News & Events - Sabian Feed

The week of October 13-17, 2008 Liberty DeVitto was in residence on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, WV. DeVitto was selected to be a Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor of the Arts by Donald Van Horn, Dean of the Marshall University College of Fine Arts.

In 1992 Joan C. Edwards established an endowment, bearing her name, with the intent of enabling the College of Fine Arts at Marshall University to bring distinguished educators in the arts to campus to enhance learning opportunities for students, staff, faculty and the community. In announcing DeVitto’s selection Dean Van Horn said, "Clearly, Mr. DeVitto will bring extraordinary opportunities to our students and the university community and that is exactly what is intended through the Edwards Distinguished Professors program.

During his residency DeVitto, who recorded multi-platinum albums and toured the world for 30 years as Billy Joel's drummer, presented lectures to 10 different sections of music appreciation classes about the creative process of composing and recording rock/pop music, presented several lecture/discussions to jazz studies and commercial music students, hosted a seminar on performance preparation and career development for music majors, worked with Marshall percussion students and presented a drum set clinic for the general public.

Dr. Ben Miller, Professor of Music and Percussion Instructor at Marshall University, created the residency. Concerning Liberty's visit to Marshall Prof. Miller said, "When Liberty left Billy Joel's Band I was informed that Liberty was interested in sharing his knowledge and experience with university students and I jumped at the opportunity. That led to a two day visit in the summer of 2006 that was very successful. We expanded on the sessions that Liberty did then. So many students only know famous rock/pop performers through tabloid magazines, stereotypical TV shows and hollywood movies. By having Liberty on campus for a week interacting with students from all over campus I hope that they will get to know Liberty not only as a famous musician, but also as a sincere musician who is passionate about making music and sharing it with others and, most importantly, a really wonderful person."

Liberty DeVitto's residency at Marshall University was made possible by corporate assistance from Pro-Mark Corporation, SABIAN Cymbals, Evans Drum Heads and Mapex Drums as well as support from the Marshall University Percussive Arts Club. Dr. Miller is the faculty sponsor of the student organization.