Simon Whittaker

Hello I've been playing percussion since my 7th birthday and I'm now 33 - where does the time go?!? I have my own car and equipment as follows Kits: DW Collectors - Maple in Oyster pearl wrap Yamaha Maple custom - Bebop sizes Yamaha Beech Custom - Fusion sizes Bosphorus, Zildjian cymbals Perc: Cuban percussion - Congas, bongo, timbales Vibraphone Boxes and boxes of auxillary percussion for Orchestral, Brazilian, Cuban music. Guinean Djembe Cajon and pedal Udu Bodhrans and frame drums Compact Congas Electronic: Roland SPDs electric drum pad Roland Electronic drum kit Large PA with monitors and iPad remote desk I have a sense of humour, a can-do attitude, a good set of ears, and can busk swiftly and confidently with most things. I look forward to hearing from you Simon Here's my bio in more detail... Simon Whittaker is a freelance percussionist performing, arranging, collaborating, producing and teaching in London, England. A graduate from Trinity College of Music, he studied percussion with Gary Kettel, Kevin Nutty, Mick Doran, world percussion with Dawson Miller, jazz drums with Dave Wickens, marimba with Gillian Mcdonagh and vibraphone with Roger Beaujolais Simon has toured Asia with The Amadeus Orchestra, been resident percussionist with St. Endellion Festival Orchestra and performed numerous times with the Phoenix Orchestra and Orpheus Sinfonia. Notable performances venues include the Cadogan Hall, The Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, RFH, QEH, Brixton Academy and recordings for BBC Radio. Simon has also lead his own Latin Jazz project, ‘Nuevo Rhythm Orchestra’. Well known for their high energy performances, the group has played all over the UK, from salsa club nights to political engagements with Boris Johnson. Simon has also played hand percussion for Rhythms of the City, NYJO, the Bobby Lamb Big Band, Paola Vera and for BBC TV and Channel 4 recordings. Simon has worked with the following people; Classical Julian Bliss, Edward Gardner, Julian Lloyd Webber, Amadeus Orchestra, Orpheus Sinfonia, The Mahler Orchestra, Cyprus Sinfonia, Brandenburg Sinfonia, St. Endellion Festival Orchestra, Sussex Symphony Orchestra, Maidstone Symphony Orchestra, Young Janacek Philharmonic, Earnest Reed Symphony Orchestra, Kensington Philharmonic, Blackheath Opera Company Jazz/Latin Rhythms Of The City, Monobloco, Mystro, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Nuevo Rhythm Orchestra, The Bobby Lamb Big Band, Friendly Fires (Brixton Academy Support), Paola Vera, Rachel K Collier Commercial Russell Watson, BBC Radio 3, Greg Knowles, Channel 4 TV, Dave Loew (Pinewood Studios), Blue Peter, Premier Brass, London Breakbeat Orchestra Theatre Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde, Victor/Victoria, Into the Woods, The King & I, Spring Awakening, The Producers, Years (London Palladium), On the Town, I Love You Because, Back to the 80’s, Bernarda Alba, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Zanna-Don’t, Pippin, Baby Contemporary Errollyn Wallen, Anna Noakes, Gerard McCrystal, Gary Kettel, Mike Mower, Tony Hinnigan, Tristan Fry, Domonic Murcott, Hofesh Shechter, Alison Turriff