UM Percussion Ensemble
The University of Mississippi Percussion Ensemble is a major part of the percussionist’s curriculum. The ensemble is devoted to performing literature composed and arranged expressly for percussion, encompassing a very wide spectrum of styles and instruments. Students will learn the basic techniques of various percussion instruments. As percussion is at the forefront of Twenty-First-Century musical development, our music is ever-changing and frequently produces exciting and experimental results. The instructional emphasis is the development of performance technique specific to percussion. This includes improvisation, sight-reading, independent learning and the development of listening and ensemble skills.
Performances
The UM percussion ensemble performs two on-campus concerts during the school year (one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester). The ensemble often performs at the Mississippi Day of Percussion in the spring.
Rehearsals
The ensemble rehearses twice a week. Percussionists must be at rehearsals early to set-up and must stay afterward until all instruments are put away. There are no exceptions. All assignments made by the instructor should show evidence of independent learning of the music by the student in preparation for rehearsals. The expectation is that the student should be secure on notes, rhythms, and stylistic interpretation through daily practice beyond ensemble rehearsal.
Auditions and Syllabus
Click the following links to automatically download information on Percussion Studio Auditions and the Course Syllabus.
UM Applied Percussion Syllabus
For more information, email Professor Ricky Burkhead, and visit the Ole Miss Percussion Studio Facebook page.
