INTRODUCING THE JUST PERCUSSION TEAM
EXPERIENCE AND PASSION
Tom O'Kelly (Education/Director)
It is hard to know where to begin with the experience that Tom brings to Just Percussion. Being one of Australia’s most distinguished performers and teachers, he has spent over 30 years working as timpanist, percussionist, chamber musician and soloist across Australia, Europe and Asia. Tom shares his expertise and love for all things percussion through teaching at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and sharing his knowledge with music teachers and students across Australia. Tom founded Just Percussion in 2013, and has put his heart and sole into providing an environment that caters for percussionists of all ages, skill levels and styles. The Australian drum and percussion world is extremely fortunate to have someone like Tom, not only for the knowledge and passion he shares without hesitation, but also for the committment he shows providing customers with Australia's best drum and percussion store.
Ben Petzold (Sales Manager) Ben’s passion for drums started when he received his first junior kit at the age of 6. Music such as Feel Good Inc. by the Gorillaz was what first sparked an interest in wanting to learn the drums. Since then he has continuously pursued learning and playing. Over the years he has had multiple teachers specialising in different areas, from whom he was able to gather a broad understanding of different genres. In recent years he has been fortunate enough to learn from Dane Pulverenti, Adrian Keys, Steve Powell, Linus Monsour, Grant Collins, Mitchell Fogarty & Liam Weedle to name a few.. His practical experience sprung off at a young age by getting the opportunity to play a drum solo at a family friend's birthday party.. Performing live has been a passion ever since. Ben was a part of multiple bands throughout his schooling including jazz bands, big bands, rock bands and also a project outside of school called 'A Short Term Effect'. After school, he formed a band called Avyssos, while studying a diploma of audio engineering at JMC Academy. Other bands Ben has played for include Uhkirra, Torizon, Berlok and most recently, Piston Fist. Ben has an unprecedented knowledge of drums, which is a key reason for his success at Just Percussion, along with his ability to find the right solution for any drummer of any level. Ben has been with Just Percussion for 7 years.
Libby Scott (Education/Accounts) Libby Scott is a musician and producer endorsed by DW Drums. She made her national debut placing second in at the Australian Ultimate Drummers’ Weekend before graduating from the prestigious Queensland Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music. In addition to her conservatory training, Libby has studied under Shawn Pelton (SNL), Carter McLean and Camille Gainer and Matt Vander Ende. As a session musician, Libby has played alongside Aria-nominated KLP at Brisbane Riverstage, several sold out shows touring with Killer Queens, Peptalk, Bella Amor and Jesswar. With her band Pink Matter, Libby supported The Internet on their national tour, and Mearle & Sigrid Thornton during their Frank & Fearless shows. Pink Matter played Splendour in The Grass 2022 and are set to play VIVD festival in Sydney. Libby is a knowlegable, calm and thorough staff member and plays an integral role in the daily running of the business, Libby has been with Just Percussion for 6 years.
Jasper Gundersen (Sales) Jasper has worked at JP for just over two years and is an integral part of the JP team. He currently plays for First Beige, Golden Vessel and Last Dinosaurs. As a DW endorsee Jasper's current set up is a DW Maple/Mahogany Collectors Kit 10"/12"/16"/22" in Cream Oyster with nickel hardware. His main snare is a Sonor Benny Greb Signature 13"x 5.75" with a Ludwig Acrophonic 14"x 5.5" as a side snare. The cymbal set up is as unique as his personality, starting with 14" Meinl Sand Hat Top paired with a Zildjian Special Dry FX Hat bottom. A Meinl 20" Extra Thin Hammered crash and a 22" Istanbul OM Cindy Blackman Signature Ride make up the main cymbals, also on the set up is the legendary Istanbul clap stack. Jasper is a friendly, and very knowledgable member of the JP team.
Michael Grabbe (Sales) - Michael has been in the brisbane drum retail industry for the past 14 years. He is an integral part of the JP team, passing his long term product and customer service knowledge on to all of those around him. He is a staunch DW Drums player, and can be seen regularly drumming for some of QLD's best coporate bands. He has also had several seats on kit backing original artists through many different genres throughout South-East Qld. Michael is regularly called upon by Brisbane recording studios to do session work, which is a testament to his ability to know what needs to be done, and do it well. Michael teaches drums and percussion for two of the premier schools in the local area, St Joseph's College Terrace and Sheldon College. It is clear from the calibre of his students, Michael has a wealth of knowledge and is very skilled in teaching. Michael has been with Just Percussion for 7 years.
