Retired Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Professor, co-founder of BlackEarth Percussion Group and the Percussion Group Cincinnati, and performing percussionist Allen Otte stops by to talk about his current work with an early music improvisational group and The Innocents Project with John Lane (03:50), growing up in Sheboygan, WI, playing in church and with polka bands, his beginnings in piano and percussion, and studying with Michael Rosen (32:20), attending Oberlin (OH) for undergrad and getting into improvisation and new chamber music (43:50), and his work with BlackEarth, “inhaling music” vs. building repertoire and programs, and eventually making his way to CCM (56:40).

Finishing with a Rave on Ireland, its people, and its parades (01:17:30).

Allen Otte Links:

Percussion Group Cincinnati’s PAS Hall of Fame page

The Innocents

Previous Podcast Guest Mentioned:

John Lane in 2023

Pete's Percussion Podcast