Percussion @ Longwood

 
Longwood Percussion Ensemble members Bill Murden, David Wright, and Stephen Vinciulla perform at the 2007 Spring Concert in Molnar Recital Hall.  Ensemble participation is open to students from all majors with permission of the director.

 

 

Studio Mission

The Department of Music at Longwood University welcomes students from a variety of musical backgrounds interested in pursuing future careers in music education, music performance, or related fields such as music business and music technology.  Percussion majors are encouraged to take advantage of Longwood's variety of performing opportunities in chamber music, large ensembles, and solo contexts.  In addition to repertoire for the entire ensemble, every percussion ensemble concert features opportunities for student solo performances.  Music majors are eligible to enter the annual Concerto Competition sponsored by the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Gordon Ring.
Percussion Major Natalia Halsey performs "Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major" by JS Bach
Chris Tobey, John "Guiro" Hogge, Natalia Halsey and Carter Mahnke

In between practicing, lessons, concerts, rehearsals, studio class, coursework, and moving equipment across campus, the percussion studio is occasionally observed having fun, as shown here after a masterclass with guest artist Gabo Tomasini of Bio Ritmo!  While participation in the percussion studio at Longwood is time-intensive, the program's evolution and the semester-to-semester growth of individual students demonstrates this effort is worthwhile.
      
The ensemble after a particularly dirty concert featuring Ed Argenziano's crowd pleasing "Stink'n Garbage"    

 

One of the major benefits of studying music at Longwood is the high degree of individual attention available to each student. All percussion majors study with the primary teacher from the very first lesson through completion of their degree requirements.  The combination of applied study in lessons, percussion ensemble, and participation in the department's wind symphony, two jazz bands, and multiple choirs offer a wealth of performing opportunities for students regardless of whether they are enrolled Music Performance, Music Education, or pursing majors outside music.  In order to promote a well rounded education and enhance their marketability, students are encouraged to pursue additional studies in business, composition and/or secondary instruments (music education majors).

 

    
Sophomore Natalia Halsey premiers her marimba duo "Their Fight Song"  with her teacher, Longwood's Director of Percussion Studies Michael Schutz

 

The percussion ensemble gives four on-campus concerts each year, including multiple performances at the popular  Holiday Montage Concerts held each December.  Additionally, select members of the ensemble perform off-campus concerts each spring, introducing solo and ensemble literature to high school students across the state.  Recent concerts include appearances at Midlothian, Monacan, Atlee, and Monticello high schools in addition to performing at the 6th Annual Project:Percussion festival in Richmond, VA.  Through a combination of on and off camus concerts, lessons, rehearsals, and coursework students are encouraged to reach their potential as future performers and educators.
Longwood percussion majors Natalia Halsey and John Hogge perform for students at Monacan High School (Richmond, Virginia)

 

 

For more information on percussion study at Longwood or to become involved with the studio please contact me or make a campus visit.

 


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