Dear Reader

Having chosen an instrument that's...well...for lack of a better word at the moment, a bit obscure (no, it's not a clarinet—nor a bassoon!), I'm rather used to interesting reactions when I tell people I play the oboe. Or perhaps, when I simply play it for people, they might tell me how much they liked the flute I just played. I get it! It is beautiful, but it's not a very common instrument.

Well, now that I think of it, maybe I really was born with a tad bit of resilience—my name is Kirstin, after all! And no, it's not Kirsten, Kristin, Christian, Karstan, Kristie, or even Karen. No, my mom liked to be just a liiiiitle bit different, and really, I don't think the apple fell far from that tree.

So here I am. My name is a little challenging, the instrument I chose when I was 10 years old is a lot challenging, and when my good friend says, "Hey, Kirstin, do you want to record an album with the London Symphony?"...well, here I go again. Sure, why not? Ha!

When I tell people about this project, there are quite a few different reactions. A jaw might literally drop, but often I get a quizzical look as people process what I've just said. At this point in my life, I'm rather used to having people look at me like I have two heads, and now that we're three years into this project, I'm finally starting to embrace that this is what we're actually doing. I am committed.

Admittedly, this project is large-scale and has required a lot of thinking outside the box, but it is truly an honor. I'm finally starting to wear that badge of honor with the same confidence I have when I play the oboe or wear a name tag that says "Kirstin."

While we aren't wearing name tags, this is percussionist, David Jackson, preparing to introduce us to the orchestra before the sessions began. He was so congenial and took care to pronounce our names correctly - not an easy task - you can see my own jaw dropped when he did it correctly the first time! 😆
📸 Michael Upton

Speaking of embracing who I am and marching to the beat of my own drum, our sixth postcard is doing just the same. I'll let Frances do the talking here, but we wanted to introduce you to the LSO percussionists because there's a lot of fascinating history behind them and, in some cases, the instruments. And oh my...when you hear them on the new album, you'll understand exactly why they're so special.

The Faces and Stories Behind the Beat
The London Symphony Percussionists

LSO Percussionists
Abbey Road Studios - April 9, 2026
David Jackson (Cymbals), Neil Percy (Snare), Helen Edordu (Bass Drum)
and Patrick King (Timpani)
📸 Ben Ealovega

From Frances...

In preparation for meeting the London Symphony players, our producer, Phillip would send us interviews to help us understand the culture - and the extraordinary level of playing - we were about to encounter on recording day.

One of those was a podcast interview with Neil Percy, LSO’s Principal Percussionist.

I remember listening intently and dreaming about the day we would meet these musicians in person. The same genuineness and approachability I heard in Neil’s interview were exactly what we experienced when we finally stepped into the room with the players.

Neil Percy
Principal Percussion; London Symphony Orchestra
Abbey Road Studios - April 9, 2026
📸 Ben Ealovega

More to the Story...

Neil is the LSO’s longest-serving Principal Percussion and has served as Head of Timpani and Percussion at the Royal Academy of Music since 2000.

He has also performed on more than 150 film scores, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Braveheart, Notting Hill, and Unbroken.

No wonder I listened to his interview with equal parts eagerness and trepidation before our Abbey Road session!

🎧 Listen to Neil's insightful interview on The Legacy of John Williams Podcast

The Historic LSO Bass Drum

We also thought you might enjoy a recently published video interview featuring Neil Percy and renowned instrument maker Pete Woods discussing the historic bass drum used by the LSO.

Click Below to watch the video ⬇️

Yes...this is the drum you’ll hear on our new album.

Every instrument - and every musician - has added something distinctive to the music we’ll eventually share with you when our album is released.

We can't wait!!

Until then, thank you for continuing to join us behind the scenes. It makes the waiting a little more fun 😀

Fundraising Progress
91.8%!

We now have 258 donors! Our goal is to get to 300 - and that's with a donation in any amount.

With less than $13,000 to raise, we are on our way to an amazing album release later this year! We are SO close. Help us complete this journey which also helps our charitable partner MSFitEffect!

Click on the graph if you would like to join us or would like to contribute again:

Upcoming Performances
🎵🎵

July 26 - Nashville First Baptist Church - prelude to 8:30 AM service
July 27-29 - The Nashville Sessions (private)
August 16 - Masonic Village Brunch (private)
August 23 - Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St., Lancaster PA - special music throughout 10:30 AM service

For the full listing of our future events, click here.

Did You Know?

Anyone can explore our Newsletter Hub to read previous editions of our e-newsletter and get caught up on all the adventures, insights, and milestones along the way:

Newsletter Hub