I’ve been working as a musician in the theatre for over 16 years. During that time, I’ve become a kind of “jack of all trades” as my career has spanned composition, music direction, orchestration and instrumental work. Here are some musical basics about me...theatrically: On Composition... As a composer, I have always been drawn to the theatre as my means of expression. I love how music functions as a dramatic device on the stage in plays and musicals. While my music is largely tonal, it does tend to be rather chromatic in nature. I’m not afraid of dissonance, especially within a dramatically tense moment. Also, as I’m a percussionist, my music often possesses a certain “rhythmic flare”. Aside from the original shows I’m involved in, I have composed original music for prominent theatres in both Chicago and Off-Broadway markets. You can hear samples of my work on my music page. What the critics say: "powerhouse composer/musician" - Chicago Sun-Times "[Ethan's] work gives excitement and urgency...full of evocative harmonies and tensions." - Centerstage Chicago "dynamic scoring" - Chicago Sun-Times "interesting, lovely songs" - Backstage.com “marvelous music” - Steadstyle Chicago “cleverly crafted songs” - Windy City Times "unusually sophisticated" - Chicago Reader "gorgeous song[s]" - Chicago Sun-Times On Music Direction... My experience in music direction is extensive in musical theatre. I am quite confident in conducting a show from the piano, but I also have much experience with larger orchestras for a musical that allow me to just strictly conduct the show. Over the years, I have developed a style of vocal coaching that is distinct and effective. When working with the cast, the core of my direction is focused on exploiting the combined vocal strength of the entire ensemble while giving the soloists room to shine in their respective roles. My casts have been praised for their precision and intonation, even with the most difficult of harmonies. What the critics say: “the harmonies are razor sharp” - Chicago Tribune “Ethan Deppe’s musical direction is top notch” - Chicago Sun-Times “Under musical director Ethan Deppe, the cast of 16 nails Sondheim’s tricky rhythms and his tight harmonic modulations.” - Windy City Times “The ensemble nailed their songs with a startling effectiveness.” - Chicago Critic “A tight band, led by keyboard player Ethan Deppe, successfully negotiates a variety of popular music styles.” - The Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY) “The vocal work, overseen by Musical Director Ethan Deppe is terrific, there are some wonderful harmonies in the chorus work.” - Stage Entrance “...a show filled with radiant music (Ethan Deppe, Music Director)...” - The Ithaca Journal “dynamic music director” - Ithaca Times “The cast projected naturally (no mics) with every lyric crystal-clear - how refreshing to the ear.” - Chicago Critic “Ethan Deppe’s five-player ensemble makes the Ross and Adler score sound new.” - Syracuse New Times On Percussion... As an instrumentalist, I am a percussionist first. Although I’ve played in plenty of bands with styles ranging from rockabilly to alt-country to rock and metal, I have developed a specialty in musical theatre throughout the years. I am proficient in mallets, tympani and other auxiliary percussion as well as (obviously) the drum set. I think my resume speaks for itself with regards to my familiarity with the repertoire. Consistency is extremely important in a live theatre setting, and the actors and music directors I have worked with have always been able to count on me for that. It takes a certain kind of musician to play for a musical or theatrical production, and I take a lot of pride in being one of those people. What the critics say: “Of particular note here is drummer Ethan Deppe; Deppe keeps the beat crisp and makes the air scintillate with his cymbal work.” - Chicago Stage Review "Pile-driving percussionist Ethan Deppe accompanies with what sounds like the wrath of God." - Chicago Reader "...the work of percussionist Ethan Deppe provide[s] an intense beat of drums" - Pioneer Press "intensely rhythmic" - Chicago Sun-Times Also... Through my Composing, I have a developed a proficiency in other “detailed” areas of music such as MIDI, orchestration/arranging and publication. I use Finale for notation and have been using the program for over 15 years. For MIDI, I have a wealth of virtual instruments at my disposal, and I use Logic Studio for manipulation/editing. Outside of my own music, I have orchestrated projects for Chicago and Off-Broadway theatres and producers, and have also done copyist work/score preparation in the same markets. Shows.htmlShows.htmlhttp://www.myspace.com/ethandeppeResume.htmlshapeimage_6_link_0shapeimage_6_link_1shapeimage_6_link_2shapeimage_6_link_3

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