Our Drum & Percussion Studio

Tom Marko is a drum set player and composer currently serving as Director of Jazz Studies at Illinois State University in Normal, IL where he directs two jazz big bands, coordinates jazz combos and teaches improvisation, and private drum set lessons. Dr. Marko is also the coordinator of ISU’s annual Jazz Festival that has featured guest artists such as Chuck Owen, Jack Wilkins, Dennis Mackrel, Randy Brecker, Dick Oatts, Dave Pietro, Marshall Gilkes, Wayne Bergeron, Ernie Watts, Marvin Stamm, Steve Wiest, Eric Marienthal and many more. Very active in central Illinois and the mid-West as a performer and adjudicator, Marko can often be heard with "Kevin Hart and the Vibe Tribe," "The Brazilionaires," "The Todd Kelly Quintet," "David Hoffman," "The Travis Wesley Trio," and others. He holds the Bachelor of Music degree in percussion performance from Washington State University, the Master of Music degree in jazz performance from the University of South Florida and the Doctor of Arts degree in theory and composition from the University of Northern Colorado, where he played drums in the award winning "UNC Jazz Lab Band I," and "Combo I." He has studied percussion and drum set with David Jarvis, Dave Hardman, David Via, Gray Barrier and Steve Davis. He has also studied theory and improvisation with Greg Yasinitsky and Jack Wilkins and jazz composition and arranging with Chuck Owen. In the summer of 2001 Tom was one of twenty-three students from across the U.S. selected to attend "Jazz Aspen Snowmass" in Aspen, Colorado under the artistic direction of Christian McBride. His drum set playing can be heard on Algo Diferente (2015) by The Brazilionaires, The Travis Wesley Trio’s recent recordings Cycle by Three (playing on Pandora Internet Radio) and Natural Diversion (2012), The David Hoffman Sextet Live (2004), Alive XVII: For the Last Time (2000) by UNC Jazz Lab Band I, Greenwich Blue’s When Our Time Comes (1997), and Fireshaker (1997) by The Dan McMillion Groovin’ High Big Band. Marko’s first album as a leader, “Inner Light” featuring ten of his original compositions and special guest Scott Wendholt on trumpet was released on Summit Records in 2016 and garnered significant national and international radio airplay.

Sara Eckert is currently in her fourth year as the Percussion Director for University High School in Normal, Illinois, and her second year on the percussion staff for Normal Community West High School and the Normal Marching Band. She also assists the percussion staff at Bloomington High School and Richwoods Community High School. Adding to her growing list of contributions, Sara recently began working as one of two percussion instructors at the Western Avenue Community Center. In addition to her high school affiliations, Sara maintains a thriving studio of over 25 private lesson students at Hip Cat Music School.

Sara has earned both her Bachelor of Science in Music and Master of Musical Arts in Performance from Illinois State University, where she demonstrated her skills as principal percussionist for both the ISU Wind Symphony and the ISU Symphony Orchestra. Her commitment to music education was also evident during her master's degree, when she served as the Percussion Graduate Assistant.

Her performance experience extends to the Central Illinois Brass Band and the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. In her solo ventures, Sara focuses on performing contemporary compositions from queer artists, embodying her community through her musical selections. Her skillset spans a range of instruments, including the marimba, timpani, snare drum, drumset, and multi-percussion.

Beyond teaching, Sara has served as one of the percussion adjudicators for the IHSA solo and ensemble competition. She has also shared her knowledge as the percussion clinician for the Cerro Gordo Honor Band. 

Kyle Heissler grew up in the Bloomington/Normal area and is currently attending Illinois State University, studying music education. Outside of teaching at Hip Cat Music School, Kyle teaches the drumline at Bloomington High School, and at the Normal Marching Band. Kyle has had years of experience as a world class performer in marching percussion within Drum Corps International and Winterguard International. He works with students of all ages and experience, providing a safe and comfortable learning environment that encourages personalized growth. 

Noah Berkshier is a dedicated music educator and professional musician based in central Illinois. Noah received his Bachelors in Music Education with a minor in jazz studies at Illinois State University in 2023.

Noah is a concert and jazz percussionist with a primary focus in jazz vibraphone. He has had the opportunity to play with the Prairie Winds of Central Illinois, Illinois State University’s Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble I, and the Funk Sauce Brass Band.

Currently, Noah techs front ensemble at Washington Community High School and Metamora High School. He is actively pursuing a masters degree in Jazz Performance at Illinois State University, and teaches several classes, ensembles, and private lessons both on campus and at Hip Cat Music School.