Mitch Hebert, percussion

Mitch Hebert holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Oklahoma City University where he studied with Dr. David Steffens and served as Graduate Assistant. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Alma College, studying with Dave Zerbe.

Mitch is an active freelance percussionist and educator in the Cape Fear Region, performing with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Wilmington Symphonic Winds, Onslow Winds Jazz Ensemble, and frequently in the pit orchestra with Opera House Theatre Company and Thalian Association Community Theatre.

He has performed with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Lansing Concert Band, Capitol City Brass Band, the award-winning Alma College Pipe Band, Petoskey Steel Drum Band, and many more. As a member of the Alma College Percussion Ensemble, Mitch performed all over the Midwest including Detroit International Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, and others. He has attended and performed at numerous Michigan, Oklahoma, and North Carolina Music Educators Association Conventions. As a High School Band Director in Edmond, Oklahoma, he had the privilege of conducting in Carnegie Hall.  

 Mitch also works as a Service Technician at   Two Wheeler Dealer     and enjoys the local mountain biking trails.

Here is an interview with Mitch in 2020:

How long have you played your instrument?
I started taking piano lessons in 3rd grade and I started making drums out of pots and pans at a very young age. So, let's say I've been playing percussion for 25 years.

How long have you been a Wilmington Symphony Orchestra musician?
For two years.

What do you do for a career?
I play music locally, teach percussion at UNCW, and I work part-time at Two Wheeler Dealer.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the west coast of Michigan in a small town called Petoskey.

What is your favorite song, artist, and/or musical memory?
One of my favorite musical memories is from high school when I got to perform in New Orleans at the Mardi Gras parade with the Petoskey Steel Drum Band.

Favorite meal or restaurant?
I have a lot of favorite meals.

Favorite beverage?
Coffee.

What is your favorite vacation?
My favorite vacation is when Breana and I got married last year in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Best vacation ever.

You're stuck on a desert island... What book, music/album/artist, and/or movie do you want with you??
Armed with a hatchet, I'm certain I could craft some percussion instruments.

What's your pet situation?
We have two cats named YoYo and Weasley.

What do you want people to know about the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra?
The musicians work hard at their craft and Dr. Errante is a great leader.

How are you keeping yourself occupied while being at home all day?
My wife let me convert our guest bedroom into a music studio.

Any words of wisdom to help others through this?
Whether it's practicing an instrument or acts of kindness, don't forget to practice!

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