Between classes: Jayden Beaudoin

Jayden Beaudoin

is not keen on awkward silences.

Education:
Music Diploma, 2008

Currently:

• Freelance percussionist
• Student, Bachelor of Music, UBC

My must-visit web site:
www.steveweissmusic.com

Favourite musician:
My father has always been involved in music as a hobby. He is very adept at playing guitar, harmonica and keyboards. His first love was the drum set. In fact, if it were not for his rekindled interest in drumming and purchasing an electronic drum set, I would never have uncovered my passion for drumming and percussion.

It’s all about the beats

Once I studied different percussion instruments, I found myself enjoying all the sounds I could create with the vibraphone and marimba. My favourite instrument varies depending on many factors including projects I might be working on and what my studies are focused on. Other times I get inspired by pieces I hear in concert or on the radio.

Be prepared

I always try to stretch before I go out and play. Depending on the gig, I'll focus on different areas. The forearms are always a must, as these muscles get used for almost any percussion instrument. However, if I'm playing a rock gig on the drum kit, I'll make sure to stretch my entire body, focusing on my arms and legs.

Making the choice

Opening doors

Douglas College opened doors for me that I hadn't previously considered. Without Angela Hubert, the Language, Literature and Performing Arts events liaison, I would not have heard about an opening for a musical theatre production, Theatre Under the Stars, which became the springboard for numerous other gigs.

An uncomfortable silence

One of the funniest memories I had happened moments before a concert with the Douglas College Concert Band. Normally the band will noodle and warm-up their instruments until the conductor is ready to come on stage. This concert, however, enough people in the band paused at the same time to create total silence. The audience stared at the band, and the band stared back. It was minutes before the silence was broken and it was quite possibly the most awkward silence I've ever experienced while on stage.

Expert advice, great support

Not only were all the instructors at Douglas very knowledgeable, but they were also very approachable and eager to help out with any questions or concerns that I had. Because the level of instruction was so high in all areas, I didn't feel intimidated when I transferred into third-year studies at UBC.

Lasting lessons

The most interesting thing I learned was the basics of the 12-tone method with Doug Smith in his composition class.

What I learned on the job

Network, network, network!

Links

Information Sessions
Theatre Program
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