Percussion

The NSU Percussion Studio serves as a dynamic hub for rhythmic exploration and musical collaboration. Comprising a diverse ensemble of dedicated musicians, this vibrant community cultivates proficiency across a spectrum of percussion instruments, ranging from classical to contemporary. Fostering creativity and technical skill, the studio provides a rich environment for students to hone their craft through rigorous training, ensemble participation, and engaging performances. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, the NSU Percussion Studio not only nurtures individual growth but also emphasizes the importance of collective musical expression. It stands as a place where passion for percussion meets a commitment to excellence, shaping well-rounded musicians for the ever-evolving world of music.

The percussion program is under the direction of Dr. Oliver Molina. The studio averages 20 music majors per year in music education, performance, and business. The studio comprises students from Louisiana, Texas, and international students from Central and South America. The percussion ensemble performs two concerts a year, one each semester. The concerts include a wide variety of works from small chamber pieces to large works for percussion orchestra. New contemporary works along with ragtime, orchestral transcriptions, ancient rudimental drumming, and pop tunes also are regularly programmed. Recently, the ensemble has performed at the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy and has toured throughout Louisiana and Texas to recruit the top talent in the region. At PASIC 2021, the ensemble presented the New Literature Showcase concert; in 2019, the ensemble won first place at the Concert Chamber Competition – Collegiate Division.

Percussion students at NSU are able to participate in a number of ensembles including the 300+ member Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, Purple Haze Pep Band, Natchitoches-NSU Symphony Orchestra, jazz orchestra, jazz combos, and steel band. Other performance opportunities include performing on productions such as musicals and dinner theaters, collaborations on dance department recitals, and in our annual Christmas GALA.

If you are interested in applying to study in the NSU Percussion Studio or would like further information, please contact the percussion professor Dr. Oliver Molina.

Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble
Steel Band
Northwestern – Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra
Concert Bands
Chamber Winds
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Purple Haze Pep Band
Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Combos
Chamber Music

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

Required Audition  Areas:

  • Mallet Instrument: A two-mallet or four-mallet marimba, vibraphone, or xylophone solo
  • Snare Drum: A concert style or rudimental snare drum solo or etude

Optional Audition Areas:

  • Timpani: Concert style solo or etude
  • Multi-Percussion: Solo or etude (a video recording of a multi-percussion solo is acceptable)
  • Drum set: Demonstrate ability to groove and solo in different styles (funk, swing, samba, soca, etc.)
  • Scales: Major scales, natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales

Please contact the percussion professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!

Graduate Audition Requirements

Required Audition Areas:

  • Mallet Instrument:A two-mallet or four-mallet marimba, vibraphone, or xylophone solo
  • Snare Drum:A concert style or rudimental snare drum solo or etude
  • Timpani:Concert style solo or etude

Optional Audition Areas:

  • Multi-Percussion: Solo or etude (a video recording of a multi-percussion solo is acceptable)
  • Drum set: Demonstrate ability to groove and solo in different styles (funk, swing, samba, soca, etc.)
  • Scales: Major scales, natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales

Please contact the percussion professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!