The art of ensemble playing consists of interpretation, style, orchestration, and techniques of playing and listening. Examining these subjects in rehearsal develops skills that greatly improve the quality and experience of music for the players and their audiences. Ensemble playing is one of the greatest tools of the percussive arts.

This workshop and concert or master class is intended for high school, university – college student ensembles and presents ideas developed during more than thirty years of conducting and performing ensemble music at university and professional levels.

Scores and parts will be provided in advance according to skill level and may include, but not be limited to:

Repertoire will be chosen in advance by consultations with the ensemble director. It is desirable that compositions by student composers be given priority and/or repertoire presently being rehearsed by the students. Also music by: John Cage: Trio, Quartet for Percussion, instruments unspecified, Credo in US, Forever and Sunsmell and First Construction in Metal, Henry Cowell’s Pulse, Lou Harrison Double Music and Suite for Percusion, Edgard Varese Ionization, Takemitsu Rain Tree, Bob Becker Mudra, Bruce Mather Clos d’Audinac and Robin Engelman’s Remembrance and arrangements of Takemitsu songs, etc.