Composer | Percussionist

Motivated by a boundless curiosity for music, Nolan Mancl is a versatile performer and composer who is fluent in a variety of musical styles.

 

โ€œFreedom Dayโ€ Drum Solo

As an improviser, Nolan Mancl seeks to be expressive and creative with every note, using his own sense of musicality to further the ensemble as a whole. โ€œFreedom Dayโ€ was composed by Max Roach during the Civil Rights Movement, and expresses the myriad of emotions felt by newly-freed slaves on emancipation day. โ€œAs a white man, I was uncomfortable soloing on this piece at first; it wasnโ€™t written for me to play,โ€ Mancl says. โ€œAfter much reflection, I figured the best way to approach the song and instrument was the same way Max Roach did on the original recording. In my improvisation, I tried my best to conceptualize the piece like Roach while adding my own creative sensibility. I also quoted the original solo on each run of the tune in homage to the brilliant composer.โ€

 

Explore My Music

  • Compositions

    Explore my original music. My work includes pieces for jazz ensembles, solo instruments, electro-acoustic music, and musique concrรจte.

  • Percussion Performance

    Hear recorded performances of my percussion work. I have playing experience with jazz ensembles, symphonic bands, chamber ensembles, percussion ensembles, pit orchestras, and choirs.

  • Upcoming Performances

    Check out my calendar for opportunities to see me in action!

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