Role

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Ensemble

 

The University of Utah Percussion Ensemble is a renowned classical music group that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and exceptional performances for over four decades. The ensemble was founded in 1976 by Dr. Morris "Arnie" Lang, who served as the director until his retirement in 2012. Since then, the ensemble has been under the direction of Dr. Michael Sammons, who has continued to build on the group's legacy of excellence. The ensemble is made up of undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Utah's School of Music, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The group's repertoire includes a wide range of classical and contemporary works, with a particular focus on percussion ensemble pieces. The ensemble's performances are known for their energy, precision, and musicality, and they have received numerous accolades and awards over the years. One of the highlights of the ensemble's early years was their performance at the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival in Los Angeles. The group was selected to represent the state of Utah in the festival, which was held in conjunction with the Summer Olympics. The ensemble's performance was well-received by both audiences and critics, and it helped to establish the group's reputation as one of the premier percussion ensembles in the country. In the years that followed, the ensemble continued to build on their success, performing at major music festivals and venues across the United States and around the world. They have performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) numerous times, including a highly acclaimed performance at the 2005 convention in Columbus, Ohio. They have also performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference in Singapore, and the International Festival of Percussion Ensembles in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In addition to their performances at major music festivals, the ensemble has also collaborated with a number of renowned composers and performers. They have premiered works by composers such as Michael Burritt, David Maslanka, and John Psathas, and have performed with artists such as marimbist Nancy Zeltsman and percussionist Evelyn Glennie. One of the ensemble's most notable achievements came in 2011, when they were awarded the prestigious PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition. The competition, which is held every two years, is open to percussion ensembles from around the world, and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the percussion world. The University of Utah Percussion Ensemble's winning performance included works by Steve Reich, David Maslanka, and John Psathas, and was praised by the judges for its technical precision and musicality. The ensemble's success has also been recognized by the wider music community. They have been featured on numerous recordings, including the album "The University of Utah Percussion Ensemble Plays John Psathas," which was released in 2009. The album features works by the New Zealand composer John Psathas, and was praised by critics for its virtuosic performances and innovative use of percussion instruments. Throughout their history, the University of Utah Percussion Ensemble has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of percussion music and exploring new sounds and techniques.

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