Drew Tucker
Kell High School / MalletLab / The New Standard
Overview
Drew Tucker is a musician, educator, and social entrepreneur—a unique combination of talents that place him at the intersection of the arts and activism. Artistically, he’s at the forefront of the movement to reinvent the vibraphone—a dynamic instrument that he melds with soul, funk, jazz and hip-hop influences. He has shared the stage with Shaun Martin, Mani Hoffman, Jeff Coffin, Tom Hurst, Nebojsa Zivkovic, Norah Jones, Mark Ford to name a few. He has toured extensively throughout America and most recently, his band ‘The New Standard’ finished a 3-week tour of Central America and his jazz influenced twists on modern-day standards from Michael Jackson, to Prince and The Police, have earned him key endorsements from Innovative Percussion, Musser, Pearl malletSTATION, Sabian Cymbals, Beetle Percussion, Lot Riot — and the esteemed title of “Cultural Ambassador” by the U.S. Department of State and the applause of sold-out audiences worldwide. The passion he brings to the stage is also present in his classroom.
As one of the founders of MalletLab, Drew brings in more than 75 students per year from around the globe to learn with 10 of the world’s top educators and performers in mallet percussion. He served as the percussion director at Boca Raton High School from 2004 – 2018, was a Front Ensemble Consultant for the Blue Stars in 2017 and for the Blue Coats in 2018. This year he is one of the guest artists at the University of North Texas Keyboard Percussion Workshop and the featured artist at the Patagonia Percussion Festival in General Roca, Argentina! Drew’s one of the most sought-after educators in mallet education, which he led to him being a top front ensemble coach and one of the most coveted speakers in his field.
As a community activist, he’s driven to revitalize underserved areas through the creation of arts centers in underserved neighborhoods and was the key factor in the development of Arts Garage in Delray Beach, the Bailey & Ali Cultural Arts Center in Pompano Beach and Old School Square in Delray Beach. Through his leadership and musicianship, he strives to not only raise spirits, but set an example of excellence and open opportunities for students, families and communities to realize their potential.
Whether performing alongside Grammy winners as a world-class vibraphonist, coaching eager high school students through national music competitions, or leading and directing the growth of local arts institutions, Drew's passion for improving people’s lives through artistic endeavor is unwavering. Drew Currently tours solo and with his band ‘The New Standard,’ serves regularly as a guest clinician and speaker, and is the percussion director at Kell High School in Marietta Georgia.
Drew's Gear
