It is a rare privilege to play a role in helping a colleague and friend complete a project as important as Harry Potocnik’s publication of Symbiosis.
I first met Harry at the National Drumline Camp in 2014 when he was just starting his tertiary percussion studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Since then I have been lucky to work closely with and mentor Harry in his Drumline journey.
Harry has become an invaluable member D²Drumline as Lead Snare and part of the Drumline’s leadership team, has instructed at the National Drumline Camp, joined me in performing with the world famous Top Secret Drum Corps (Switzerland), assisted with the composition and recording of the 2021 AFL Grand Final Drumline music, taught alongside me at Scotch College, established and run his own drumline programs and so much more. Working with Harry has been a true honour.
In 2022, Harry began working on a new composition for his final recital in his Masters of Performance – the first time a drumline style work would be performed in the subject. I was lucky to play a small role in helping Harry with this process, along with Ralph Nader and Nikki Katiforis.
Fast forward to 2023, Symbiosis was published through D², an incredible performance video released, and, to top it all off, the piece has been included in the VCE Syllabus list of prescribed works. This is the first time any drumline repertoire has been included in the VCE Syllabus and is a huge credit to Harry for his work with this piece.
On a personal level, it is hugely rewarding to see the growth of drumline and marching percussion in Australia and I am incredibly proud to see Harry kicking goals in this space!
You can check out Harry’s incredible performance of Symbiosis HERE.