DePauw University

AREAS OF STUDY - PERCUSSION
CURRENT STUDENTS

ALEC DINNIN
Hometown	Overland Park, Kansas
Class	2011
Major	undecided

Since I was old enough to contemplate musical instruments, I knew I wanted to play percussion. I began to study percussion seriously in sixth grade, especially the snare drum and rudimental playing as well as the drum set. I hope to become more and more competent in all areas of percussion while here at DePauw, but what I would like to develop most is an understanding of percussion and music in other parts of the world such as Brazil and Africa. Aside from music, I am fascinated with history and language, especially Russian, and I play tennis here. I'm looking forward to having a great four years here at DePauw.

MASON DONALDSON
Hometown	Lake Zurich, Illinois
Class	2010
Major	Percussion Performance

Since I received my first drumset, I knew percussion was going to be a big part of my life. I played the cello from the fourth grade, but playing percussion opened my eyes to a whole different world of music. I have learned about many different types of music, and have tried to extract everything I can from them. The biggest influence on me has been jazz. Being a percussionist is something that I am very proud of, and I am very excited to continue my education here at DePauw.

RYAN EDELEN
Hometown	Carmel, Indiana
Class	2011
Major	undecided

I've kind of grown up around music. I started on piano when I was in elementary school, and then played saxophone for a year. In middle school I decided to explore the world of percussion. Since then I've played in various ensembles on many percussion instruments. I was primarily a snare drummer in high school, but at DePauw I hope to expand my horizons by concentrating on other percussion, especially the marimba. I decided to come here because of all of the opportunities (musical and non-musical) available. Even though I do not plan on majoring in music I can still play in college-level musical groups. DePauw has a way of really allowing people to explore multiple interests. After college I hope to go to medical or veterinary school and enter the real world from there. No matter where I go in life, I know I would like to continue playing music on some instrument at least recreationally.

tabla and Indian music in Chennai, India next year. Since I've been at DePauw I've come a long way in terms of performing and technique.  I've performed in many ensembles including the band, orchestra, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble, and jazz combos. During my freshman year I took a class on Indian music which sparked an intense fascination with the complexities of classical Indian music. I had the unique opportunity to visit southern India during the Winter Term of my sophomore year and studied the art of tabla with an Indian guru.

BRIDGET PARKER
Hometown	Munster, Indiana
Class	2011
Major	Music Education

I have been playing percussion for eight years now and I never get tired of it. I chose to continue a career in percussion at DePauw because it was the best school for the program. I have known a few people from DePauw with music education degrees and have only heard good things about the program. I'm proud to say that I am currently the only percussion education major here. The percussion ensemble here is very elite and tours all over the world, and I'm glad to be a part of that. I love being able to play a wide variety of instruments from snare to four mallets on marimba to different noises made with "found sound" improvisation with metal mixing bowls and paper clips. The percussion program here at DePauw is very well known and I feel blessed to be a part of it.

ANDREW WICHMANN
Hometown	Colorado Springs, CO
Class	2010
Major	Math and Computer Science

I have been studying percussion for almost 7 years now in the various places I have lived - Virginia, Texas, Colorado, and Indiana. I chose DePauw because of its renowned music and strong computer science department.This was a perfect combination for me. In addition to my percussion lessons, I have played in the percussion ensemble and the band. I hope to continue my studies in computer science in graduate school, and maybe work for the government in the future. I know I would also like to teach a local high school drumline.

REBEKAH WOOLVERTON
Hometown	St. Louis, Missouri
Class	2011
Major	Percussion Performance

I’ve been having fun playing percussion since elementary school, when I quit playing flute and picked up a pair of mallets instead. Since then, I’ve played in all sorts of bands, orchestras, and other ensembles throughout middle and high school. My favorite instruments are tympani, vibraphone, and bodhran, but I find that the most satisfying percussion comes from “found sounds” from everyday life. My favorite musical activities are playing in the pit orchestras in musical theater and playing celtic music. Now, I am happy and excited to be part of the percussion program at DePauw. I am looking forward to all the unique opportunities that the school of music offers, the future percussion ensemble performances, as well as an opportunity to perhaps study percussion abroad in Germany sometime during my years at DePauw.

For further information, contact:
Amy Lynn Barber, Professor
School of Music
DePauw University
Greencastle, IN 46135
765-658-6638; albarber@depauw.edu