The CU Percussion Ensembles celebrate percussion in many ways, exploring the great works of the repertoire: Ionisation by Varèse, Chavez's Toccata, Cage's Amores and Constructions, Lou Harrisons Suite, and October Mountain by Hovhaness, among others. Works by the sophisticated groove master Dan Levitan are featured on almost every concert. Since this is chamber music, pieces range in size from duos to large conducted works.

The ensembles also improvise in jazz and free styles. A recent hit was Music for Percussion Quartet & 3 Jazz Players, Latin-Jazz works by Roland Vasquez. Many CU percussion students play jazz and the percussion ensembles provide them an opportunity to develop their improvisation skills.

Interpretation and depth of expression is stressed in Marimba Ensemble, which performs commissioned works, transcriptions from the masters, and Mexican and Guatemalan traditional works and improvisations.

Students are featured as soloists in every concert--playing solos, concertos, and works they have written.

In addition to concerts each semester, the percussion ensembles present a ragtime xylophone fest each year on Music Day.

Upcoming events featuring the Percussion Ensemble

Ensemble Contact Information:
Professor Douglas Walter
Email: walterdw@colorado.edu
Office Location: Room C185C, Imig Music Building
Office Phone: 303-492-8240
Mailing Address: 301 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0301