Here are audio samples of me playing, as well as examples of some of my compositions and arrangements. All audio clips are in MP3 format and are low resolution for faster download. Much better audio versions of these examples can be obtained by contacting me directly. You can also see many more audio and video examples of my playing on my You Tube channel and on my TapSpace Page
Intro to Dark Dances
This is a percussion ensemble composition by UNCC Composition professor Dr. John Allemeier. He composed it specifically for the UNCC Percussion Ensemble and this recording was done in the studio with all the parts being played by yours truly. Specific parts were written for old Deagan song bells which I had recently rebuilt.
The Dream
Here are three cuts from the soon-to-be-released recording from Rick Dior, John Brown, and Gabe Evans. It is tentatively titled “The Dream.”
When Worlds Collide
This is a three-movement work that I wrote for my students at UNCC. I am playing all the parts on this demo. Mike Spiro performed the piece with the UNCC Percussion Ensemble at the 2005 North Carolina PAS Day of Percussion. Here are some clips from the composition. I recently was given a video of this piece that was done by an audience member at the PAS DOP and will post it soon. This piece is now published and available from Tapspace.
Four Dances for Percussion Ensemble
Composed by Rick Dior and commissioned by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra. This piece was written for youth percussion ensemble and was performed for the first time in September 2001 by the Charlotte Symphony Youth Percussion Ensemble. This composition is now published and available from Tapspace.
Steve Howe’s Mood for a Day
Rick’s arrangement of this composition is now published and available from Tapspace. Rick Dior, marimba
From the CD, Music for Saxophone and Drum Set
Dave Regan, saxophone; Rick Dior, drums. Recorded live to 2-track at Acoustic Barn Studios, 2001.
Wayne Shorter’s Fe Fi Fo Fum
Arrangement by Rick Dior and saxophonist John Alexander. John Alexander, saxophone; Ron Brendle, bass; Gary Marcus, piano; Jon Thornton, trumpet; Rick Dior, drums and percussion.
Wayne Shorter’s House of Jade
Arrangement by Rick Dior and saxophonist John Alexander. John Alexander, saxophone; Ron Brendle, bass; Gary Marcus, piano; Jon Thornton, trumpet; Rick Dior, drums and percussion.