April 5, 2018
Award-winning percussion instructor to teach at 2018 K-State Drumline Mini-Camp
The 2018 K-State Drumline Mini-Camp will feature guest clinician Tom McGowan, who has instructed nationally recognized marching percussion groups. The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, is open to all high school and middle school percussionists, regardless of experience level.
In addition to learning from the guest clinician, participants will work with members and staff of the Pride of Wildcat Land Drumline. Although admission to the event is free, registration is required.
Educational endorser for Innovative Percussion, Evans, Sabian Ltd. and the Pearl Corporation, McGowan serves as assistant director of bands and professor of percussion at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. He serves as director of the TJC Percussion Ensemble, Apache Steel Drum Band, TJC Indoor Percussion and assistant director of the Apache Marching Band. McGowan also is responsible for overseeing all applied lesson students attending Tyler Junior College.
McGowan has long taught in Texas, beginning with his position as percussion instructor at The Woodlands High School from 1992-1999. As director of the TJC Indoor Percussion group, the ensemble has received the Winter Guard International, or WGI, title of Percussion Independent Open Class Champion in 2008, Open Class Finalist in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013, and Independent World Class Finalist in 2010 and 2011.
Before taking his position at Tyler Junior College, McGowan held an adjunct teaching position at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Concurrently, he was an instructor for the Fighting Illini Drumline at the University of Illinois, and section percussionist for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
Originally from Summit, Illinois, McGowan holds both his bachelor's and master's degrees in music performance from Eastern Illinois University, studying under Professor Johnny Lee Lane. He currently lives in Flint, Texas with his wife Debbie and daughter Makeena.
McGowan actively presents clinics throughout Texas and has taught many marching percussion camps during the summer months. He also is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, an alumnus of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and an honorary member of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.