Percussion

Areas

Ensembles

ABOUT THE PERCUSSION AREA

The percussion studio is made up of a diverse group of students from a variety of backgrounds. The studio of approximately twenty-five includes undergraduate students majoring in music performance, education and composition and graduate students in the masters, performance diploma and doctoral programs.

The percussion studio attracts and works with a diverse group of students studying music performance, education, and composition at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students perform in state-of-the-art, prominent venues at MSU and within the College. All studio members can participate in the MSU Percussion Ensemble—a chamber group devoted to new and classic repertoire. The ensemble has performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and the Blue Griffin Recital Series. Esteemed guest artists regularly mentor and perform with the group.

Percussion Degree Opportunities

Students focusing on disciplines within the Percussion Area have a variety of degree opportunities from which to choose

Performance Opportunities

All studio members have the opportunity to participate in outstanding performing ensembles, including the MSU Percussion Ensemble.

After Graduation

Studying Percussion at MSU prepares students exceptionally well for successful careers in music.

Percussion Faculty

Gwendolyn Dease

Professor of Percussion and Chair of the Percussion Area

Randy Gelispie

Instructor of Jazz Drums

Kevin Jones

Percussion Instructor

Jon Weber

Instructor of Percussion

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Symphony Band

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

This program of dynamic works, conducted by David Thornton, includes Pegasus Fanfare from The Sleeping Spirit by John Gibson, Starry Ocean by Shuying Li, Anahita by Roshanne Etezady, Hands Across the Sea by John Philip Sousa, and The Wild Goose by Ryan George.

Event Details

$$$

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Wind Symphony

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

MSU composer Zhou Tian premieres his Concerto for Saxophone with acclaimed saxophonist Joseph Lulloff, joined by Hindemith’s Konzertmusik für Blasorchester and Maslanka’s Symphony No. 8, conducted by Kevin L. Sedatole.

Event Details

$$$

Friday, March 20, 2026

Symphony Orchestra’s Honors Concert

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Orchestras

The MSU Symphony Orchestra, led by Octavio Más-Arocas, celebrates the Honors Concerto Competition winners with a vibrant program of student soloists and a Sam and Mary Austin Fanfare by an MSU student composer.

Event Details

$$$

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Sensory Friendly Spartan Concert

10:00 am

Other

MSU Small Ensembles

All are welcome to this inclusive chamber concert tailored for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, featuring interactive music activities, audience mobility, noise-making, and a quiet room for comfort.

Event Details

Free

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Percussion Ensemble

7:30 pm

Fairchild Theatre

MSU Small Ensembles

MSU’s Percussion Ensemble presents a dynamic program of contemporary works, showcasing a wide range of sounds and textures through varied instrumentation.

Event Details

$$$

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