The Columbia Percussion Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that specializes in percussion instruments. The ensemble was founded in 1967 by James Preiss, a percussionist and composer who was then a faculty member at Columbia University. Preiss was inspired to create the ensemble after attending a performance by the NEXUS percussion group, which had recently formed in Toronto. He saw the potential for a similar group in New York City, and began recruiting students from Columbia and other nearby universities. The original members of the Columbia Percussion Ensemble included Preiss, as well as several of his students, including John Bergamo, William Ruyle, and Glen Velez. The group quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and experimental approach to percussion music, incorporating a wide range of instruments and techniques from around the world. They also collaborated with other musicians and artists, including dancers, poets, and visual artists. Over the years, the Columbia Percussion Ensemble has had many different members, but has always maintained a commitment to exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of percussion music. Some of the ensemble's most notable members have included percussionists such as David Van Tieghem, Michael Udow, and Tom Kolor. One of the highlights of the Columbia Percussion Ensemble's early years was their performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. The group was invited to perform by festival organizer Michael Lang, who was impressed by their unique sound and experimental approach. The ensemble played several sets over the course of the festival, and their performances were well-received by the large crowds in attendance. In the years that followed, the Columbia Percussion Ensemble continued to perform and record extensively, releasing several albums and collaborating with a wide range of musicians and artists. They also received numerous awards and accolades for their work, including a Grammy nomination for their 1984 album "Rainforest." One of the ensemble's most notable performances was their 1983 concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which featured a collaboration with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. The performance, which was part of the BAM Next Wave Festival, was a groundbreaking example of interdisciplinary collaboration, with the dancers and musicians working together to create a seamless and immersive experience for the audience. Another highlight of the Columbia Percussion Ensemble's career was their 1990 performance at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by John Cage, including his iconic piece "4'33"," which consists of four minutes and thirty-three seconds of silence. The performance was a tribute to Cage, who had passed away earlier that year, and was a powerful example of the ensemble's commitment to experimental and avant-garde music. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Columbia Percussion Ensemble has also been involved in education and outreach programs, working with students and community groups to promote the study and appreciation of percussion music. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses at universities and music schools around the world, and have also worked with organizations such as the New York City Department of Education to bring music education to underserved communities.

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