This Percussion Ensemble provides the University Band percussionists with a creative outlet with multiple benefits.
These include refining their technique, realizing the benefits of focusing on both Western and non-Western instruments, developing more advanced musical competencies such as texture, color, dynamic contrast, and shaping of music contours—items not comprehensively addressed in large ensembles such as a band—assisting in developing critical listening skills, and encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and camaraderie within the percussion section.
Conductor
Mr. Chad Heiny, Director of 亚色影库 Percussion Activities
Cost
$50 per semester ($25 tuition; $25 registration fee). Participants must also be recommended by the high school band director. There is also a limited amount of funding assistance available through the scholarship program. See our Scholarships page for more information.
Eligibility
Percussionists, age 15 (ninth grade for 2024–25 academic year) and older are eligible.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals take place at the same time the University Band rehearses: 7:00–9:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings throughout the semester. The Percussion and University Band directors work together in scheduling whether the percussion players rehearse first with the band and then breakout for percussion ensemble, or vice versa.
Auditions
An audition is not required for high school players who are recommended by their band director. It is understood that recommended students already have solid percussion skills and the ability to read music.
Community percussionists should contact the Percussion Ensemble director (cheiny@iup.edu) AND the director of the University Band, Jason Worzbyt (reedtip@iup.edu), if interested in playing in both the Percussion Ensemble and the University Band.