The Percussion Ensemble welcomes all percussionists. Brief auditions for new students are held at the beginning of the school year. You do not need to be a music major to participate in the Percussion Ensemble.
A Rich History
Founded in the fall of 1972 by Kathleen Kastner, the first concert of the Percussion Ensemble was presented in May of 1973 in Pierce Chapel, as part of the Creative Arts Festival. Since that time, more than 200 students have participated in the ensemble, including music majors, as well as many liberal arts students.
Each semester, the Percussion Ensemble presents a unique program to enthusiastic crowds. Other activities of the ensemble have included performances in chapel, tours to local schools to give concerts and clinic presentations for young percussionists.
Many opportunities are available for percussion performances including percussion ensemble, symphonic band, symphony orchestra, jazz ensemble, and jazz combo.
Facilities
Percussion activity at Wheaton is housed in facilities built in 2009. Well-lit and sound-proof, three dedicated percussion practice rooms and a large ensemble rehearsal studio provides more than adequate space for solo and ensemble practice.
Equipment
- two 5-octave, Marimba One marimbas, and several other marimbas
- two vibraphones (Musser Piper and Deagan)
- two xylophones (one wooden, one kelon)
- chimes and orchestra bells
- two octaves of crotales
- two sets of 4 timpani
- numerous snare drums, including a Pearl Philharmonic and Black Swamp
- several sets of tom-toms
- wide variety of cymbals
- two sets of bongos
- two sets of congas
- four conga cajons
- performance and practice drumset
- numerous small accessory instruments
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at tickets.wheaton.edu. Tickets are free for Wheaton ID holders.
Fall Concert
Monday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel
Wheaton College Christmas Festival
Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7, at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 4:00 p.m.
Edman Chapel
Percussion Ensemble 50th Anniversary Concert
Monday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Edman Chapel
Faculty
Private percussion lessons for majors, Percussion Ensemble
Percussion classes: Percussion Literature, Percussion Pedagogy, Percussion Techniques (music education course), Percussion Techniques for Composers
Private percussion lessons for majors and non-majors
Private percussion lessons: jazz drums