A Percussionist's Week
Regardless of concentration, every percussion music major receives an immersive educational experience
As music majors, members of the Percussion Studio receive training every day in a number of core musical areas (i.e. aural skills, music theory, music history, and much more) from A-State's world-class music faculty, as well as specialized course instruction for their specific major (i.e. conducting, secondary instrument techniques, orchestration and arranging, etc.). These classes generally meet in the mornings each weekday.
Rehearsals are a daily occurrence
Nearly all percussion students will be members of multiple performing ensembles, which generally rehearse in the afternoons. This includes the two percussion ensembles (the Red Wolf Percussion Group and University Percussion Ensemble), the band program (including three concert bands as well as the athletic bands), jazz ensembles, orchestra, and much more. Most ensembles will give performances at least once or twice every semester, and as a part of the Sound of the Natural State, the A-State Drumline performs almost every week in the Fall!
Be prepared to practice... and perform!
Being a music major is an even bigger commitment than playing in high school band, and nowhere is that more evident than the practice room! Students will immerse themselves in their craft and can expect to practice multiple hours a day as their mindset transitions from "music is my hobby" to "music is my career." Students will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their growing set of advanced skills as they perform in the weekly Percussion Seminar, the Music Department Tuesday Recital Series, and their own degree recitals.