Percussion Studio
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The Percussion Studio at Southern Miss presently consists of twenty eight undergraduate
students and six graduate students. Four of the graduates hold graduate assistantships.
The assistantship assignments are for the Percussion Studio (2), the PRIDE Drum Line
and band department, and the USM Symphony Orchestra. Southern Miss offers degrees
in Music Education, Music Performance, Jazz Studies, Music Industry and a Bachelor
of Arts. We also offer a Masters in Music and a Doctorate of Musical Arts. We are
proud of our reputation for excellence and look to build and grow on our solid foundation.
Why Choose Percussion Studies at Southern Miss?
Our philosophy on teaching, is to prepare each student for what they will encounter in life following college. Compared to most college programs we tend to take a more “Practical Approach.” Music education, performance and jazz studies majors are required to pass proficiencies each semester on the major percussion instruments (snare drum, mallet keyboards, timpani and drum set). The proficiencies vary depending the degree plan. As the students study these instruments, they also will be introduced to hand drums, Brazilian percussion instruments, steel drums and much more.
Ensembles
- The PRIDE Drum Line
- Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra (SoMiSPO)
- Percussion Ensemble
- Samba Band
- Salsa Band
- Jazz Lab Band
- Jazz Combos
- Orchestra
- Wind Ensemble
- Symphonic Winds
- Concert Band
Many other various chamber groups constantly need percussionists. There is no shortage
of opportunities for all the percussionists in the studio. Graduate students and upper
classmen also have the opportunity to play in several area symphonies. Several percussion
students play in area jazz groups, dance bands and jazz bands for hire. Casino work
is also available for those experienced players.
Recent Performances
The Southern Miss Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band have performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Internacional Festival de Percusion (Puerto Rico), the Mississippi PAS Day of Percussion and various venues along the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.Guest Artists
International guest artists appear frequently to perform with the Percussion Ensemble, Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra (SoMiSPO) and the Samba Band, including Andy Narell, Ney Rosauro, Gary Chaffee, Ellie Mannette, Horacio “El Negro” Garcia, Bill Summers, Javier Nandayapa, Ray Holman, Curtis Pierre, Oscar Albrieu, Liam Teague, Richie Gajate-Garcia, Mark Ford, Robert Greenidge, Tito Oliviero, The Old Guard Drum Corps and the U.S. Navy Steel Band, and many more!Videos
SoMiSPO playing “Midday Oasis”
Percussion Ensemble, Andy Gilstrap soloist
“Concerto for Vibraphone” by Ney Rosauro
