Jeffrey D. Hoke, 1967-2009: Percussionist who led champion drum line Posted on March 27th
Jeffrey D. Hoke, who committed to a career in percussion after getting a college degree in communications, carved out a living as a teacher, studio and stage musician, writer, composer and leader of a championship indoor drum line.
Mr. Hoke, 42, of Lindenhurst died Sunday, March 22, after going into a diabetic coma while driving on Grass Lake Road in Lake County, the Lake County coroner, Richard Keller, said. Mr. Hoke’s car ran into a tree, but he suffered only minor injuries from the crash, and the cause of death was complications from diabetes, Keller said.
In 2001, Mr. Hoke and his wife, Elizabeth, started LEAP, for Learning Everything About Percussion. The organization encompasses Evolution, an indoor drum line in a category known as World Class; Jump Start, for junior high percussionists; and Pre-cussion for grade schoolers. Each summer, LEAP organizes Camp Drum in Wadsworth for young drummers.
Mr. Hoke wrote music, choreographed body movements and laid out the drills for LEAP’s indoor drum line, a fast-moving group of percussionists who play the complete line of marching band-style drum equipment, from six-piece tenor sets to big bass drums.
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