Students enrolled in the UO’s percussion studies program engage in an open and exciting learning environment in preparation for professional careers as well-rounded, 21st-century percussionists. With the guidance of faculty members, students are encouraged to develop their own musical paths, while perfecting the necessary skills in all common areas of percussion playing.
UO Percussion Ensemble
UO Percussion Ensemble is a vital part of our percussion program. Repertoire range from percussion classics and transcriptions to contemporary works by 20th/21st-century composers.
John Cage
"Living Room Music – Stories"
Christopher Rouse
"Ku-Kailimoku"
Pius Cheung
"Tesla’s Harmony"
Pius Cheung
"Yuen"
Pius Cheung
"Heaven and Earth"
Our Students
Percussion students at the SOMD engage in a vibrant performance environment both on andoff-campus. In 2019, we began a performance video series in partnership with Innovative Percussion.
J. S. Bach
Cello Suite No. 5 in c minor - Prelude
(David Lee)
Gene Koshinski
"As One"
(Chandler Larsen and David Lee)
Askell Maason
"Kim"
(Chandler Larsen)
Master Classes
Weekly masterclasses with our faculty and guest artists.
Past guest artists include:
- Eriko Daimo (New York University, Juilliard pre-college)
- Casey Cangelosi (James Madison University)
- Michael Udow (University of Michigan, retired)
- Don Liuzzi (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- Mark Ford (University of North Texas)
- Jessica Ingalls (Pilates instructor, Threshold Fitness)
- Jordan Brooks (Stomp)
- Sean Perham (Stomp)
- Victor Mendoza (Berklee College of Music)
- Eguie Castrillo (Berklee College of Music)
- Robert van Sice (Yale, Peabody)
- Colin Currie (world-renowned percussion soloist)
- Frederic Macarez (Paris Conservatory, Orchestre da Paris, retired)
- Third Coast Percussion Group
- Mark Ramirez (University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)
- Conrado Moya (marimba artist)
- Gifford Howarth (renowned marching percussionist)
- Nicholas Papador (University of Windsor)
- Stuart Gerber (Georgia State University)
- Kazutaka Morita (Finnish Radio Symphony)
- Doug Walter (University of Colorado)
- Aiyun Huang (University of Toronto)
- Kevin Bobo (Indiana University)
- Line Upon Line Percussion Group
Performance Opportunities
Performance opportunities include solo and chamber recitals, the Oregon Percussion Ensemble, large ensembles, and master classes with various internationally renowned visiting artists. Weekly studio classes cover a variety of topics such as improvisation, sight-reading, basic music business skills, instrument maintenance, and performance. Percussion students participate in various ensembles at UO, including:
For percussion-related questions and inquiries, please contact percussion area chair, Dr. Pius Cheung.