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 a dedicated percussionist and educator who has showcased her talent with groups such as the Central Illinois Brass Band, the Illinois State University Wind Symphony, and  the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, acting as principle percussionist for both university ensembles.

     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, and multi-percussion. After graduating with her undergraduate degree in 2023, she's now pursuing her master's degree in music performance and serves as the percussion graduate assistant.

     Sara's enthusiasm for teaching and performing is evident in her contributions to her local music community. As an educator, she’s the current caption head at University High School in Normal, IL, and instructs the Winter Percussion ensemble at Normal Community West High Schools. In addition, she offers private lessons at Hip Cat Music School in downtown Bloomington, IL. Saras expertise has also allowed her to be an honor band clinician and a judge for IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contests. Her instruction covers a wide range of instruments, including the drum set, piano, and both concert and marching percussion, catering to students of all age groups.

Hannah Fedorchak is completing work towards a degree in Music Education at Illinois State University. She is the section leader for the drumline in the Big Red Marching Machine as well as the percussion section leader in the Symphonic Winds Ensemble. In addition to her work at ISU, Hannah has been giving private lessons on both drum set and percussion at Hip Cat Music School for the past three years. She is also quite skilled at the piano, having played it for most of her life. Hannah enjoys working with students of all ages and is enthusiastic about helping them express their creativity through music and exploring what inspires them 

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 passionate music educator with over ten years of experience playing and performing percussion and jazz vibraphone. He started playing drum set at a young age but transitioned to all percussion in early high school. In addition to teaching at Hip Cat Music School, Noah also teaches at Metamora High School and Washington Community High School as a percussion instructor. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Illinois State University and is currently pursuing his master's degree in jazz performance at ISU. Noah has played with a wide variety of groups including concert ensembles, jazz bands, and even a New Orleans brass band. Outside of playing music, he loves baking delicious desserts and eating McDonald’s cheeseburgers!

Joe Mehalek has a degree in Music Education from Illinois State University. In addition to teaching at Hip Cat Music School, Joe is a general music teacher at Pepper Ridge and Fairview elementary schools. Before joining Unit 5 school district, he spent two years as a middle school band director while also teaching privately. While at ISU Joe was a member of the percussion studio. He enjoys playing drum set with local musicians and performs as a percussionist with the Southwest Community Band. Joe hopes to bring energetic and engaging musical experiences to all his students.