Musical composition has always been a passion from very early on beginning with arrangements for percussion ensemble in high school. In essence, Dedication Suite began many years ago while working on the road as a drummer and carrying a small keyboard around in order to compose during down time. Some of the melodies that were created many years ago have become part of the finished work today.
The orchestration is for full orchestra with the addition of piano, bass, and guitar as well as a percussion section consisting of six players. There are ten movements with five of the movements involving solo sections featuring four different players.
Each of the ten movements is dedicated to someone who has been a great musical or personal inspiration. The importance of this acknowledgement can not be understated.
DRUMMING NOTES:
A career in drumming began with instruction from two important teachers, John McMahan and John Von Ohlen. McMahan focused on rudiments and chops while Von Ohlen concentrated on concepts and the importance of approaching the drum set from a musical point of view. My father, Larry Mechem Sr. had a 9 piece band which I began working with at the age of 14.
Between junior and senior year of high school the summer was spent at Tanglewood studying with percussionists from the Boston Symphony and performing with the student orchestra. After high school a year was spent at Indiana University studying with George Gaber. After the year at IU, I made the decision to go on the road to play professionally. An opportunity came up to perform with Holiday On Ice which John Von Ohlen recommended me for. That would end up being a 5 year commitment beginning at Madison Square Garden and ending with a two month residence in Las Vegas. This was a great playing experience with shows over 2 hours long and performing as many as 11 shows a week.
Freelancing and eventually moving to NYC would lead to tours with headliners and broadway shows including Showboat on Broadway, 42nd Street European tour, I Do I Do, Annie, and Pippin. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BBA degree from Pace University while continuing a music career. After living in NYC for a number of years it was time to leave the city. Las Vegas would be the next destination and not long after moving to Las Vegas I met Michael Grimm who would later win America’s Got Talent. Michael and I had a long term musical relationship. That relationship began as drummer with his band and eventually led to drummer / musical director with the 14 piece band.
Currently I am working as a musician, private drum instructor, and realtor with Urban Nest Realty in Las Vegas. Many thanks to Taye Drums, Sabian Cymbals and Aquarian Drumheads for their excellent product and support!
