Percussion Ensembles
The Percussion Ensembles at the Conservatory strive to provide our students with the broadest possible array of performance experiences. To that end, the traditional percussion ensemble at UMKC is split into three entities, full ensemble, chamber ensembles and ethnic ensembles. The full ensemble meets on Mondays from 4-6 pm. We utilize this time for percussion ensemble pieces that include six (6) or more performers and require a conductor. This provides students with an opportunity to perform percussion ensemble music in a "large" ensemble setting. The percussion chamber ensembles meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1 pm. These times are set aside for works utilizing five (5) or less performers that do not require a conductor. These groups allow our students a chance to experience making music in a chamber setting, developing their musicality in small ensemble situations. These chamber groups also allow percussion students an opportunity to work with other instrumentalists from throughout the Conservatory.

Ethnic percussion studies at the Conservatory are centered around the study of marimba traditions from Mexico and Guatemala. Student groups perform on traditional Chiapan marimbas in a variety of settings both on and off campus. Students play in either groups of four (4) players on one marimba or in groups of seven (7) players on two marimbas. These groups perform the widely varied musics of Mexico from the Norteno, Mariachi, Jarocho and marimba traditions. Brazilian, Latin, African and other world percussion music are also a part of percussion studies at the Conservatory and are usually centered around a residency with a visiting artist. Often these artists will also perform with the percussion ensemble.

Conductor
James Snell, Director of Conservatory Percussion Ensembles

Audition Requirements
Acceptance to private study in the Conservatory is based on an audition prior to enrollment. Auditions are judged by the appropriate applied faculty and are normally arranged through the Conservatory Admissions Office. In the case of students residing a significant distance from Kansas City, a high quality videocassette recording may serve for provisional admittance. Auditions are normally 10 minutes in length at the undergraduate level, 20 minutes at the master's level, and 30 minutes at the doctoral level.

Audition Repertoire
Repertoire for an audition, at any level of study, should reflect competency in more than one area of percussion. Because of the diversity of literature, styles and teaching, the following should be used as a guide by prospective students in preparing an audition. The suggested composers' works may be found in the UMKC Percussion Syllabus (Percussion at UMKC) and may be ordered from your local music store or by mail from the Steve Weiss Catalog. Non-performance majors should perform repertoire which best demonstrates their level of ability. Undergraduate applicants should be aware that a basic level of musicianship in the areas of snare drum and mallets is necessary before attempting admission to the Conservatory.

For more information, visit http://www.umkc.edu/percussion