John Chalmers

John is currently Head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Humberview Secondary School in Bolton, Ontario where he teaches World Percussion and Jazz courses. He is also musical director at Heart Lake United Church, an Executive Member of the Ontario Vocal Festival, is Vice Chairman of the Canadian Choral Festival (MusicFest Canada), is Choral Advisor to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival and served as an International Association of Jazz Educators Resource Team Member for the past 15 years. John is active as an adjudicator, lecturer, guest conductor and clinician throughout North America.

 John has taught at Humber College, Mayfield Secondary School and the University of Toronto Jazz Performance Program where his groups received national and international recognition, performing at conferences and festivals throughout Canada and the United States and winning nine DOWN BEAT Magazine Student Music Awards. John has received the I.A.J.E. "Outstanding Jazz Director Award" for Canada, the Jazz Report Award for "Best Secondary School Jazz Program" and was inducted into the MusicFest Canada "Hall of Fame" for outstanding service to young Canadian musicians.

Jeff's team consists of very talented and motivating musicians and facilitators.

They share the fun and enriching experience of a drum circle.

Matt McFarland

Attending Arthur Hull's facilitation seminar in 2002 proved to be a step forward in Matt McFarland's career.  In 2003 Matt, along with Jeff Salem, parterned with PLASP as part of their enrichment program.  Their directive: Work a bunch of kids into a lather using percussion instruments from all over the world.  As it turns out, bringing rhythm-based events to the GTA's youth has become a launching pad for a rewarding facet of Matt's career.  Along with playing drumset, Matt has had the opportunity to visit and facilitate hand percussion events for numerous schools, corporate events, social engagements and team building meetings.  Playing, teaching and recording drumset are fantastic but nothing sounds and feels like 60 Djembe's in a room!  

Nina Cutrone

Nina plays percussion, sings and also plays piano.  She is a certified Early Childhood Educator, a graduate of the York University music program and the Royal Conservatory of Music.  Nina conducts workshops in group settings as well as one-on-one private lessons at J.S. Music Studio.  Her studies and work experience enable Nina to understand the benefits of music to young children and enhance the learning experience to make it enjoyable.  As a result, Nina has the knowledge and experience to teach both adults and children.

Tyler Koch

Tyler has assisted The Humberview Secondary Schools, 'World Percussion Class',where he would travel to schools spreading the feel of drums. Experimenting with all different tastes of auxiliary percussion gave Tyler the opportunity to travel to London, England to record drums and hand percussion for tracks of various artists.

Tyler also performs with his band and has travelled all across Eastern Canada and is in the process of preparing for a tour in the United States. Tyler also teaches drums at Jeff Salem's Music Studio and is a member of the PLASP (Peel Luncheon After School Program), which allows him to travel to schools throughout the GTA and conduct hand percussion courses.

With the help from John Chalmers, Jeff Salem & Ian Copeland, Tyler has taken everything he's learned and applied it into the sweet sound of percussion. Tyler is a very motivated and talented drummer.