Performing Artist, Teacher, Writer, Mentor
Rebecca Kite is an internationally recognized marimba soloist and teacher. She has performed recitals, in concerts, and taught master classes, residencies, and clinics throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Central America, South America, and Japan.
Kite’s work as a marimba soloist may be heard on her two solo CD recordings, Across Time and Prism. As an educator, she has published numerous articles in Percussive Notes, the main publication of the Percussive Arts Society, and she has authored a method book, Reading Mallet Percussion Music, and edited the Anthology of Lute and Guitar Music for Marimba. Her most recent book project, Keiko Abe: A Virtuosic Life – Her Musical Career and the Evolution of the Concert Marimba (publ. 2007, GP Percussion), undertaken with Abe’s permission and assistance, required six years to research and write. –more
Wielding two, four and even six mallets to strike the instrument, Rebecca Kite brings to life the rich and beautiful sounds of the marimba. A modern day descendent of African and Asian xylophones, the concert marimba is made of rosewood bars suspended over resonators.
This combination of simplicity and natural wood sounds give the performer infinite possibilities of rhythmical harmonies. Kite expertly explores these possibilities by using her considerable technique and musical imagination to create music that is captivating and satisfying.
Performance Reviews
“Kite, performing from memory, provided energy and excitement with an incredible performance.” Claude K. Sluder, The Republic, Columbus, Indiana
“Rebecca Kite is a fine performer with an impressive technique, a good deal of musical sense, and the ability to exploit all of the nuances of the instrument”. Richard Burke, Fanfare Magazine
“Phenomal performance!”, Alice Jolly, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
“Majestic and inspiring playing”, Judith Klein, PSR/Southern Indiana
Juried Performance Memberships
Rebecca Kite has been a member of the Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring program since 2002.
Kite is on the artist roster of the Bluemont Concert Series based in Loudoun County, Virginia, performing concerts and school assembly programs.
Kite was invited to join the Fairfax County Arts Commission CAPS program in the spring of 2008.