Saint Louis, MO
ph: 314-369-5855
adam
My musical career has led me down some interesting paths:
Music with Children
Circus Music
Music Education
African and Afro-Cuban Percussion
Guitar - rock, folk, jazz
Musical Theater
Dance Accompaniment
Sound Design/Sound Effects
Instrument Building
For the last nine years, I have been Music Director for Circus Harmony, a non-profit organization that mentors youth through circus arts. I compose and arrange the music, play guitar, percussion, and lead the 7-piece band. The first CD of my original tunes for the circus, ASCENSION, will be available for purchase soon.
I began studying West African percussion in 1991 and have studied with a variety of master drummers, including Ladji Camara, Mamady Keïta, Famoudou Konate, Abdoul Doumbia, Madou Dembele, and Bolokada Konde. I studied and stayed with a family in Côte d'Ivoire in 2000. I have over 14 years experience as accompanist for master African dancers Diadié Bathily and Karol Ababa. Currently, I teach the African Percussion Ensemble course at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.
I am the author of a 2-CD set of play-along djembe ensemble tracks, called "Let's Play Djembe, volumes 1 & 2." Copies available. Email me to place an order.
I have contributed music to a number of theater pieces, including:
- sound design for Metro Theater Company's Kevin Klein Award-winning play, Delilah's Wish.
- composing and performing music for Metro Theater's productions of Stix & Stonz, New Kid and Iceman.
- pit orchestra guitarist for Stray Dog Theater's productions of Tommy, Spring Awakening, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Evil Dead, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and The Butterfingers Angel (of which I was also Music Director).
- pit orchestra guitarist for New Line Theater's production of Hands on a Hardbody.
** I will appearing in Stray Dog Theater's production of The Great American Trail Park Christmas Musical in December, 2014.
Metro Theater Company's summer arts camp, Arts INTERsection, 2013.
In performance with The Circus Harmony Band.
In Stray Dog Theatre's production of Spring Awakening.
"When you come to school, Mr. Adam, you always make us smarter!" - Fourth Grader at McNair Elementary School
Copyright 2014 Adam Rugo. All rights reserved.
Saint Louis, MO
ph: 314-369-5855
adam