Meet the Musicians: Alan Stewart, Associate Principal Percussion
How did you start playing percussion?
I started at the age of 11, through my middle school band program.
What do you love most about percussion?
I love the endless range of sounds and colors that percussionists can create. Finding the necessary instruments is incredibly satisfying and playing those instruments for people is a real joy.
What’s your practice routine?
Now that I am a dad of two young children, I wouldn’t say I really have a consistent routine. I try to piece together one to two hours of practice every day. I often achieve this by stringing together 20- to 30-minute sessions where I practice specific pieces of music or techniques.
Do you get nervous before a concert? How do you manage pre-show nerves?
I do get nervous. I manage my nerves several ways—breathing routines, meditation, and bananas!
What’s something people don’t know about percussion?
It’s physically demanding. It requires strength, coordination, and most importantly, finesse. A percussionist’s movement is frequently a combination of precision, dance, and urgency.
What one piece of classical music should everyone hear?
Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.
Learn more about Alan here.
Compiled by Iain Shaw.
