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Percussion

The Percussion Program at Truman State University offers an outstanding environment for professional development in performance, literature, and pedagogy. Among a very comprehensive inventory of percussion instruments and equipment, the practice studios and ensemble rehearsal spaces house approximately eight marimbas, three xylophones, three vibraphones, three sets of timpani, one electronic and three acoustic drum kits, as well as a full compliment of new Latin, Afro-Cuban, and African hand drumming instruments. Undergraduate and graduate studies in percussion are equally comprehensive, and include applied study and experience in solo and ensemble performance, as well as academic research in percussion pedagogy, history, and literature.

Look for the Truman Percussion Ensemble’s debut CD: Pitch/Pulse

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("Damn" features guest clarinet soloist, Dr. Jesse Krebs)

Available through Steve Weiss Music or the Truman Percussion Webpage

Percussion Ensemble

Directed by Dr. Michael Bump, the Truman State University Percussion Ensemble is devoted to the performance of both large and small chamber ensemble literature written specifically for percussion.

The ensemble is recognized in the Midwest for its outstanding performances of standard, world-ethnic, and experimental percussion music. The ensemble works and performs regularly with international guest artists hosted by the percussion studio. It has been the featured percussion ensemble at the 2002 and 2006 Missouri Music Educators Association Annual Conference, as well as at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention with guest Mexican marimba artist, Steven Chavez. The ensemble has been involved in the commissioning and premiere performances of new works by Jared Spears (Legacy), James Romig (The Frame Problem), and an upcoming commission from composer Raymond Helble.
The percussion program at Truman, including the Concert Percussion Ensembles and the Indoor Marching Percussion Ensemble, are endorsers of and sponsored by Sabian Ltd., Innovative Percussion, Inc., and the Pearl Corporation.

Marching Percussion

The Truman Statesmen

Marching Band Percussion and Indoor Marching Percussion Ensembles make up a challenging experience in marching percussion at Truman. The Statesmen Marching Band numbers approximately 175 and is well known for its expertise in corps style marching. The Indoor Marching Percussion Ensemble has a long tradition of innovation and success. For over 20 years, this ensemble has been a consistent award winner in indoor competitions held by the Percussive Arts Society, Bands of America, and the Spartan Percussion Festival. At its most recent competition, the ensemble placed 2nd at the 2003 PASIC Marching Percussion Festival, Small Ensemble Division, Louisville, Kentucky.

Thank you for your interest in Truman State University. If you have any questions about the Truman Percussion Program after reviewing this web site, please feel free to contact me via the information below.

Sincerely - Dr. Michael Bump
Associate Professor/Director, Percussion Studies

Percussion Photos
We have put together some photos from the past years of a few guest artists and percussion events. Click here to check the pictures out!!!

The Truman Percussion Society

The Truman Percussion Society at Truman State University is an officially recognized campus student organization that is dedicated to supporting the percussion program within the Instrumental Area and promoting the percussive arts and education in the Northeast Missouri area.

In addition to regularly scheduled master classes by the faculty and graduate students, TPS sponsors annual master classes and concerts by regional and international guest percussion artists.

Membership in this student organization is expected of all applied percussion majors and minors, and open to any Truman student interested in learning more about and supporting the percussive arts. Members of TPS are also encouraged to be members of the Percussive Arts Society, the largest international organization of its kind for students, teachers, performers, and composers of percussion music.

You may contact Dr. Michael Bump mbump@truman.edu or Student President, Adam Groh (atomdrum@hotmail.com) for more information.

SELECTED LINKS

Professional Organizations:
Percussive Arts Society (www.pas.org)
American Federation of Musicians (www.afm.org)
College Music Society (www.music.org)
Drum Corps International (www.dci.org)

Informative Percussion Sites:
Vic Firth (www.vicfirth.com)
Modern Drummer (www.moderndrummer.com)
Mostly Marimba (www.mostlymarimba.com)
Marimba.org (www.marimba.org)
Drummer World (www.drummerworld.com)
The Marching Percussion Website (www.marchingpercussion.com)
Percussion Music (www.percussionmusic.com)
Musical Chairs Professional Index (www.musicalchairs.info/index.htm)
Pearl Corporation (www.pearldrum.com)
Percussion Orchestrations (www.percorch.com)
Dr. Dave's Percussion Video Collection (http://percussionvideos.blogspot.com)

SELECTED PROGRAMS
Click here for the selected programs

2005 DAY OF PERCUSSION
The 2005 Missouri PAS Day of Percussion was hosted by Dr. Michael R. Bump and Truman State University on April 16, 2005. Internationally renowned guest artists included Bob Becker, Greg Bissonette, and Tom Siwe. Click on the program to get an idea of events during this incredible festival of percussion!
Click here to see the Program

GUEST PERCUSSION ARTISTS
Click here for the past guest percussion artists