Mark Pacpaco| Teaching Artist Spotlight
Unleashing Rhythmic Brilliance: Mark Pacpaco, Guiding WCHS PAA Drum Students to Percussive Excellence
In the heartbeat of West Covina High School Performing Arts Academy (WCHS PAA), where rhythm and passion converge, we are thrilled to continue our series spotlighting the extraordinary Teaching Artists who shape the artistic journeys of our students. Today, our spotlight turns to Mark Pacpaco, a private lessons teacher who channels his lifelong love for drums to inspire and guide our Drum Students in their percussive pursuits.
A Drumming Prodigy from the Age of 2:
Mark Pacpaco's rhythmic journey began at an astonishingly young age – 2 years old, to be precise. From the early days, he immersed himself in the world of drumming, showcasing a natural talent that would become the foundation of his impressive career. At just 7 years old, Mark started playing in churches, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong dedication to his craft.
The Rock Church and Beyond:
Mark's talents caught the attention of the musical community, leading him to become a guest performer at California's 3rd largest church, The Rock Church World and Outreach Center in San Bernardino. His performances, including a live-streamed service to millions around the world, marked the beginning of his influence on a global stage.
Champion of the Drumming World:
A defining moment in Mark's career came when he was crowned the Champion at the prestigious Guitar Center Drum Off, a competition that featured over five thousand drummers. This victory served as a launching pad, propelling his drumming career to new heights and earning him endorsements from renowned drum companies such as Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, and Remo Drumheads.
Global Impact in the Vocaloid Community:
Mark's rhythmic prowess extends to the Vocaloid community, where his drumming talents were featured in a track that appeared on the Hatsune Miku Expo 2018 E.P. This album achieved international acclaim, selling more than a million copies worldwide and solidifying Mark's presence in the global music scene.
From Bands to Churches: A Versatile Percussionist:
Mark continues to share his drumming talents with various bands, recording for artists, and presently, he plays drums with Prophet Gary Zamora at Prophetic Fulfillment Church in Castaic, CA. His versatility as a percussionist allows him to seamlessly transition between genres, enriching the musical experiences of those fortunate enough to collaborate with him.
Mentorship at WCHS PAA:
At WCHS PAA, Mark Pacpaco is not only a drummer but a mentor who ignites a passion for percussion within our Drum Students. Through private one-on-one lessons, he imparts not just technical skills but the essence of rhythmic expression, guiding our students on a journey to percussive excellence.
As we continue to showcase the incredible talents within our academy, Mark Pacpaco stands out as a maestro dedicated to shaping the next generation of drumming virtuosos. Stay tuned for more stories of artistic excellence and mentorship from WCHS PAA, where we are committed to cultivating well-rounded artists who will undoubtedly shape the future of the performing arts industry.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in finding out more about the West Covina High School Performing Arts Academy and the opportunities it can provide to high school aged students, feel free to visit our website at WCHSpaa.org or you can email us at WCHSpaa@wcusd.org.