Greg Secor

ARTIST INFORMATION

Meet the Musician

Where were you born? Where do you call home now?

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My wife and I currently live in Wyoming, Michigan.

Where did you study? Who did you study under?

Western Michigan University and The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. My teachers include Judy Moonert, Ben Toth, Al Otte, Jim Culley, William Vits, and Rupert Kettle.

When did you first discover your instrument? How old were you?

This could be the story of “A Boy and His Drum,” but beyond that, I listened to Frank Zappa’s band on the radio while I was in high school. At the time, he had a percussionist in the band (Ruth Underwood) who played mallet percussion instruments: marimba, xylophone, and vibraphone. I thought, ‘Whoa, I didn’t know a rock band could have those instruments!’ Then, while browsing LP records in a local shop, I found a Steve Reich’s (I had no idea who he was) album with several famous percussionists listed. This was his “Music For 18 Musicians,” and listening to that album really lit a fire for me. I didn’t know one could write music like that.

How did you come to be with the KSO? What is your best memory here?

I was fortunate to have been selected after a Section Percussion audition for the KSO in 1989.

A favorite memory: We were at intermission at a concert Maestro Harvey was conducting. We received notice that “Raymond would like to see the entire percussion section in his dressing room after the performance.” We looked at each other and thought, ‘Oh boy – we’re in trouble.’ When we arrived, Raymond opened a fridge and gave each of us a can of beer.

Who is a musician/mentor who inspires you? What makes them special?

Pat Metheny is a guitarist that I love – his phrasing, improvisation, and what I perceive to be sincerity in the music he composes/plays – either as a soloist or member of his band. I’m not much of an improviser, so I admire that skill and musical vocabulary. I’d have to add the American composers Steve Reich and Frederic Rzewski.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? What did it feel like to play?

John Cage’s “Third Construction” is a challenging quartet for all four players. It’s chamber music on the level of a Beethoven or Bartók string quartet, so the level of communication amongst each member is paramount to a successful performance. I’ve been involved in a few performances of this with my KSO colleague Judy Moonert, where everything just felt ‘right.’ When people see Cage’s name on a concert program, I think some will think to themselves: ‘YIKES, I won’t enjoy this.’ I think most are pleasantly surprised when they hear this piece!

What do you love most about Kalamazoo? What are your hobbies/interests outside of the music world?

Since I live near Grand Rapids, most of my time in Kalamazoo is spent working with the KSO. I’m always happy to eat at Maggie’s Cafe or Bilbos. Outside of music, I spend as much time on my bicycle as I can and traveling with my wife.

Your playlist recap is here…who is your most listened-to artist? (of any genre)

I listen to a couple of bands that many haven’t heard of: Marillion and Porcupine Tree. I’ve recently really enjoyed learning more about reggae music; I like the feel and sometimes unexpected melodic/harmonic surprises in some of this music. I still hear new things in Beatles songs, and I think, ‘Hmm, I never noticed that before.’