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
  • Coordinator of Percussion

Eric.Hollenbeck@colostate.edu

Shilo Stroman

  • Senior Instructor of Music
  • Percussion

Shilo.Stroman@colostate.edu

Percussion Events

Guest Artist Concert: Gwendolyn Dease, Percussion / FREE

October 15, 2024 at 7:30 PM
*Note: The previously scheduled guest artist, Michael Compitello has been replaced with guest artist, Gwendolyn Dease. Gwendolyn Dease is professor of percussion at the Michigan State University College of Music. She maintains a career as an active solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has performed solo and chamber recitals throughout the United States, Asia and South [...]

Percussion Ensemble Concert

November 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Join the Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Eric Hollenbeck, for an eclectic recital of chamber percussion ensemble works composed within the last ten years.

Percussion News

Percussion Ensemble Receives Invitation to Perform @ Percussive Arts Society Int. Con

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03.03.10 – The Colorado State University Percussion Ensemble has received and accepted an invitation to perform at the 2010 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis, IN, November 10-13, 2010. According to the PASIC website, the lineup includes more than 150 events on twelve stages featuring many of the world’s best musicians on drumset, […]

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.

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. The repertoire below is only a suggestion; please contact Dr. Hollenbeck directly if you have any questions concerning the 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.