Konzertstück for Snare Drum and Orchestra by Askell Masson

Performed by Jim Yakas, snare drum
Heeyoung Choi, piano

About the piece:
The two main organizational elements that form the basis of Konzertstück are a rhythmic motive (which spans over the metres 2/4 3/4 3/4 2/4 3/4) and a tone row that mirrors around its middle (A,C,D,Eb,F,Ab). This tone row is never transposed throughout the work. Premiered in September 1982 by the Swede Roger Carlsson with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, this work has since then been performed widely, most notably by percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie with many of the world's finest orchestras.

Áskell Másson (b. 1953) is amongst Iceland´s leading composers. He commenced his musical studies on the clarinet in 1961 and later studied percussion at the Reykjavik College of Music and privately in London with James Blades.


About Jim Yakas:
Mr. Yakas is currently a full time Instructor of Percussion at the University of Texas at Arlington. He teaches applied lessons and is Assistant Director and Percussion Coordinator of the UT Arlington Marching Band. Jim is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas. He also holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of North Texas and a M.M. in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University.

Mr. Yakas' diversity in percussion education and performance has led him to many unique opportunities. He spent a total of twelve summers in the drum corps activity spanning from performing as a snare drummer with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps to being a staff member and arranger to eventually becoming their Percussion Coordinator in 2003. Mr. Yakas is also an active performer on steel drum having traveled to Trinidad/Tobago and Korea as a member of the prestigious Northern Illinois Steel Band. He also has studied hand percussion with Michael Spiro and Orlando Cotto.

Mr. Yakas has been a clinician at the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, Texas Music Educator's Association Convention as well as many Percussive Arts Society State Conventions. He is an active Yamaha Artist/Endorser as well as a Vic Firth Stick and Mallet endorser. Mr. Yakas also endorses Sabian Cymbals and Remo Drumheads.