Cliff’s quest to master all-things-percussive is outlined by his extensive course of private study. Since the early age of two, his father has been passing on his knowledge of hand percussion instruments and fostering Cliff’s music-reading skills. At age seven, this was expanded to include piano study in both the classical and jazz idioms. Additionally, he has taken lessons in drum set, rock piano, and orchestral percussion. As a current student of Doug Wallace, Cliff is quickly becoming one of the finest young percussionists in the area.

Recently, Cliff was named co-principal percussionist with the AYPO American Youth Concert Orchestra. This rare achievement for a middle school percussionist is the result of not only the private study Cliff receives, but the work ethic and dedication he commits to honing his skills. Cliff rarely misses a day of practicing. He likes to put in several moderate sessions each day, rather than trying to get everything done in one long session, and uses the advantages of technology whenever possible, playing along with recordings, digital drums or a metronome.

Cliff is fortunate to have access to Pro Tools software, allowing him to use his diverse talents to create a product that is unique to them. His multi-tracking abilities can be heard on his spotlight recording in a concert snare duet and accompanying his own piano playing on the drum set. In addition to making music, Cliff enhances his abilities by listening to some great artists – definitely not the kind of stuff you’ll find on a typical 13-year-old’s iPod! His influences include John Bonham, Steve Gadd, and Ginger Baker on drum set, along with keyboard artists Bruce Hornsby and Keith Emerson. But don’t mistake Cliff’s interests for lying solely in the rock-influenced genres. He enjoys the opportunity to appreciate classical works as well, particularly Erik Satie’s Trois Gymnopedies for piano.

Cliff notes the extrinsic benefits playing an instrument in band bring him. He finds it helps his academic skills and gives him the opportunity to appreciate what the cooperation of a group of talented individuals can achieve. This is evidenced by recent induction to the National Junior Honor Society, receiving the Presidential Academic Achievement Award, being named an All-Star in his local basketball league, and achieving the rank of Green Belt in Hapkido and Jujitsu martial arts. Though uncertain about his future plans, Cliff is currently entertaining pursuing a law degree; however, it is certain that playing percussion will be a large component of whatever path he etches.