Percussion Ensembles

The University of Montana Percussion Ensemble has become one of the most popular groups on campus have created quite a following in the region drawing large crowds to each concert. The group performs a diverse program on each concert, integrating everything from “cutting edge” contemporary percussion music, jazz-fusion, ethnic percussion (African, Indonesian, Caribbean, etc.) to ragtime marimba music and “unusual” crowd pleasers. The unique colors and exciting rhythmic and visual inter-play of these Percussion Ensemble/Steel Band Concerts often draw "standing room only" crowds. Nationally and internationally renowned percussionists are featured regularly with the ensembles (see list on Percussion page). The group tours the Northwest every other year.

Ethnic percussion plays a strong role in percussion concerts and percussion education with groups like the Islanders Steel Drum Band, the West African Drum Ensemble and the Jaya Budaya Balinese Gamelan. The Islanders Steel Band has performed throughout the Northwest and has recorded 2 CDs. The group released their first CD entitled Summer Songs in 1998 and will release the second one in the spring of 2005.

CD’s are $10 and can be obtained by emailing Robert LedBetter.

The UM Percussion Ensemble	The UM Percussion Ensemble performing at PAS “Day of Percussion”
The UM Percussion Ensemble performing to another “sold out” crowd	The UM Percussion Ensemble
Islanders Steel Band performing in concert with Gary Gibson, soloist	Jaya Budaya Balinese Gamelan in concert with Made Lasmawan
UM Drumline at Homecoming Pep Rally	The UM “Indoor” Drumline performing at PAS “Day of Percussion”