Instructor Profile - Caleb Van Gelder
"All Around Percussion Studio "
Caleb Van Gelder is an exceptional musician whose voice of choice is drumset. As a diverse musician, he has studied, taught, & performed in a variety of musical styles: from classical, be-bop/Jazz, funk, fusion, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Latin, big band, show band, R&B, to hip hop, bluegrass, and pop. In addition to drum set, Caleb's musical abilities expand to piano & composition.
Caleb Van Gelder is now teaching beginning to advanced drum set coordination for all styles, snare drum technique (classical & jazz), and Latin percussion. Caleb also teaches beginning to intermediate classical percussion usually coinciding with primary education band classes. Also, providing there is enough interest, he can direct an independent percussion ensemble.
Born and raised in Wyoming, percussionist/musician Caleb D. Van Gelder's life has been a continuous quest for vision, compassion, spirit, growth, and mastery in music, and really he's just getting started. He began his musical journey at the age of seven with piano and percussion in elementary school. At the age of twelve he received his first drum set. His constant desire for musical & self growth led him to study Classical, Jazz, 
and Latin percussion at age 14 with the renowned jazz drummer Ronnie Bedford from New York City, who has played & recorded with the likes of Joe Pass, Sarah Vaughn, Benny Goodman, Buddy DeFranco, & Pee Wee Russell. Pursuing his love for music with vigor, any musical opportunity that arose he was there. Caleb was a three year performer in Wyoming's Allstate Jazz Band.
Caleb's artistic uniqueness lies in his dynamic sound, authenticity and creativity. Travels to Brazil, Morocco, & Europe have aided him in this point. A sensitive, colorful and innovative drummer, Caleb mixes different textures and tones on the drums and cymbals to produce beautiful colors and images. A versatile musician, Caleb approaches each genre in its authentic context, yet complements it through incorporating various styles in an ingenious manner to create an interesting and organic sound.
Caleb Van Gelder toured in the summer of 06' with guitarist/stringest Jalan Crossland, a Wyoming State Flatpicking champion & National Fingerstyle Runner-Up. He toured in 2007 as an opening act in the NWC Big Band for the quartet of jazz luminaries Mike Tomaro, Bob Magnusson, Roger Kellaway, & Bedford. Most recently Caleb toured with the NWC Big Band opening up for, as well as playing with Ronnie Bedford & Friends, which included Warren Chiasson, who according to the New York Times is "one of the six top vibraphonists of the last half century", UNC Bass Professor Erik Applegate, guitarist Jeff Troxel, & the great Ronnie Bedford. Caleb has performed at all of the premiere music festivals in Wyoming including The Yellowstone Jazz Festival, The Big Horn Mountain Festival, No Woodstock, Beartrap Summer Festival, & The Sheridan Arts Festival. Also, Caleb has performed at South Dakota's Mt. Rushmore and Western Heritage Festival, & at UNC Greeley's Jazz Festival. He has shared stage with great jazz musicians such as Bob Mintzer, vibraphonist Warren Chiasson, Ronnie Bedford, & bassist Erik Applegate, and with many of Wyoming's premiere artists like bassist Bill Plummer, guitarists' Peter Queal & Jeff Troxel, & saxophonist Craig Olson.
Caleb is an exceptional musician with a remarkable personality. A young, talented, and dedicated artist, Caleb is the epitome of professionalism and musicianship. Caleb is currently a freelance musician based out of Missoula, MT working with various groups throughout the west, as well as teaching private lessons at his all around percussion studio located at Tangled Tones Music Studio in Missoula.
Lesson Rates & Contact Info
$70.00/month for 1/2 hour lessons once per week.
$105.00/month for 45 minute lessons once per week.
$130.00/month for 1 hour lessons once per week.
Phone: (307) 921-8853
Email: quantum_saranja@yahoo.com
