Marcus Hunter
Southfield, Michigan, United States | SELF
Music
Press
March 16, 2010, 12:45PM
Muskegon native Marcus Hunter’s talent for playing the drums has taken him all over the world.
He has toured with pop stars Chris Brown and Sean Kingston, legendary jazz keyboardist Bob James, and currently with smooth jazz artist Alexander Zonjic.
Contributed photo
Marcus Hunter
But the humble 32-year-old still gets nervous playing in small crowds, and he’s definitely a bit jittery about an upcoming performance at a Muskegon elementary school.
“My biggest concert was in front of 120,000 in Fiji with Sean Kingston, but I get more nervous coming home to a 50-60 person drum clinic,” said Hunter, during an interview from his Detroit home.
Like many drummers he knows, Hunter was exposed to drums as a youngster in church. As an adult, he likes the idea of giving back to the youth of his hometown.
“So many people took me under their wing, from high school band directors to private instructors to friends. I didn’t have a lot of formal instruction, so I want them to know if I can do it, they can do it,” said Hunter, adding: “Not many people have had the opportunities that I have had, and I’m thankful to be part of this.”
Hunter is the featured artist during the 12th annual “Fun with Drums Concert and Clinic” on March 19 at Nelson Elementary School, 550 W. Grand. A variety of instructors host a show for children during the day, and one for the public in the evening.
The focus each year is to bring in accomplished professionals to encourage and expose youth to drumming techniques.
It is coordinated annually by Bill DeMarse, a teacher at Muskegon’s Nelson Elementary. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The workshop is sponsored by the Spread the Music Foundation, Grand Haven Eagles, and Muskegon Public Schools. - Taresa Taylor-Williams
Discography
working on freshmen project.
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Bio
Marcus Hunter Bio
email; meondrumz@gmail.com
phone; 248-379-1388
www.myspace.com/ondrumz
www.facebook.com/ondrumz
At the age of six, Marcus’ mother invested in his future and bought Marcus his first drum kit. When he was in the fifth grade, he joined the elementary school band program. In the sixth grade, Marcus made many guest appearances with the high school jazz band Upon graduation from junior high, he entered high school and was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Marching Band. He was also apart of the Jazz Band where he was the first percussionist to receive the best soloist award at the Western Michigan Jazz Festival.
In 1994 Marcus went on tour with the Northern Aurora Drum & Bugle Corps. While in Northern Aurora, he worked to receive the honor of being named the Most Improved in the 1994 season. In 1996, Marcus went on tour with the Coachmen Drum & Bugle Corps. Upon the completion of the season, he was named the Drum Corps Midwest Multiple Percussion Champion by Drum Corps Midwest.
Many different artists have influenced Marcus. He has studied with several musicians including: Derico Watson, George Goldsmith, Amp Fiddler, Rich Hogan, and Mickey Hartsaw. Marcus has shared the stage with many well known artists such as Sean Kingston, Dwele, David Sanborn, Eric Roberson, Rick Braun, Peter White, Jessy J, Maysa, The Temptations, The Spinners, Calvin Richardson, Ralph Tresvant, Denise Williams, James Jamesom Jr., Phil Perry, Melba Moore, Derico Watson, Zoro the Drummer, and many other local and national acts.
Marcus also is sharing his love for music with a successful private lesson program in the Metro Detroit Area. Marcus also fills his evenings performing at clubs and casino through out the Midwest with his own band The 313 and Lin Roundtree. (www.myspace.com/ondrumz) (www.linroundtree.com)
Future plans include continuing to teach, perform, record, and tour throughout the world, promoting Pearl Drums, Silverfox Drumsticks, Aquarian Drumheads, Dream Cymbals, and his love for music.
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