CHOPSTIX PERCUSSION
St. Peter, MN

1993 HONOR UNIT

Chopstix brings innovation, fun to street marching

Get set to experience what could be one of the most memorable performances ever given in the Vikingland Band Festival!

Chopstix is an independent organization that draws its membership from across southern Minnesota, including Waseca, Mankato, Rochester and the Twin Cities. The average age is 24, although members range in age from 17 to 35. Members rehearse in Waseca about twice a month, and in the summer travel for performances about every other weekend. Chopstix will perform in 20 parades this season.

The group was founded in 1991 by Mike Mayer, who has an extensive background teaching and performing with high school bands and drum corps. He marched with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, was drum major of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, and has instructed for Minnesota Brass and the Govenaires. He also works with the Waseca High School Band.

Chopstix has proven to be so successful in its first three years that next year Mike plans to add a second group called "Top Chops." The new group will be a brass group, and will continue to innovate parade performances in the tradition of Chopstix.

While the group strives for flashy innovation and crowd appeal, quality performance remains its primary goal. Listen for the technical accuracy and precision as the group performs its complicated rhythms.

Also watch and listen for your cue to join in. The performers love audience participation, and they hope you'll clap -- and even sing along -- with their crazy antics.

Director: Mike Mayer
Business Manager: Nell Doyle
Staff: Doug Antoine, Tim Keech
Address:

1003 Riverview Hills

St. Peter, MN 56082

507-931-2519