John Hanks

John Hanks is the Coordinator of Musicians for the Duke University Dance Program. As a musician for dance he plays percussion, piano, and synthetic/electronic instruments, for Modern/Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Improv, etc. He has also been a longtime musician for the American Dance Festival (1980, 1985-present). Hanks served as percussion faculty for the Duke Music Department for over 20 years, in addition to working for the Dance Program since the 1980's. His popular recordings for dance educators, "Here Come the Drums", "Drumjazz", "Laptop Landscapes", and "Percussion Music for Ballet Class", are available on most music streaming services. John is also a busy drummer and classical percussion in the Triangle, NC area, performing with the Willie Painter Band, NC Youth Tap Ensemble, Choral Society of Durham, Duke Chapel Choir, Second Line Stompers, Atomic Rhythm All Stars, and more. Past groups/artists include the Gregg Gelb Swing Band, Elmer Gibson, Steve Hobbs, Randy Johnston, Bill Easley, North Carolina Theater, Theater Raleigh, NC Jazz Repertory Orchestra, the Swamis, Rebecca and the Hi-Tones, and others.