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Yoron Israel
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Yoron Israel is a drummer, percussionist, composer, band leader, educator, and author. Formerly a faculty member at Rutgers University, William Paterson University, and Mannes New School. He is department chair and professor of percussion at Berklee College of Music.
Israel also serves as pastor of music and arts at Destiny Life Center International church in Randolph, MA. He has performed with such varied and notable artists as Otis Clay, Shirley Caesar, Sonny Rollins, Abbey Lincoln, Ahmad Jamal, Benny Golson, David "Fathead" Newman, Curtis Fuller, Art Farmer, Joe Lovano, and many more. In addition, Israel is featured on over 250 recordings with various illustrious artists as an accompanist. As a leader, Israel has recorded seven albums, including his most recent being, New Dreams, featuring his ensemble Trio Plus. Other critically acclaimed works include This Moment and Visions: The Music of Stevie Wonder with his quartet High Standards; Basic Traneing, which reached no. 3 on the National Jazz Charts; Chicago, with Israel's organ group, Organic; Live at the Blue Note and A Gift for You, featuring his quintet Connection. As a coleader of the Yoron Israel/Frank Walton Sextet, Israel has produced three recordings, including Live in Chicago, The Back Step, and Live at the Hothouse. Israel tours regularly with pianist Laszlo Gardony, the Makanda Project, vocalist Shawn Monteiro, and vibraphonist Jay Hoggard when not leading his own bands.
Israel's influences include jazz, world, gospel, contemporary Christian, funk, R&B, and orchestral music. He received his Bachelor of Music from Roosevelt University and a Master of Music from Rutgers University. He has been recognized in publications such as Jazz.com, Variety, Jazz Improv Magazine, DownBeat, Jazz Times, Modern Drummer, Stick It, and Percussive Notes. Additionally, Israel is the author of the educational DVD Creative Jazz Improvisation for Drum Set (Hal Leonard/Berklee Press). He continues to teach privately and conducts clinics, workshops, residencies, and music camps worldwide.
- Leader of Trio Plus, High Standards, Connection, and Organic
- Has led other ensembles and projects that include tribute bands such as James Williams ICU Revisited, Musical Tribute to David Fathead Newman
- Seven recordings as a leader and three recordings as a coleader with the Yoron Israel/Frank Walton Sextet. All have charted in the top 25 of National Jazz Charts, with Basic Traneing peaking at no. 3
- Featured accompanist on over 250 recordings with varied artists
- Pastor of music and arts, music director, drummer, keyboardist, vocal coach, Destiny Life Center International church, Randolph MA (2017–present), and formerly at Victory World Church, Canton MA (2011–2017)
- Owner and president of the music publishing, production, and record company Ronja Music
- Founder, producer, and artistic director of the concert series Jazz in the Sanctuary since 2017
- Performed throughout the world and recorded with some of the most highly regarded artists in jazz and gospel music including: Sonny Rollins, Ahmad Jamal, Horace Silver, Abbey Lincoln, Tony Bennett, and Shirley Caesar
- Former teachers Include: drum set: Alan Dawson; piano, improvisation, harmony: Rollins Ross; composition, arranging: Michael P. Mossman; mallets (vibraphone and marimba): Ed Saindon; orchestral percussion: Edward Poremba; West African percussion and music: Mohammed Alidu, various studies in Ghana, Togo, and Benin; world and hand percussion: Jamey Haddad (frame drum) and Angel “Figgy” Figueroa (conga, timbales) at Percussion Artists Workshop, Chicago, IL; jazz improvisation: Ted Dumbar; and history, research: Lewis Porter
- Theatrical experiences include major productions of:Ain't Misbehavin', Best of Both Worlds, Mama I Want to Sing, A Chorus Line, A...My Name Is Alice, The Marriage of Figaro, and Carmina Burana
- Former member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Skokie Valley Symphony, and Henry Street Settlement Symphony (NYC)
- Recipient of five Berklee Chair Recording Grants
- Berklee Percussion Department recognized as 2021 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll as Best Educational Institution, under the leadership of Yoron Israel
- Current endorsements include: Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drum Heads, Sonor Drums, Vic Firth Signature Drum Sticks, Earthworks Microphones, and Cympad Accessories
- Contributing author (forwards): A Manual for the Modern Drummer, Alan Dawson (Berklee Press); Syncopation Companion, Bryan Bowman (Sher Music), Sonny's Bridge, Barry Wittenstein (Charlesbridge Publishing)
- Featured interview in January/February 2022 volume of Modern Drummer
- Ordained as pastor, Destiny Life Center International Church, 2018
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School NameRutgers University-New BrunswickState or ProvinceNew JerseyDegreeMaster of Music (M.M.)Field of StudyJazz StudiesDate Degree Received
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School NameRoosevelt UniversityState or ProvinceIllinoisDegreeBachelor of Music (B.M.)Field of StudyPercussion PerformanceDate Degree Received