THE SPU PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES are select groups of instrumentalists who study and perform music from the ever-expanding repertoire of the world of percussion. Class work includes individual “outside” practice and full ensemble ensemble rehearsals with a focus on rhythmic accuracy, technique, phrasing, intonation, dynamic control, tone production, improvisation, stylistic considerations and ensemble playing. The Percussion Ensemble is made up of three different ensembles: the Ethnic Drum Ensemble, the Mallet Keyboard Ensemble and the Percussion Ensemble. For information on joining the SPU Percussion Ensembles, contact Professor Dan Adams at 206-281-2143 or by e-mail.

The Ethnic Drum Ensemble is a performance ensemble that explores the traditional percussion of West Africa, Cuba, Brazil and the South Pacific.  Music reading skills are not required for this ensemble but would be helpful. Many techniques and compositions are learned through aural traditions. No previous percussion experience is required.

The Mallet Keyboard Ensemble is a performance ensemble that studies and performs contemporary and ethnic music for percussion mallet instruments. The ensemble plays classical works arranged for mallet ensemble, original works for mallet instruments and ethnic works of traditional significance. Melodic reading and basic mallet percussion technique is required.

The Percussion Ensemble is a chamber ensemble that performs contemporary percussion literature using the standard orchestral and not-so-standard percussion instruments of the percussion family. Music reading skills and basic percussion technique on all percussion instruments is required.