Percussion

The SJSU School of Music and Dance offers a variety of chamber music experiences for aspiring musicians in the percussion field. These ensembles exhibit a high level of performance excellence and are coached and conducted by the very best faculty in their respective fields. Students are provided with exposure to multiple styles of music in the performance of standard and contemporary chamber literature. Students are encouraged to broaden their experiences in the percussion world.

At the School of Music and Dance, Mr. Galen Lemmon instructs five different percussion ensembles of varying performance levels and works weekly with over one hundred students. In the last two years he has composed and arranged over twenty unique pieces for percussion ensemble. In July 2006, he traveled with the SJSU Percussion Ensemble for a performance in Xian, China.

Performance opportunities include:

Applied Lessons in Percussion

Percussion lessons concentrate on snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani and multiple percussion. Each student is instructed in methods that strengthen the student’s playing ability on all percussion instruments. Emphasis is placed on concepts that underlie a musician’s approach to playing and working on music. Juries at the end of each semester highlight each student’s progress. Students perform two and four mallet marimba etudes or concertos, a snare drum etude, a multiple percussion etude, timpani etude, sight reading, scales and orchestral excerpts.

Applied Lessons in Drum Set

SJSU Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble performs several times a year both on and off campus. The ensemble is open to percussion majors and all others by audition. Sight reading and performance techniques for percussion instruments are emphasized in rehearsals as well as listening skills and ensemble playing. The ensemble performs a variety of percussion music in small and large chamber groups.

African Drumming Ensemble

The African Drumming Ensemble studies the drumming traditions of West Africa. Students perform pieces from the religious, cult, ceremonial, warrior, funeral, court, occasional and recreational styles with a view to their cultural context among the Ahanta-Nzema, Ashanti, Fante, Dagomba, GA, Ewe, and Fon peoples. Students experience the music through performance, with singing and dance, discussion, listening, and reading.

Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble

Faculty

Galen Lemmon, coordinator

Audition Information

All percussion majors are encouraged to take two semesters of Percussion Pedagogy, a project class that covers: Percussion composition; conducting; preparing a clinic; orchestral repertoire; designing a percussion methods class; writing a percussion article for publication; and other research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I receive private lessons?

Yes, all percussion students receive a weekly lesson. Performance majors receive a one-hour lesson each week and music education and jazz studies majors receive a 30-minute lesson each week.

What ensembles can I perform with?

There is a wide range of performing of classical ensembles with which the percussionist can perform, including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble. Students interested in jazz may also perform in the Jazz Orchestra, Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble, and combos. All music majors, however, are assigned one major performing ensemble within their area of study.

Can I participate in marching band?

Yes, there are excellent opportunities for percussion majors to perform in the Spartan Marching Band. Opportunities include performing in their outstanding drum line or in their pit percussion. All music majors performing in the marching band receive an automatic scholarship and priority registration for their classes.

How well do I need to play mallet instruments?

Mallet instruments are an important element in the percussion area. We will work with students at their ability level to move them ahead as mallet performers. Some basic skill on mallet instruments is required for admission into the percussion program.

Will I be able to play drum set?

There are many opportunities in the jazz studies area to perform on drum set. While classical performers will be in competition with jazz studies majors, many players regularly perform in both areas.

Can I get a scholarship?

Yes, please contact Mr. Galen Lemmon or Mr. Scott Pierson to set-up a scholarship audition. These on-campus auditions usually take place on three dates during the spring semester.

What should I play for admissions into the School of Music and Dance or for a scholarship audition?

We would like to hear performances in a variety of areas including one selection on mallets, one selection on timpani and one on snare drum. For specific audition recommendations, please see the Undergraduate Music Handbook which can be found on the School’s website.

What type of equipment will be available to practice and performance?

The School owns three sets of timpani, four marimbas ( two are 5-octave), three xylophones and vibraphones, celesta, and a very extensive collection of battery percussion instruments.

Can I perform in the Percussion Ensemble?

Yes, all percussion majors are required to be in percussion ensemble as a part of their studio experience. The percussion ensemble plays a wide variety of music ranging from traditional classical works to non-western music. Musical styles range from traditional and avant-garde to jazz and popular influences compositions.

Do I need to own my own sticks and mallets?

Yes, it is expected of all percussion to own a stick bag, with several sets of timpani sticks and several sets of xylophone, marimba and bell mallets.

How important is it to start piano or keyboard studies?

It is very important to start to work on piano skills as early as possible. All music majors must enroll in Music 25A or 25B each semester until they have passed their piano proficiency. Any work with keyboard instruments transfers and improves mallet performance skills.