Percussion

 

The Radford University Percussion program empowers students to build successful careers as musicians, educators, and creative artists. By combining rigorous training, hands-on experiences, and a tight-knit community the program builds musical excellence, innovation, and professionalism. Students engage in dynamic ensemble performances, individualized instruction, and a curriculum tailored to support their specific career goals.

Facilities and Equipment
Housed in a modern facility equipped with a wide range of percussion instruments, the program offers an ideal environment for students to refine their craft. This access to specialized resources allows them to explore the full spectrum of percussion music, from classical to contemporary styles.

The percussion department has access to three practice rooms and two large rehearsal rooms. These rooms are equipped with high-quality percussion equipment including four five-octave marimbas, four vibraphones, three sets of timpani, five drum sets, and much more. With the studio average of 12 students, equipment and space is usually available at all times.

The percussion program performs in the 350-seat, state-of-the-art Performance Hall in the Covington Center, which is located only a few feet from the practice rooms.

Lessons
Each student receives a one‐hour lesson per week from the instructor. The lessons cover a broad range of topics and techniques related to the percussive arts, with the ultimate goal being the creation of a student who is versatile and knowledgeable in both the technical and pedagogical aspects of percussion.

At the undergraduate level, the freshman and sophomore years are largely guided by the instructor, as there are core technical abilities that are critical to each student’s success. As the student continues and grows throughout their time at Radford, they take over the decision making process and the instructor becomes more of an accessory, helping to guide their decisions as well as offering the necessary insight both musical and otherwise to achieve their goals. Graduate students are given the opportunity to collaborate with faculty to personally customize their curriculum to match their career goals.

Studio Class
Every week the percussionists participate in a studio class. The studio class acts as an opportunity for students to perform solo and chamber works for each other, provide feedback on said performances, attend masterclasses and clinics by Professor Newton or other guest artists, and to organize weekly logistics as needed.

Percussion Ensemble
The Radford Percussion Ensemble, directed by William Newton, is an integral part of the curriculum. RPE performs a wide variety of chamber works written expressly for percussion. The group presents several concerts a year, including a fall and spring semester concert.

Recent concert examples include: Mallet Quartet by Steve Reich, Clapping Music by Steve Reich, Slopes by Paul Rennick, Dirty Bombs by Ben Hausman, Apollo by William Newton, Springs by Paul Lansky, and Waterways by Chris Amick.

Notable Performances
The Radford University Percussion Ensemble frequently performs off campus including venues like The Kennedy Center, 2012 International Percussion Ensemble Week in Croatia, BUMfest International Percussion Ensemble Festival 2018 in Slovania, and the McCormick Marimba Festival 2016 and 2020.

Guest Artists
The Radford Percussion studio has a history of bringing in world-class guest artists to perform with the percussion ensemble, teach masterclasses, and give lessons. Some examples include Amadinda Percussion (Hungary), Anders Åstrand, Balkan Duo (Eastern Europe), Bill Cahn, Bob Becker, Doug Perkins, Gordon Stout, John Riley, Kana Omori (Japan), Maraca 2 (UK), Michael Burritt, So Percussion, Sympatico Percussion, Third Coast Percussion, and Thomas Burritt. 

Percussion Faculty
Percussion students study with Director of Percussion Studies William Newton. Click here to learn more about William.