Born: October 8, 1976 Primary Instrument: Drums
Brian Czach's career has taken him all over the world time and again. Making his living as a successful freelance musician based in New York City and Las Vegas has allowed Brian to perform in all different musical styles and genres while continuing to challenge him to grow. “I enjoy playing in different contexts all the time. I love playing in a big band one night and then having to switch gears and play in a rock group, or a swingin' jazz trio the next night.” For Brian, the energy on stage sets the tone and Brian will continue to be inspired.
Born into a musical family in suburban Ballston Lake, New York, Brian can’t remember a time when he didn’t play the drums. What he does remember is sitting in front of the stereo speakers while his Dad played old Blood Sweat & Tears, Sly and the Family Stone, and King Curtis albums. At age 9, he started taking private drum lessons with an instructor by the name of Don Bush. Mr. Bush helped Brian develop very strong rudimental and sight reading skills. By age 11, Brian was playing professionally with the Revelaires, his family’s wedding band on weekends.
In high school, Brian started listening to jazz music. Brian gained performing experience in the school orchestras and jazz bands along with his friends in the rock group Bluesnick, while continuing to play with the Revelaires. He played at many of the regional and state music conferences and was honored to be a part of the 1994 New York All-State Jazz Ensemble. He also performed regularly with the Empire State Jazz Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble based in Albany, New York.
He went on to attend the Ithaca College School of Music, where he studied percussion with world- renowned marimba player Gordon Stout and studied jazz with multi-talented Steve Brown. At this time, Brian was also performing with many groups outside of school such as Tony DeSare, The Strand, The Soulutions, Al Meixner Trio, and the Tim Collins Trio.
After graduating and receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Percussion Performance, Brian began performing on cruise ships for Holland America Line in the Show Band Orchestra. In two and a half years of working with many orchestras of the cruise line, he had the privilege of seeing much of the world along with performing with such artists as The Shirelles, The Marcells, Bowser and Sha Na Na, Ian Finkel, and Pearl Kaufman, among many others.
In November 2001, Brian decided to make the New York City area his home where he could further expand his musical experiences and skills. Brian currently is music director and drummer for Domenick Allen (formerly of the rock group Foreigner) and his show which tours around the world performing on Royal Caribbean cruise ships and soon to open a show in Las Vegas. He also performs regularly with (Telarc Recording artist) Tony DeSare and jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. Brian likes to stay very busy with numerous other engagements like cabaret shows, regional and off-Broadway theater productions, singer-songwriters, rock bands, recording sessions, jazz groups, and teaching drum/ percussion lessons.
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Primary Instrument:
Drums
Location:
Las Vegas, NV
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
Rates are $50/hour or $35/half-hour
Snare drum studies and drumset. All styles, levels, and age groups taught. Focus on technique, reading, independence, and above all, musicality.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Brian enjoys giving clinics for individual drum set players and rhythm sections (small combo or big band sections) as a group. Clinics include demonstrations and much student participation in performing all styles and genres of music. Brian can provide the tools necessary for your school ensemble to sound like a group of pro musicians. Please contact him if you think you'd like to have him visit your school or ensemble.
