About Kendall Rhymer
Bio
Kendall Rhymer (she/her/hers, they/them/theirs) is currently earning her master's degree at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She received her B.A. in Music as well as Philosophy and Religion at Western Carolina University. She is an active member of folx percussion as well as her university ensembles.
During her time as a student, she has had the opportunity to perform with groups such as Sō Percussion, Western Carolina University’s Wind Ensemble, and the Truman Steel Ensemble. She has had the opportunity to perform at the Missouri Music Educator's Association Conference in 2022 as well as participate in premiere pieces from Everybody Hits Consortium. Kendall is passionate about performing and commissioning new works that explore interdisciplinary relationships between music and other art forms. She also committed to performing works by historically underrepresented voices and advocating for important social justice issues. This advocacy includes exploring the cultural significance and history of percussion instruments, and how music can open dialogue about climate change advocacy, anti-racism work, women's rights, trans-rights, lgbtqia+ rights, and community engagement. She hopes her work will help the percussion world move towards a more inclusive, diverse, sustainable, and welcoming place. Current projects for Kendall include developing a drum and percussion curriculum for pre-K-8th grade private students and supplemental activities and music for middle school band students. She is working on developing a book of etudes for middle school and beginning mallet percussion students. She is currently preparing her master's recital and will perform that sometime in April of 2023. Her work with folx Percussion focuses on creating safe and equitable spaces for musicians who typically feel ostracized in conventional performance spaces. You can learn more about folx Percussion here. |
Greetings & Salutations!
My name is Kendall Rhymer. I am a percussionist and music educator! I'm so happy you stopped by! I am passionate about performing and working on new, innovative ways that percussion can collaborate with other disciplines. Currently I am interested in works exploring percussion and voice, as well as percussion and poetry. Diversity, accessibility, and sustainability are very important to me and I am actively researching ways for the percussion world to become a more sustainable, inclusive, and conscious place.
When I'm not performing, practicing, or listening to music, you can find me teaching. I love working with students of any age and helping them explore music in a creative and fun way. I pride myself on finding new ways to teach each of my students because each person is totally unique. No two students are alike, therefore no two lessons or approaches to teaching should be the same either! My teaching approach is very personable and student-focused. I believe that students learn best when they are setting their own goals and active participants in their learning. I believe that music for music's sake is such a beautiful outlet for students as well as a wonderful way to facilitate real world learning and skills. I welcome any and all students regardless of age, experience, and ability. Whether you are looking to play for fun, professionally, or somewhere in between, I welcome you to join me on this musical journey! When I am not doing musical things you can find me at home with my partner Jonathan and my three cats Pete, Gigi, and Salem. I love to read, garden, tend to my plants, go on hikes, and knit. I absolutely love what I do and am excited to share that with you! |