School of Music

All through high school, I knew that I wanted to major in English literature. But I also knew that percussion was such a huge part of my life that I couldn’t possibly give it up when I reached college. When I found DePauw, I knew I’d come upon something fantastic- I could major in English and still be a part of a musical ensemble. In high school, I participated in various ensembles, solos, and bands. My favorite thing about percussion is how varied and all encompassing it is, and the fact that an ensemble can play such fantastic and diverse music with solely percussion instruments has never failed to amaze me. I have always loved playing xylophone and marimba in particular, but in just a few months here, my repertoire of instruments has grown significantly. I am so glad to be in the DePauw Percussion Ensemble. Music will remain a major facet of my adult life.

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.

I started playing drum set when I was about 6 years old. Music became a serious endeavor in my life when I came into high school. The harder the music that was given to me, the more I decided I liked it. In high school I played in many ensembles, and in the summer I enjoy playing in the University of Cincinnati Community Band. I have done well in solo and ensemble competitions. My favorite percussion instrument by far is the marimba - I love playing with both two and four mallets. Between performing and practicing at DePauw University, I am hoping to achieve a much high level of performance and skill. After DePauw I 'd like to go to graduate school, and eventually maybe get a job in a symphony orchestra.

I started with piano lessons at age five and percussion at age nine. I have won several awards at the Wisconsin School Music Association competitions for playing piano, marimba, timpani, and drum set. As a high school student, I played with the Carroll College Wind Symphony, and had the opportunity to tour with them in Italy last summer. It seems only a natural continuation for percussion to be my life choice. I really hope to further enhance my marimba skills and musicality. The drumset is also an instrument that keeps me challenged musically and artistically. I knew DePauw University would open doors for me to explore the world of percussion. I don' t yet know where my percussion will take me, but I know that DePauw will help me master my craft.

Percussion has been a part of my life for about 10 years now and I have really grown as a performer and educator through my experiences. It wasn't until I entered my freshman year at DePauw, that I really understood the vast world of percussion. Now in my final years at the collegiate level, percussion has given me the great passion to go out into the world and teach as well as spread the word about percussion. I was a member of the National Collegiate Wind Ensemble in 2009, and we performed in Carnegie Hall. I hope to educate not only percussionists, but all students, about the great world of percussion and how it is used. Improvisation, varied repertoire, contemporary pieces, non- conducted performances, etc. have all helped me on my journey here at DePauw to be a better percussionist.

Since I started percussion in the 6th grade, my love and passion for it have progressively increased. In high school, I participated in various honor bands, solo and ensemble competitions, years of marching band, and many other musical experiences through my church. The experience of being in the Side-by-Side Program with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was definitely one of my favorites. Music has quickly become a huge part of who I am. Pursuing a music education major here at DePauw University has truly been supportive of this passion. I know I will be well equipped to be the passionate and professional teacher I want to become. After my undergraduate studies at DePauw, I plan to either start teaching or possibly go on to graduate school.

I've been playing percussion since the fourth grade. DePauw provides an excellent environment for me to work on many different percussion instruments in a variety of performance settings. Even as a freshmen, I am actively involved in many performance opportunities and was even able to compose a piece for the percussion ensemble. Outside of my percussion studies at school, I am actively developing my skills in marching percussion - I was a member of the Green Thunder percussion ensemble from 2007-2009, and hope to play with the Blue Stars in 2010. While I love performing, I also have developed a strong passion for teaching. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in music education teaching middle school and/or high school band.

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. In Summer 2009, I participated in the Ney Rosauro Percussion Week in Florida. 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.