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
Percussion Events
2025 CSU Percussion Camp
Percussion News
Animaniacs delighted by the University Symphony Orchestra
The Animaniacs was originally performed by a Hollywood studio orchestra of 40 musicians; this spring, Rogel’s Emmy-winning songs were presented by Wes Kenny conducting the CSU University Orchestra as part of Animaniacs in Concert. The concert was co-presented by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at CSU and the Lincoln Center as part of […]
Start the holiday season at the University Center for the Arts
Kick off the holiday season this week at the University Center for the Arts with the annual Holiday Spectacular and Parade of Lights Preview. The Holiday Spectacular returns on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. in Griffin Concert Hall. The cost of tickets ($10/youth under 18, and $22/adults) […]
University Symphony Orchestra Celebrates The 10th Anniversary of the UCA
The School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Colorado State University presents the fall University Symphony Orchestra Concert, conducted by Maestro Wes Kenney. The performance is taking place on Thursday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the University Center for the Arts, located at 1400 Remington Street. CSU faculty artist John […]
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
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
Chimes
Marimbas
Snare Drums
Drum Kits
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.