The McKendree University Percussion Ensemble presents material ranging from the early 1930's to contemporary literature, traditional transcriptions, and adaptations, and original compositions. The students represent a variety of academic areas across campus.
Under the direction of Mr. Daniel Smithiger, the ensemble has performed concerts at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, and toured throughout the state of Illinois, performing at
the Waubonsie Valley High School "Day of Percussion", Marion Catholic High School,
Pekin High School, and Edwardsville High School.
The Fall Percussion Ensemble concert takes place on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 7:30pm, located at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University. This semester the ensemble is reaching new heights, featuring Maggie Rahmoeller (English Horn/Oboe) with the Percussion Ensemble, performing on John Wyre’s Mitsue and an adaptation of Jacques Ibert’s Escales. New directions are being paved with performances of Toccata for Percussion by Carlos Chavez, an arrangement of Pat Metheny’s Minuano, and more! The Percussion Ensemble will be touring in January 2009 into the greater St. Louis area, and featured again at the Waubonsie Valley High School “Day of Percussion”
hosted by Chris Dandeles.
The McKendree University “Day of Percussion” will be held on February 16, 2009. It will feature guest clinician/performer Dr. Steve Hemphill, currently the Director of Percussion Studies at Northern Arizona University. Dr. Hemphill has a breadth of experience in the areas of classical, symphonic, jazz, chamber, solo, and world percussion. He will be presenting exciting clinics, judging in our solo & ensemble contest, and performing with the McKendree University Percussion Ensemble that evening! In addition, Evan Hinds (Director of Bands/Percussion at Triad High School, Troy Illinois) and Dan Arana (Percussion Instructor for the Lindbergh School District, St. Louis Missouri) will be adjudicating and participating in this exciting day of performance and education.
