Orchestral percussion students have the full gamut of percussion instruments to learn. Mallet percussion, timpani and snare drum are the main focus for orchestral percussion students. A full set of percussion instruments is available for tuition and practicing, and a wealth of repertoire, built up over the last three decades ensures that all aspects of percussion playing can be covered. In addition there are hire instruments available for students to practice at home. The percussion ensembles deal with group playing and developing listening skills, but also provide students with the opportunity to learn techniques for the many other percussion instruments they may play in wind bands or other ensemble settings.1st Term Percussion Concert 2018
This concert started off with snare drum solos from two of our youngest percussion students. They were accompanied by the UCT percussion ensemble, a slightly nerve-wracking but hugely beneficial experience for them! The programme included a fine performance by the Intermediate ensemble of a drum line inspired piece, "Drum Check" and a ragtime piece performed by the Senior ensemble. This piece, "Rainbow Ripples", is an arrangement by the famous xylophone specialist Bob Becker, member of the Nexus Percussion Ensemble. The UCT percussionists also treated the students to a polished performance of "Gainsborough" by Thomas Gauger, another well-known percussionist/composer.
This annual event is a performance based workshop that features elements related to the drum kit. It takes place in the third term each year, straight after the end of term percussion concert.
