COMPOSITION & ORCHESTRATION NOTES:
Composition has been a lifelong pursuit, beginning with percussion ensemble arrangements written during high school and continuing alongside decades of professional performance. In many ways, Dedication Suite for Orchestra began years ago while traveling on the road as a drummer, carrying a small keyboard from city to city and composing during downtime between performances. Some of the musical sketches created during those early years ultimately became part of the finished work..
The orchestration for Dedication Suite for Orchestra is written for full orchestra with the addition of piano, bass, and guitar. The percussion writing combines a traditional classical section with a dedicated drum set specialist performing on a modified drum set. All percussion parts are fully notated to ensure clarity and precision. The suite consists of ten movements, five of which feature solo sections for piano, clarinet, flugelhorn, and guitar, with the guitar appearing as a featured solo instrument in two movements.
PERFORMANCE BACKGROUND:
My drumming career began through the influence of two important teachers: John McMahan and John Von Ohlen. McMahan emphasized rudimental development and technical precision, while Von Ohlen focused on musicality and the importance of approaching the drum set as a complete musical instrument. My father, Larry Mechem Sr., led a 9-piece band, and I began performing professionally with the group at the age of fourteen.
Between my junior and senior years of high school, I attended Tanglewood, studying with percussionists from the Boston Symphony while performing with the student orchestra. After graduation, I attended Indiana University for a year, studying with George Gaber before leaving to pursue professional performance opportunities.
An opportunity soon arose to perform with Holiday On Ice, a position recommended by John Von Ohlen. What began as a single engagement developed into a five-year experience that started at Madison Square Garden and concluded with a two-month residency in Las Vegas. The production schedule was demanding, often exceeding ten performances per week, and provided invaluable performing experience at an early age.
Freelancing and eventually relocating to New York City led to work with touring artists, Broadway shows, and productions including Show Boat on Broadway, the European tour of 42nd Street, I Do! I Do!, Annie, and Pippin. During this period, I earned a BBA degree from Pace University, graduating summa cum laude while maintaining an active performing schedule.
After several years in New York, Las Vegas became the next chapter. Shortly after relocating, I met Michael Grimm, who later became the winner of America’s Got Talent. Our long-term musical relationship began with me performing as drummer in his band and eventually expanded into the role of drummer and musical director for his 14-piece ensemble. I also performed for 18 years on a weekly live radio show, working alongside many outstanding musicians and guest artists.
Today, I continue to work as a composer, musician, private instructor, and realtor with Real Broker LLC in Las Vegas, balancing professional performance, orchestral composition, education, and real estate.
