Percussion Ensembles

At the Conservatory we strive to provide our students with the broadest possible array of performance experiences.  To that end, the traditional percussion ensemble at UMKC is split into three entities, full ensemble, chamber ensembles and ethnic ensembles. The full ensemble meets on Mondays from 4-6 pm.  We utilize this time for percussion ensemble pieces that include six (6) or more performers and require a conductor.  This provides students with an opportunity to perform percussion ensemble music in a "large" ensemble setting.  The percussion chamber ensembles meet on Wednesdays from 4-6 pm.  These times are set aside for works utilizing five (5) or less performers that do not require a conductor.  These groups allow our students a chance to experience making music in a chamber setting, developing their musicality in small ensemble situations.  These chamber groups also allow percussion students an opportunity to work with other instrumentalists from throughout the Conservatory.

Ethnic percussion studies at the Conservatory are centered around the study of marimba traditions from Mexico and Guatemala.  Student groups perform on traditional Chiapan marimbas in a variety of settings both on and off campus. Students play in either groups of four (4) players on one marimba or in groups of seven (7) players on two marimbas.  These groups perform the widely varied musics of Mexico from the Norteno, Mariachi, Jarocho and marimba traditions.  Brazilian, Latin, African and other world percussion music are also a part of percussion studies at the Conservatory and are usually centered around a residency with a visiting artist.  Often these artists will also perform with the percussion ensemble.

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