Local student and musician attends prestigious summer academy

LUXEMBURG-CASCO – Mason Mather began playing drums when he was four years old, and he hasn’t stopped since.

“It’s always been a passion of mine. It’s always been like the center of my life. Not a day goes by where I’m not thinking about [music],” Mather said.

He’s delved into further percussion beyond drums over time, including mallet instruments and piano.

“As my taste in music changed, I evolved into different percussion instruments as well,” Mather said.

He was introduced to the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County by his music teacher and underwent a multi-step audition process to play in Big Band Jazz II.

“First my music teacher told me about the camp and that I might be interested,” Mather said. “Then I needed a letter of recommendation and I had to submit an audition tape.”

Mather’s days at the academy typically started with a full rehearsal with the rest of his jazz group, then he split off into a smaller group of percussionists to focus on his drum work.

Working alongside other students in his jazz group opened Mather’s mind to the different ways musicians might work with the same piece.

“I didn’t just learn from teachers — I learned from the students as well, like how they approach something versus how I approached it.”

Mather said one of the most impactful parts of his time at the academy was when professional musicians came in to teach classes and work with students.

“They would come in and actually teach the class, and because they have that experience of these well-known people, it was just amazing. It changed your whole perspective.”

Mather was able to work one-on-one with jazz musician, drummer and composer Dennis Mackrel, who gave him a private lesson, along with the other percussion instructors.

“Their way of music and their teachings really speak on a whole different level to me personally, as a drummer,” he said.

Students of all musical disciplines attended main lectures, and Mather said those teachings were equally valuable. Both discipline and creativity have their place in music, and Birch Creek aimed to nurture both.

Mather’s jazz band played in eight concerts over the two-week camp, each with new music, and he said after the first concert his confidence grew.

“Things got more difficult on a technical level, but you gained more experience. Honestly, I think it got easier, because the more you perform, the more it becomes second nature,” Mather said.

Birch Creek celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer, and musician Harold Jones performed for the academy attendees.

“It was so incredible watching him play, because he’s just such an amazing artist, especially since he’s a drummer,” Mather said.

Mather said his time at the Birch Creek Musical Academy was a wonderful experience, one which he recommends to other young aspiring musicians.