SEEKING
Band to Join, Vocalist, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Tenor, Vocalist - Soprano, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Other Percussion, Violin, Trumpet, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Background Singer, Harmonica, Flute, Other, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dobro, Vocalist - Alto, Trombone, Bagpipes, Steel guitar, Upright bass, Cello, Accordion, Ukulele, DJ, Electronic Music.ABOUT
Toby Bender is a performer, educator and clinician from Melbourne Australia. A skilled drummer, percussionist & singer; Toby’s career has seen him perform nationally & internationally, as well as be involved with numerous stage shows as a member of the orchestra and the creative team. He is a seasoned educator, having taught students from around the world and has presented numerous clinics and workshops.
Having developed a unique arsenal of instruments, Toby’s range spans across many genres.
In his formative years Toby was introduced to orchestral percussion after being accepted into the Wesley College music program with a scholarship as a vocalist. As the time went by and Toby’s interests expanded, he developed an affinity for Afro-Cuban & Caribbean music, which evolved into a fascination of South- American music and cultures. Much time has been devoted to the study of Jazz, South American, West African, Afro-Caribbean, Brazilian, & Afro-Peruvian music and instruments.
He has been the house drummer for many venues in Melbourne and performed at numerous music festivals including The Wangaratta Jazz Festival, The Melbourne Jazz Festival, The Sydney Festival, The Melbourne Tap Festival and The Australian Ultimate Drummer’s Weekend showcasing the Tycoon Percussion cajon range. In 2014, Toby joined the all-Australian band of musicians, backing bachata heavyweights Monchy y Nathalia (Dominical Republic & NYC) at the Sydney Bachata Festival.
Toby has been a member of the internationally recognized Ballroom Dance Company ‘Burn The Floor’, touring extensively to the USA and also held the percussion chair for the Australian production of ‘Dirty Dancing.’
Toby has been honored to be guided and mentored by some of his favorite drummers/percussionists including Russ Miller (Independent, LA, USA), Calixto Oviedo (NG La Banda & Afro-Cuban All-Stars), Australian royalty Peter Blick, Karl Perazzo (Santana), Fausto Cuevas (Stevie Wonder), Richie Flores (Michelle Camilo), Giorgio Rojas (Barefoot Divas) & Alejandro Vega (Dancing With The Stars) who was his first teacher and a major influence.
Toby is a proud endorsee of Los Cabos Drum Sticks & Tycoon Percussion.
- Screen name:
- TobyBender
- Member since:
- Mar 21 2015
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Touring
- Years playing music:
- 15
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- More than 3 times per week
- Available to gig:
- 6-7 nights a week
Influences
Avishai Cohen
Dave Weckl
Giovanni Hidalgo
Pedrito Martinez
Paoli Mejias
Antonio Sanchez
Many more...
Instrument experience:
- Vocalist:
- Expert
- Vocalist - Tenor:
- Expert
- Background Singer:
- Moderate
- Drums:
- Moderate
- Other:
- Moderate
- Other Percussion:
- Moderate
EQUIPMENT
Drum Kit
Vocals
Percussion:
Congas
Bongos
Timbales
Garahand
Shakers, tambourines ect.
Djembe
Surdos
Repinique
ect
MUSIC
-
Toby Bender - Conga Solo (Video)
Toby Bender - Conga Solo (Video)huHQCOg7vMQ
