The Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. The ensemble was founded in 1971 by Dr. George Boberg, who was the director of percussion studies at Iowa State University at the time. Dr. Boberg was a visionary who saw the potential of percussion music and wanted to create an ensemble that would showcase the versatility and beauty of percussion instruments. The ensemble started with just a handful of students, but it quickly grew in popularity and size. Today, the Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble is made up of around 20 talented percussionists who are all students at Iowa State University. The ensemble is led by Dr. Jonathan Sharp, who is the current director of percussion studies at the university. Over the years, the Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble has performed at numerous prestigious venues and events. Some of the highlights of their performances include playing at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference, and the Iowa Music Educators Association Conference. They have also performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. One of the most notable performances of the Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble was their collaboration with the Iowa State University Symphony Orchestra in 2015. The two ensembles came together to perform the world premiere of "Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra" by composer Michael Daugherty. The performance was a huge success and received rave reviews from both audiences and critics. The Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2013, they won the Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition, which is one of the most prestigious competitions in the percussion world. They have also been recognized by the Iowa Music Educators Association and the Iowa Bandmasters Association for their outstanding performances. The ensemble's repertoire is diverse and includes a wide range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary. They have performed works by composers such as Steve Reich, John Cage, and Philip Glass, as well as original compositions by members of the ensemble. In addition to their performances, the Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble is also dedicated to education and outreach. They regularly give workshops and masterclasses to students and percussionists of all ages, and they have even created a program called "Percussion in the Schools" to bring percussion education to elementary and middle schools in the area. Overall, the Iowa State University Percussion Ensemble is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant impact on the percussion world. Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and education has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the best percussion ensembles in the country.

More....