Don Johns is an in-demand percussion performer and educator in the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan area. He is a regular substitute musician with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Johns is also principal timpanist of the Apollo Orchestra in Washington, DC. In addition, he is the lead percussionist for Soulful Symphony (Columbia, MD). Moreover, Dr.
The Tender Interval
The Tender Interval invites viewers to watch and listen to water drip in sync with their heartbeats in real time.
Medium: Interactive installation using heart pulse sensors and water pumps
Year: 2022
Details: Dimensions variable
Cadence
A performance with two performers both attached to a heart pulse sensor. Each sensor is connected to a motor which is attached to a drumstick. Each drumstick taps to the individual's pulse.
The piece can be performed in different formats: In a durational setting, such as a gallery exhibition, predetermined performers can sit with the drum for 30+ minutes at a time throughout the course of the show, or the work may be open to visitor interaction when a gallery attendant is present. At an event with a set time limit, volunteers can be paired at random and instructed to sit with the drum for a minimum of two minutes at a time while an audience watches the interaction of the two people’s heart beats.
The piece can be performed in different formats: In a durational setting, such as a gallery exhibition, predetermined performers can sit with the drum for 30+ minutes at a time throughout the course of the show, or the work may be open to visitor interaction when a gallery attendant is present. At an event with a set time limit, volunteers can be paired at random and instructed to sit with the drum for a minimum of two minutes at a time while an audience watches the interaction of the two people’s heart beats.
Medium: Participatory performance using heart pulse sensors
Year: 2013
Details: Duration variable
National Puppetry Festival
See more information about Alice in Wonderland
A solo piano rendition of the Sammy Fain title track to the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland.
Year: 2009
See more information about Prelude from Te Deum - Marc Antoine Charpentier
A trumpet-organ duo of Marc Antoine Charpentier's prelude to Te Deum.
Greg Small, trumpet
Len Langrick, organ
Recorded at Towson Presbyterian Church
Greg Small, trumpet
Len Langrick, organ
Recorded at Towson Presbyterian Church
Year: 2005
December 2021
December 2021 is an original composition featured on Oriana, the latest recording from Ravita Jazz.
Benny Russell - Soprano Sax
Greg Small - Piano
Phil Ravita - Bass
Nucleo Vega - Drums
Mark Leppo - Vibes
Benny Russell - Soprano Sax
Greg Small - Piano
Phil Ravita - Bass
Nucleo Vega - Drums
Mark Leppo - Vibes
Year: 2023
A Visual Ode to Billie Holiday
"A Visual Ode to Billie Holiday"
Cinematographer: Niajea Randolph
Location : Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
Performance Duration : 8 min
Size : 34 x 34
2023
An ode is normally a short lyric poem/song that shows appreciation to an individual, an idea or an event. This moment I created a visual ode inspired by the iconic Billie Holiday. During my time at the Sagamore Baltimore partnering with Visit Baltimore, my research about her lyrical rendition of the poem "Strange Fruit"written by Abel Meeropol. This moment in history told the unsung truth in the 1930s towards the horror of lynching in the American South.
Cinematographer: Niajea Randolph
Location : Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
Performance Duration : 8 min
Size : 34 x 34
2023
An ode is normally a short lyric poem/song that shows appreciation to an individual, an idea or an event. This moment I created a visual ode inspired by the iconic Billie Holiday. During my time at the Sagamore Baltimore partnering with Visit Baltimore, my research about her lyrical rendition of the poem "Strange Fruit"written by Abel Meeropol. This moment in history told the unsung truth in the 1930s towards the horror of lynching in the American South.
Medium: Performance Art
Year: 2023