” In August of 2007, forty percussionists between the 5th and 8th grades attended the camp at a forty-acre facility in rural Wadsworth, Illinois. Campers attended clinics on keyboard percussion instruments, drum set, timpani, cymbals, percussion crafts and marching percussion and also experienced a field trip to a horse farm, canoeing, fishing, camping skills, camp games, orienteering and slingshots. Hoke says, “The camp was a huge success. The kids had the opportunity to learn about percussion in a unique environment and interact with others who have similar interests.” The response to the inaugural session of Camp Drum was so positive, L.e.a.P. is planning to expand the program to two one-week camps in the summer of 2008.
As a result of the efforts of Jeff Hoke and the entire L.e.a.P. organization, a real difference in percussion education is being made in northern Illinois. Percussionists can begin their development as early as 5th grade through the Jump Start and Camp Drum programs and then move on to the L.e.a.P. indoor marching percussion ensemble where they can travel across the country doing what they love best. You can learn more about the L.e.a.P. organization and its programs by visiting their website at www.fearthefrog.org.
