Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble 2022-23 Concert Dates:
November 3, 2022
Fall Percussion Ensemble Concert featuring Heather Thorn, xylophone
Creativity and Innovation District Living Learning Center Performance Hall at 7:30pm
March 26, 2023
Spring Percussion Ensemble Concert featuring Michael Burritt, Eastman School of Music
Moss Arts Center, Fife Theatre at 6 p.m.
Virginia Tech Percussion Ensemble (VTP), directed by Annie Stevens, is a university ensemble open to music majors and non-majors by audition in the fall semester. VTP performs a wide body of repertoire from classical transcriptions and chamber works to traditional West African drumming music and large percussion orchestra pieces. The ensemble features several guest artists throughout the year and students have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with visiting guest artists on several occasions. Percussion majors are automatically eligible for participation in the ensemble, and non-majors are required to audition at the beginning of the fall semester. (See audition info below). Non-majors must be equally proficient on mallet instruments and snare drum. No new members will be admitted to the ensemble in the spring semester.
Audition information:
All non-majors must show fluency on both snare drum and mallets to be considered for the ensemble. The audition for non-majors consists of the audition etudes (see the link below), as well as sight reading on both snare drum and mallets. 4-mallet technique on mallets is not a requirement for acceptance into the ensemble. There is an expectation that ensemble members will meet at least once a week for rehearsal outside of designated class time. Non-majors interested in auditioning should email Dr. Annie Stevens at ajs@vt.edu to set up an audition date. The audition will occur the week before fall semester classes, or during the first week of classes. There will be no auditions for acceptance into the ensemble for the spring semester. Auditions only occur in the fall.
Visit the Virginia Tech Percussion Facebook page.
View a recently released dynamic music video of the Virginia Tech Percussion Ensemble performing Fractalia by Owen Clayton Condon. The video features the ensemble performing in the Virginia Tech recording studio and features the graduating class of 2019: Steven Arnold, Jesse Hughes, Laura Moniuszko, Denver Nuckolls, and producer, Joshua Morrison. This class was awarded first prize at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2017 for their performance of this piece in the Collegiate Chamber Music Competition.
Non-major students are encouraged to participate in the Symphony Band. Contact Polly Middleton to inquire about the Symphony Band percussion auditions.
Want to know more?
Annie Stevens is happy to answer your questions.