LUCAS GILLAN
Drum Instructor
Lucas Gillan started
playing drums when he was nine years old in his hometown on Tucson,
Arizona, and quickly found himself performing frequently in settings as
varied as churches, punk clubs and jazz concerts before entering high
school. While in high school, Lucas played in Tucson's top student jazz
and classical ensembles and decided that music was destined to be more
than a hobby for him. This led him to the elite Jazz Studies program at
Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where he completed all the
requirements for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies.
While at NIU, Lucas played in numerous jazz, classical, and world music
ensembles including the Philharmonic, Percussion Ensemble, Latin Jazz
Ensemble and the renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Ronald
Carter. While with the jazz ensemble, Lucas had the privilege of
performing with such jazz greats as Antonio Hart, John Clayton, Charles
McPherson and others. In the summer of 2006, Lucas played drums in the
show band of the Carnival Pride cruise ship, playing for audiences of
thousands every night in week-long trips to the Mexican Riviera.
Lucas has also maintained a freelance career in the Chicago area, gigging
with jazz and rock musicians like Fareed Haque, Gary Tu and Dave Miller.
Besides being a busy performer, Lucas is a dedicated educator, having
taught privately for over six years. He loves sharing his passion for
music and drums with beginners and experienced drummers alike.
Besides being a drummer and percussionist, Lucas is also a
singer-songwriter. He plays his original songs for audiences throughout
the Chicago area and has released an EP of his material entitled On Your
Knees and Kiss the Earth You Holy Fool!
