Teacher Profile: Alan Silverstein
About Alan Silverstein
Alan began his musical journey in the 7th grade and quickly realized the joy that playing an instrument provided. It really has played a tremendous role in his life both as a creative outlet and a vehicle to meet and make lifelong friends!
As a high school student, Alan found success composing 2 percussion ensembles that placed 1st at the Percussive Arts Society National Conferences in 1976 and 1977. He also composed and performed an ensemble winning the DCI Ensemble category in 1977. In addition to concert music, Alan became very active in marching percussion and was a member of the Concord Blue Devils from 1974-1977. 1976-77 were the first 2 world championships for the Blue Devils, who have since gone on to win a total of 20 DCI Championships!
Alan earned BA in music and an MA in Educational Technology from San Diego State University, where he was fortunate to be able to study South Indian Classical Indian drumming from renowned teacher Trichy Sankan, as well as Javanese and Balinese Gamelan music, and Latin music from conga master Michael Spiro. At that time, he also became a member of the Harry Partch Ensemble playing this composer's collection of unique microtonal instruments and appearing on several albums of his music.
Alan then began to work as a substitute percussionist for the San Diego Symphony and many other professional groups in the San Diego area. He developed an interest in playing drum set and was a member of Guitarist/Keyboardist Mike Keneally's (Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and many others) the band Drop Control and played on much of his first solo Album "Hat" and his 2nd album "Boil that Dust Speck". In addition, Alan worked extensively as a freelance percussionist.
He became a full-time schoolteacher and taught band as well as history, computer science and video production. Then, in 2002, Alan moved overseas and worked as teacher for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) were he worked with military dependent students in Korea, England and Belgium. From 2010 until he retired Alan was the Europe West District's director for Educational Technology. While living overseas Alan continued to play music wherever he lived playing in classical, rock and jazz genres.
Since retiring from teaching Alan has devoted himself to music and is currently in four Seattle based bands: Wanderers by Trade (a Seattle Bob Dylan Tribute band), Lazuli Shoals (and original project), ETA (a 6 member jazz funk band) and the Ken Reid Band (Classic Rock) as well as composing in a variety of genres. He is the father of 2 wonderful adult daughters and a proud grandparent of a 2 year old grandson!