Percussion Area

Complete list of equipment in the newly-built Percussion Suite at the UNO School of Music.

Percussion at UNO

The percussion program at UNO covers a wide range of percussion applications. The core of the program focuses on Western classical percussion techniques (snare, timpani, mallets, multiple percussion). However, there are ample opportunities to explore other percussion applications such as world drumming, drum set, electronic percussion, orchestral techniques, and marching percussion.

Housed in the new addition to the Strauss Performing Arts Center the percussion floor offers students a state-of-the-art practice and rehearsal facility complete with new instruments, acoustically treated practice rooms, audio/video playback, a large rehearsal space, and recording/livestreaming capability.

In addition to the Percussion Ensemble and Pop/Electronic Percussion Ensemble students have a large variety of performance opportunities within the School of Music including orchestras, symphonic bands, athletic bands, jazz bands, and chamber groups. Percussion students also often perform and gig in the Omaha community in various rock and pop projects, jazz groups, contemporary chamber ensembles, church gigs, and various music festivals.

How to Apply

Program Requirements:

• Bachelor of Arts, Concentration in Music Studies (B.A.; Music Studies)
• Bachelor of Music, Performance (B.M. Performance)
• Bachelor of Music, Music Education (B.M. Music Education)
• Master of Music, Performance (M.M. Performance)

Audition Requirements:

Undergraduate (B.M. Performance/Education; B.A. Music Studies)

1. Classical Snare:
   a) Standard rudiments
   b) An etude or piece from Cirone "Portraits in Rhythm" or the Mitchell Peters books is appropriate
2. Mallets:
   a) All major scales
   b) Solo or etude demonstrating skill with two mallets
   c) Solo or etude demonstrating skill with four mallets (if possible)
3. Timpani:
   a) Demonstrate tuning process/procedure for timpani
   b) Etude from Goodman or Vic Firth books is appropriate
4. Drum set:
   a) Demonstrate knowledge of various styles

Three out of the four above skills is preferred for the audition. However, all four is even better for scholarship consideration. There will also be sight-reading on drum set, mallets, and snare drum.

Students interested in the Bachelor of Music in Music Education must also submit a short 2-3 minute video. Please watch the following video before you begin: https://youtu.be/sCx-fw8gPqw. The questions and prompts are also listed in written form below.

When completed, please email to Adam Hilt: ahilt@unomaha.edu.

1. Introduce yourself , tell us your primary instrument ,and any additional instruments you play. Feel free to tell us any additional information that you would want us to know (e.g., you teach piano; work with youth; enjoy learning languages).
2. Why are you interested in music education?
3. Name one teacher you respect and why.
4. Sing a nursery rhyme/children’s song without accompaniment (one verse only).

For percussionists interested in jazz, see additional requirements under "Jazz Drum Set." Contact Dr. Hannah Weaver with questions regarding drum set auditions (hannahweaver@unomaha.edu).

M.M. Music Performance (Graduate)

1. Classical Snare:
   a) An etude from Delecluse “Douze Etudes,” Tompkins “Nine French-American Rudimental Solos,” or similar
2. Multi-percussion:
   a) Kopetzki “Canned Heat,” Kitazume “Side by Side,” Volans “Asanga,” or similar
3. Timpani Solo
   a) Hochrainer etude, Delecluse “Vingt Etudes” or similar
4. Two-mallet solo:
   a) Movement of Bach violin sonata/partita or cello suite, George Hamilton Green rag, or similar
5. Four-mallet solo:
   a) Druckman “Reflections on the Nature of Water,” Stout “Astral Dance,” Miki “Time for Marimba,” Maslanka “Variations on Lost Love,” or similar
6. One of the following categories:
   a) Orchestral excerpts (2 on snare, 2 on mallets, 2 on timpani)
   b) Drumset (demonstrate 4 styles)
   c) World music (demonstrate 2 or more instruments)

For percussionists interested in jazz, see additional requirements under "Jazz Drum Set." Contact Dr. Hannah Weaver with questions regarding drum set auditions (hannahweaver@unomaha.edu).

Follow UNO Percussion on Instagram and YouTube!

Questions? Contact Dr. Hannah Weaver at hannahweaver@unomaha.edu

Strauss 4th Floor Percussion Facilities