Fall 2021 semester is off to a great start. We’ve started rehearsing our contemporary percussion ensemble music, with pieces by Philip Glass, Baljinder Sekhon, Michael Colgrass, and many more. The students are digging into their parts and working hard on some challenging music. We’re excited about this concert as we have several students conducting pieces, and the students are also involved in all aspects of the production of the program, including repertoire selection, logistics, PR/marketing, and more.

We’ve also started rehearsals with the new Global Percussion Ensemble, a group dedicated to exploring various world music drumming traditions, and creating new music. Special guest M’bemba Bangoura, a master drummer from Guinea, will be working with our students later in the semester.

Applied lessons are underway, and we’re working on the usual diverse range of material, including contemporary music, orchestral excerpts, jazz drum set, and of course our ensemble parts.

The students are busy, morning until night, practicing and studying. They are truly amazing.