Percussion Area

Overview

The percussion program at Colorado State University is a comprehensive approach to the study and performance of literature in all styles and idioms of music. The percussion curriculum is designed to develop musicianship, technical proficiency, cultural awareness, and technological literacy in both performance and pedagogy. Regardless of degree concentration, the percussion curriculum creates periods of study that are curriculum driven and periods that are student driven, based on the individual student’s interests, goals, and needs. Graduate students may choose to specialize in one or more areas as they work toward degree recital requirements.

The goal of percussion studies is to provide professional-level experiences and opportunities for all students that will foster growth through self-discipline, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Successful students will embrace these challenges and others as they develop a passion for life-long learning that will lead to a rewarding career.

The Percussion Studio averages 18–22 students.

Study With

Eric Hollenbeck

  • Professor of Music
  • Percussion
  • Coordinator of Percussion

Eric.Hollenbeck@colostate.edu

Shilo Stroman

  • Senior Instructor
  • Percussion, Jazz Studies, Marching Band (Drumline)

Shilo.Stroman@colostate.edu

Percussion Events

Percussion Ensemble Festival
Percussion Camp
Spring 2023 Student Recitals <strong>FREE</strong>

Spring 2023 Student Recitals FREE

March 3, 2023 - May 6, 2023 at 12:00 AM
Please join us in celebrating the recital performances of our CSU music students. Student Recitals are FREE and open to the public. Note: Dates, times, and locations are subject to change, please check back to confirm performance details. Friday, March 3, 2023: 5 p.m., Organ Recital Hall, Kristopher Usrey, Trumpet 6:30 p.m., Organ Recital Hall, [...]
Music Research Colloquium presented by Dr. Bonnie Jacobi

Music Research Colloquium presented by Dr. Bonnie Jacobi

March 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Join us for a music research colloquium presented by music education professor, Bonnie Jacobi. Dr. Jacobi will present the topic: Music-Making in the Early Years of Vassar Female College 1865-1888: The Glorious Sunset. The lecture will be held in room 222 at the University Center for the Arts.  
<em>The Tender Land</em> by Aaron Copland

The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

March 30, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program An American icon, Aaron Copland's music evokes the wide-open spaces of American landscapes and gives voice to a pioneering spirit of adventure in pieces like  Rodeo  and  Appalachian Spring. In this piece, the sounds of rollicking American folk music are paired with achingly beautiful melodies that speak of the [...]
Colorado Symphony Brass Quintet

Colorado Symphony Brass Quintet

March 31, 2023 at 4:00 PM
The Colorado Symphony Brass Quintet presents a recital and masterclass for CSU students and the community. The repertoire includes works from the Renaissance to the 20th century and will be announced from the stage in this interactive experience. The Quintet will also coach and play with the CSU student quintets.  Stephen Dombrowski is the principal tubist of [...]
<em>Classical Convergence</em>: The 5 Browns

Classical Convergence: The 5 Browns

March 31, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Whether performing individually or together with complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns—piano virtuoso siblings—are delivering on their dream to wake up classical music. “One family, five pianos and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years.” —The New York Post CLASSICAL CONVERGENCE CONCERT SERIES Building on the foundation of the classical [...]
<em>The Tender Land</em> by Aaron Copland

The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

March 31, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program An American icon, Aaron Copland's music evokes the wide-open spaces of American landscapes and gives voice to a pioneering spirit of adventure in pieces like  Rodeo  and  Appalachian Spring. In this piece, the sounds of rollicking American folk music are paired with achingly beautiful melodies that speak of the [...]
<em>The Tender Land</em> by Aaron Copland

The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

April 1, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program An American icon, Aaron Copland's music evokes the wide-open spaces of American landscapes and gives voice to a pioneering spirit of adventure in pieces like  Rodeo  and  Appalachian Spring. In this piece, the sounds of rollicking American folk music are paired with achingly beautiful melodies that speak of the [...]
<em>The Tender Land</em> by Aaron Copland

The Tender Land by Aaron Copland

April 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Presented by the Ralph Opera Program An American icon, Aaron Copland's music evokes the wide-open spaces of American landscapes and gives voice to a pioneering spirit of adventure in pieces like  Rodeo  and  Appalachian Spring. In this piece, the sounds of rollicking American folk music are paired with achingly beautiful melodies that speak of the characters' [...]
Trumpet Studio Recital /<strong>FREE</strong>

Trumpet Studio Recital /FREE

April 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Please join us for a concert of solos and chamber music by members of the CSU Trumpet Studio.
<strong>CANCELLED</strong> Horn Studio Recital /<strong>FREE</strong>

CANCELLED Horn Studio Recital /FREE

April 4, 2023 at 7:30 PM
This event has been cancelled. Come enjoy the fruits of the CSU Horn Studio's labors from the year! The Horn Studio is proud to showcase the many talented and hardworking students in solo and chamber settings.
CSU Marching Band Virtual Q&A #1

CSU Marching Band Q&A: Webinar #1

April 6, 2023 at 5:00 PM
We hope you'll join us at our CSU Marching Band Q&A. During the webinar, you will receive an overview of our marching band program, meet marching band faculty and student leadership, find out about the audition process, and have an opportunity to ask questions.  Register here.  
<em>Virtuoso Series Concert:</em> Peter Sommer, Saxophone & Guest, Ben Markley, Piano

Virtuoso Series Concert: Peter Sommer, Saxophone & Guest, Ben Markley, Piano

April 10, 2023 at 7:30 PM
The Great American Songbook CSU Saxophone Professor Peter Sommer and University of Wyoming Director of Jazz Studies Ben Markley present a program of standards from the Great American Songbook, including music by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and many more! An evening of duo jazz, featuring saxophone and piano in an intimate setting, highlighting [...]
<em>Virtuoso Series Concert:</em> Eric Hollenbeck, Percussion

Virtuoso Series Concert: Eric Hollenbeck, Percussion

April 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Just Getting Rollin’! Join CSU faculty artist, Eric Hollenbeck, for a concert that includes several pieces featuring the lost art of rolling on marimba. A trend of marimbaist avoiding rolling as a means of sustain on the instrument has been revealed in most percussion pieces during the last 20 years. This program will feature several [...]
CSU Trombone Choir Concert with Guest Artist David Jackson/<strong>FREE</strong>

CSU Trombone Choir Concert with Guest Artist David Jackson/FREE

April 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM
The CSU Trombone Studio presents an evening of music composed and arranged for trombone ensemble featuring guest artist David Jackson. This concert will showcase the full CSU Trombone Choir as well as the NoCo Bones, which is a large trombone choir made up of both CSU students and area high school trombonists. Jackson will perform [...]
<em>Classical Convergence</em>: Borromeo String Quartet

Classical Convergence: Borromeo String Quartet

April 12, 2023 at 7:30 PM
The award-winning quartet is admired for both its fresh interpretations of the classical music canon and its championing of works by 20th and 21st-century composers. PROGRAM: J.S. Bach - A minor Prelude and Fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 arranged by Nick Kitchen Bela Bartok - String Quartet 2 I. Moderato II. Allegro molto [...]
Jazz Combos Concert

Jazz Combos Concert

April 13, 2023 at 7:30 PM
CSU Jazz Combos 1,2, and 3 present an evening of small-group jazz. Directed by Dr. Seth Lewis, Tom Amend, and Sean Sullivan, the combos will present a program of jazz standards, great hidden gems, and original music by combo members.
Middle School Outreach Ensembles Concert

Middle School Outreach Ensembles Concert

April 15, 2023 at 6:00 PM
The CSU Music Education program presents the Middle School Outreach Ensembles concert! More than 60 music educators, including advanced high school students in the CSU Trying-on-Teaching Program, college music education majors, CSU faculty, practicing teachers, and retired sages provide instruction to more than 200 young musicians during this nine-week program. This performance will feature students [...]
<em>Virtuoso Series Concert:</em> Joel Bacon, Organ

Virtuoso Series Concert: Joel Bacon, Organ

April 17, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Dr. Bacon will perform selections by J.S. Bach, Dieterich Buxtehude, and Robert Schumann's Six Fugues, op. 60. A native of N.J., Dr. Joel Bacon holds degrees in mathematics and organ performance from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he was a student of Joyce Jones, and an artist diploma in organ from the Konservatorium der [...]
University Chorus Concert

University Chorus Concert

April 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Please check back at a later date. Information will be posted as it becomes available.
Wind Symphony Concert: <em>Sound and Smoke</em>

Wind Symphony Concert: Sound and Smoke

April 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Sound and Smoke The CSU Wind Symphony closes the season by highlighting collaborations of CSU student artists. Under the direction of Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Graduate Wind Conductor Benjamin Pouncey will conduct the CSU premiere of Sound and Smoke by Viet Cuong. In addition, the ensemble will perform the world premiere of two works; Graduate Student [...]
2023 CSU Marching Band Spring Game Extravaganza

2023 CSU Marching Band Spring Game Extravaganza

April 22, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Join the CSU Marching Band on Saturday, April 22, 2023 and experience what it’s like to perform with the band during the Green and Gold Football Scrimmage! This event is open to high school juniors, seniors, transfer students, associate degree graduates, and current CSU students (and their parents/guardians) who want to see what it's like to be in CSU Marching Band.   To register for the 2023 CSU Marching Band Spring Game Extravaganza, click here.
Saxophone Studio Recital /<strong>FREE</strong>

Saxophone Studio Recital /FREE

April 23, 2023 at 3:00 PM
Students of Peter Sommer, Dan Goble, and Wil Swindler perform classic and contemporary works for solo saxophone and chamber groups. Please join us for this special event featuring Adolphe Sax’s great invention and its development into the 21st century!
Graduate String Quartet

Graduate String Quartet

April 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM
The Graduate String Quartet will present their second concert of the year featuring new and old works for string quartet.
Faculty Chamber Music Concert - Spring 2023

Faculty Chamber Music Concert - Spring 2023

April 24, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Join us for the popular CSU Music faculty performance, which features works by W.A. Mozart, Gioachino Rossini, Rebecca Clarke, and a commissioned work for flute and bassoon.
Jazz Ensembles with Guest Sherisse Rogers

Jazz Ensembles with Guest Sherisse Rogers

April 25, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Concert #2 CSU Jazz Ensembles under the direction of Wil Swindler and Shilo Stroman present guest composer/bassist Sherisse Rogers. Ms. Rogers is a versatile composer, ranging in style from jazz and classical to world music and Rhythm & Blues. She was a regular arranger and orchestrator for the world-renowned crossover orchestra The Metropole Orchestra based [...]
Symphonic Band Concert: <em>Promises of a New Day</em>

Symphonic Band Concert: Promises of a New Day

April 27, 2023 at 7:30 PM
In celebration of springtime, we explore the music of newness, rebirth, and revolution! The Symphonic Band, directed by Jayme Taylor, performs a concert featuring Of Our New Day Begun by Omar Thomas based on the song Lift Every Voice and Sing, Chester by William Schuman based on the American revolutionary war song by William Billings, [...]
Brass Area Recital / <strong>FREE</strong>

Brass Area Recital / FREE

April 28, 2023 at 6:00 PM
A recital presented by brass area students from the trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba studios of Dr. Stanley Curtis, Dr. John McGuire, Dr. Drew Leslie, and Professor Stephen Dombrowski featuring repertoire for chamber groups and soloists.  
Fall 2023 CSU Color Guard Live Auditions

Fall 2023 CSU Color Guard Live Auditions

April 29, 2023 at 12:00 PM
This event is an in-person live audition for anyone interested in joining the Fall 2023 CSU Color Guard. The day will begin with registration, continue with instructional/review time, and finish with the live auditions. Interested individuals who cannot make the live auditions can submit videos instead. All video auditions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 28. There is no fee to audition. For details about the CSU Color Guard and to register for auditions, click here.
Percussion Ensemble Festival Concert with <em>Guest</em> Omar Carmenates

Percussion Ensemble Festival Concert with Guest Omar Carmenates

April 29, 2023 at 6:00 PM
This concert will feature the western tradition of percussion in the 21st century with most of the pieces being written in the last 10 years.  No dead composers on this one.  We will pull out most of the percussion inventory and be ready for an eclectic and modern chamber music experience.  Omar Carmenates is currently [...]
CSU's Chamber and Concert Choirs with Laudamus Chamber Chorale

CSU's Chamber and Concert Choirs with Laudamus Chamber Chorale

April 30, 2023 at 4:00 PM
CSU’s Chamber and Concert Choirs are excited to join forces with Laudamus Chamber Chorale to perform Mozart’s monumental “Requiem,” accompanied by an orchestra comprised of professional instrumentalists from across the Front Range. The mystery surrounding this magnificent work is well documented, mainly due to the myths and controversies about its completion. Mozart was terminally ill [...]
Student Chamber Concert

Student Chamber Concert

April 30, 2023 at 7:30 PM
This concert will feature the undergraduate string chamber music groups.
Concert Band Concert: <em>Momentum</em> /<strong>FREE</strong>

Concert Band Concert: Momentum /FREE

May 1, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Momentum The CSU Concert Band ends the semester with a performance capitalizing on the momentum built throughout the year. Join the Concert Band for this engaging concert.
Concert Orchestra Concert: <em>The Legacy of Leipzig</em> /<strong>FREE</strong>

Concert Orchestra Concert: The Legacy of Leipzig /FREE

May 2, 2023 at 7:30 PM
The Legacy of Leipzig Both J.S. Bach and Felix Mendelssohn lived in Leipzig --albeit in different centuries—and both made major musical contributions to this great German city. This program opens with the Overture to Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3. It will be followed by his Concerto for Oboe and Violin, performed by CSU professors Pablo [...]
CSU Marching Band Virtual Q&A #2

CSU Marching Band Q&A: Webinar #2

May 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM
We hope you'll join us at our CSU Marching Band Q&A. During the webinar, you will receive an overview of our marching band program, meet marching band faculty and student leadership, find out about the audition process, and have an opportunity to ask questions.  Registration required.  
Fall 2023 CSU Drumline Live Auditions

Fall 2023 CSU Drumline Live Auditions

May 6, 2023 at 9:00 AM
This event is in-person live auditions for anyone interested in joining the Fall 2023 CSU Drumline. The day will begin with registration, continue with instructional/review time, and finish with the live auditions. Interested individuals who cannot make the live auditions can submit videos instead. All video auditions are due by 11:59 p.m. on  Friday, May 5. There is no fee to audition.
For details about the CSU Drumline and to register for auditions, click here.
World Percussion Ensemble Concert

World Percussion Ensemble Concert

May 7, 2023 at 7:30 PM
This concert will feature the CSU steel drum ensemble, Ragtime Xylophone Band, Civil War Rope Drum Ensemble and the Mexican Marimba band. The music represents styles, instruments and cultures from North and South America, the Middle East and Europe. *Note: This concert was changed from the original time of 6:00 PM and will now occur [...]
CSU Marching Band Preseason Camp Virtual Q&A

CSU Marching Band Preseason Virtual Q&A

May 30, 2023 at 5:00 PM
We hope you'll join us at our CSU Marching Band Webinar to talk about Preseason Camp. During the webinar, you will receive an overview of our preseason camp, meet marching band faculty and student leadership, find out more about arriving on campus, and have an opportunity to ask questions. 
2023 CSU Jazz Summer Workshop

2023 CSU Jazz Summer Workshop

June 8, 2023 - June 10, 2023 at 12:00 AM
This is an excellent opportunity for middle school and high school students to begin to unravel the mystery of Jazz improvisation by working with our excellent Jazz faculty at CSU.  We can help you make sense of all of those chord changes and equip you with tools and strategies to improvise better and improve over time. This workshop will provide the information, practice techniques, and experience to grow as a Jazz musician.
2023 CSU Percussion Camp

CSU Percussion Camp

June 8, 2023 - June 9, 2023 at 12:00 AM
Percussion Camp for high school students includes instruction on how to prepare and audition successfully toward acceptance as a collegiate music major. The workshop focuses on the four primary percussion instruments: Mallets (2 and 4 mallet), Timpani, Snare Drum, and Drum Set, as well as insight on applications, scholarships, equipment, and skills in being a college student.
2023 CSU Organ Week

2023 CSU Organ Week

June 11, 2023 - June 16, 2023 at 12:00 AM
Organ Week is designed for high school students interested in expanding (or beginning) their organ study. Led by a faculty of prominent concert and church organists, the program features one-to-one instruction, masterclasses, and recitals on the finest pipe organs in northern Colorado, including CSU’s Casavant organ.
2023 CSU Brass Workshop

2023 CSU Brass Workshop

June 26, 2023 - June 29, 2023 at 12:00 AM
The CSU Brass Workshop is an exciting new opportunity for student brass players to gain valuable instruction and improve on their instrument in a low-pressure and supportive environment. This three-day workshop is designed to help students with all aspects of their brass playing through daily warm-up sessions, clinics, chamber ensembles, group lessons and more!
2023 Summer Conducting Seminar

2023 Summer Conducting Seminar

June 30, 2023 - July 16, 2023 at 12:00 AM
The unique program is designed for music educators, enabling students to earn a master’s degree while continuing to work full-time. With the exception of a two-week summer seminar held on the CSU campus, all course work can be completed online or using your own school orchestra, choir, or band as your conducting laboratory.

Percussion News

CSU Marching Band color guard

CSU Marching Band History Project

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A Message About the CSUMB History Project Expand Hello CSU Marching Band Alumni! My name is Kathryn Kennedy. I am a senior studying music education at Colorado State University. I also serve as a drum major for the marching band. As part of my honors thesis, I am reaching out to CSUMB alumni in hopes […]

Wes Kenny and USO students

Orchestra Alumni invited to play with the CSU symphony to celebrate Maestro Kenney’s retirement

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Dear CSU Symphony, Sinfonia and Opera Orchestra alumni, It is my hope that you have continued to use the skills learned through the repertoire and ensemble playing you experienced at CSU. When I began my tenure at CSU’s School of Music, Theater, and Dance twenty years ago, it was my hope that we could build […]

screen shot of oboe video

2021 All-State Instructional Videos Now Posted

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For a seventh year, the music faculty at Colorado State University brings you All-State Instructional Videos to help prepare your High School student instrumentalists for their upcoming auditions. Dedicated to its land-grant heritage, the music faculty at CSU are committed to promoting music and pedagogy of the highest quality, serving music education through actions that […]

Ensembles

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble performs a variety of traditional and contemporary works on a wide variety of instruments. Ensemble membership is required for all percussion majors as it is integral to the development of a contemporary percussionist. The CSU Percussion Ensemble was the 2019 winner of the highly competitive PAS "Call for Tapes" and performed a highly acclaimed showcase concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis.  The CSU Percussion ensemble was also chosen to perform at PASIC in 2010 for the New Music Literature Session.

Directed by Eric Hollenbeck
Music majors and minors only

Percussion Ensemble

RamPan Band

This group specializes in the music of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as popular and jazz standards.

Marching Band Drumline

The drumline is a key component of the CSU Marching Band. It takes individual and ensemble playing skills to be successful in the drumline.

Faculty Advisor: Shilo Stroman.

Read More

vasanta

Vasanta Percussion Quartet

Formed in 2009 at Colorado State University, the Vasanta Percussion Quartet is a champion of a wide variety of percussion instruments and styles with a special interest in new music. The quartet works as an educational outreach by bringing new and fresh music to new ears. Current members: Leo Canale, Eric Hollenbeck, Jeremy Maytum, and Shilo Stroman.

Instruments

Bells / Xylophones / Vibes

Adams Alpha Vibe pictured
Adams Alpha Vibe
Pictured Adams Vibe
Adams Vibe
Pictured Adams Bells
Adams Bells
Pictured Fall Creek Bells
Fall Creek Bells
Pictured Adams Concert Xylophone
Adams Concert Xylophone
Pictured Musser Bells
Musser Bells
Pictured Adams Soloist Xylophone
Adams Soloist Xylophone
Pictured Mallet Kat
Mallet Kat
Pictured Yamaha Low C Vibe
Yamaha Low C Vibe

Chimes

Pictured Adams Chimes
Adams Chimes
Pictured Musser Chimes
Musser Chimes

Marimbas

Adams Alpha Marimba pictured
Adams Alpha Marimba
Pictured Musser M250
Musser M250
Pictured Adams Classic Marimba
Adams Classic Marimba
Pictured Marimba One Marimba
Marimba One Marimba
Pictured Marimba
Marimba One, Marimba #2

Snare Drums

Pictured Pearl 2.5" 'Pancake' Snare Drum
Pictured Pearl Phil 36" Mahogany Bass Drums
Pearl Phil 36" Mahogany Bass Drums
Pictured Pearl Philharmonic Maple 5" Snare Drum
Pearl Philharmonic Maple 5" Snare Drum
Pictured Grover Field Drum
Grover Field Drum
Pictured Pearl Philharmonic Aluminum 4" Snare Drum
Pearl Philharmonic Aluminum 4" Snare Drum
Pictured Pearl Philharmonic Solid Maple 5" Snare Drum
Pearl Philharmonic Solid Maple 5" Snare Drum
Pictured Leedy Field Drum
Leedy Field Drum
Pictured Pearl Philharmonic Aluminum 6.5" Snare Drum
Pearl Philharmonic Aluminum 6.5" Snare Drum
Pictured Pearl Philharmonic Maple 6.5" Snare Drum
Pearl Philharmonic Maple 6.5" Snare Drum
Pictured Ludwig Field Drum
Ludwig Field Drum
Pictured Pearl Philharmonic 14 x 12" Field Drum
Pearl Philharmonic 14 x 12" Field Drum
Pictured Slingerland Tenor Drum
Slingerland Tenor Drum

Drum Kits

Pictured Pearl Big Band Drum Kit
Pearl Big Band Kit
Pictured Yamaha Drum Kit
Yamaha Kit
Yamaha Stage Custom Kit pictured
Yamaha Stage Custom Kit

Timpani

Pictured Adams Philharmonic Timpani
Adams Philharmonic Timpani
Pictured Adams Pro. Gen. II Timpani
Adams Pro. Gen. II Timpani
Pictured Ludwig Timpani Drums
Ludwig Timpani
Pictured Yamaha Timpani Drums
Yamaha Timpani

Guest Artists

Guest Artist and Poster Gallery

Auditions

Undergraduate Auditions

PLEASE NOTE: VIRTUAL AUDITIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PERCUSSION APPLICANTS. PERCUSSION AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON ONLY. 

No pre-screen video is required.

Freshman Audition Requirements:

  • Snare drum: Contest solo from Peters, Cirone, Wilcoxon, Whaley, or the equivalent.
  • Mallet Percussion: Major/Natural Minor/Harmonic Minor Scales 2 octaves, Contest solo or etude for 2 mallets AND a contest solo or etude for 4 mallets.
  • Timpani: Contest solo or etude for at least 3 drums that includes rolls
  • Drum set (optional, but recommended): A demonstration of basic styles, i.e., Swing (trade 4’s), Latin, Rock.

Additional Requirements for Freshman Audition:

  • Snare drum rudiments from the PAS 40 Rudiments performed open-closed-open. Sight-reading on mallets.

Transfer Audition Requirements (demonstrate the following areas):

  • Snare drum: Etudes reflecting a concert and rudimental approach, i.e., Concert: Peters, Delecluse, Cirone: Rudimental: Wilcoxon; Pratt or equivalent.
  • Mallet Percussion: J.S. Bach transcription (2 or 4 mallet)
  • Four-Mallet suggested repertoire: Burritt: October Night, Deane: Etude for a Quiet Hall, Dietz: Madison’s Unicorn, Edwards: Marimba Dances, Klatzow: Inyanga, Sammut: Four Rotations, Smadbeck: Virginia Tate, Tanaka: Two Mvts. For Marimba, Stasack: Six Elegies Dancing, Stout: Astral Dance, Yoshioka: Suites 1-3
  • Timpani: Etude or Solo i.e., Delecluse, Hochrainer, Carter, or equivalent.
  • Drum Set: (demonstration of basic Swing, Rock, and Latin styles as listed below, and trade fours in each style)

Additional Requirements for Transfer Audition:

  • Snare drum rudiments from the PAS 40 - open/closed/open
  • Major and minor (natural, harmonic) scales (two octaves)
  • Sight-reading on mallets and snare drum

Graduate Auditions

PLEASE NOTE: VIRTUAL AUDITIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PERCUSSION APPLICANTS. PERCUSSION AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON ONLY.

No pre-screen video is required.

Sight reading: expect to read on marimba and snare drum.

All applicants must perform in all listed major areas; please see below. Repertoire below is only a suggestion; please contact Dr. Hollenbeck directly if you have any questions concerning appropriate repertoire.

  • Snare Drum: Etudes by Delecluse, Cirone, etc., orchestral excerpts (two).
  • Marimba: 2 or 4 mallet solo transcription – J.S. Bach
  • Marimba: 4 mallet solo - by Druckman, Thomas, Schwantner, Burritt, Ewazen, etc.
  • Timpani: Etudes/Solos by Delecluse, Carter, etc., choose two standard orchestral excerpts.
  • Xylophone: Choose two standard orchestral excerpts.
  • Drum Set: Optional--demonstrate proficiency in different styles (swing, latin, funk, etc.).

PLEASE learn all entrances for your chosen orchestral excerpts.