Paul Corbière

Percussionist
Coralville IA
Fellowship: 2008 / 2012
WorldMusicDrumming.com

“Support the arts in your schools,” says Paul. “Period.”

Paul is the co-founder of Beat For Peace, a music-based intervention program that combines world music drumming and counseling. Originating in Florida elementary schools, he established the program in Iowa six years ago. “We used to have a gang problem here,” he says, “but one day I stood up and said, I have a gang. Instead of beating skulls, we beat drums. Instead of kicking each other, we work together.”

“If I had a magic wand,” says Paul, “I would turn every weapon into a musical instrument, every round of ammunition into a note. In disputes, the winner would be the band, ensemble, or orchestra that evokes the most emotion out of the opponent — making them laugh, cry, or giggle!”

Paul brings his talent and dedication to his job as a music teacher at Roundy Elementary. “I teach specifically at the elementary level, because children have no knowledge that they can’t do something.”

Paul also leads The Marimba Cats, a performing ensemble of middle and high school students, and an extension of Beat For Peace Iowa. In addition, he’s a consultant for Just Play It!, a classroom blues harmonica curriculum. “I love what I am doing,” says Paul. “I am a third generation music teacher. My grandfather taught high school music and played with the Boston Pops. My mom was a music teacher for 39 years. Music has always been part of my life.”

In 2005, Paul was composer and co-facilitator of the Iowa Groove, leading an astonishing 1300 person drum ensemble. “I’ve got a little reputation for doing crazy stuff,” he says.

Links:
Beat for Peace concert
worldmusicdrumming.com/faculty

Publications:
Skins, Sticks, and Bars (Heritage Press) song book for drum, xylophone, recorder ensembles (available from westmusic.com)
Happy Jammin’ (Heritage Press) song book for recorder

Paul is Watching: Cartoons! Warner Brothers’ are my favorite. I learned so much music by watching them. I still watch Sesame Street: I LOVE the little 10-15 second shorts introducing a new letter or number. My unrealized dream was to compose for those little nuggets of info.