Distractions | Jensen L. Thomassie

Performed and recorded live on December 13, 2024 by Peyton Johnson.

PROGRAM NOTE:
Distractions for solo snare drum and electronics centers around the impact that modern technology has had on social norms and development in the world. The piece takes samples from computers, phones, and a variety of apps to create a sonic environment that encapsulates the distracted state we find ourselves in within our lives due to the abundance of social media and other technological advances.

Instrumentation:
Concert Snare Drum
Drumset Snare with Steel Snare Wires (upside-down)
Splash Cymbal
Credit Card or ID card

ABOUT THE COMPOSER:
Jensen L. Thomassie is a percussionist, educator, and internationally performed composer based in Columbia, South Carolina. Thomassie is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of South Carolina under the study of Scott Herring where he also serves as the Carolina Band Drumline Graduate Assistant. Thomassie holds a Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance and Music Composition from Furman University where he studied percussion under Omar Carmenates and Justin Watt and composition under Mark Kilstofte, Peter B. Kay, and Jay Bocook.

As a composer, Thomassie’s catalog includes over 30 works for percussion ensemble, wind ensemble, orchestra, clarinet quartet, brass quintet, voice, string quartet, electronics, and more. His music has been performed across the United States, as well as in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Hungary, and South Korea, and he is regularly commissioned by artists and ensembles including What Is Noise new music ensemble.