This year, the Percussion Ensemble had the privilege to play at the International Percussive Arts Society Convention in Nashville held in November. Being selected for this event was a great honor and Professor Nancy Mathesen was very proud of her students.

Along with playing at the convention, the ensemble had two home performances scheduled. The group presented a concert in the fall and will hold a spring concert at the end of April. All of the students in the ensemble are members of the UTM marching band, as well.

The percussion ensemble performs with instruments that are played by percussion instruments such as the xylophone, bells, marimba and drums. The different instruments are used to play music of various styles and cultures.

“Percussion is leading the music world in ethnic and world music,” Mathesen said.

Professor Mathesen has been working with UTM’s Percussion ensemble for over 35 years. When she began, there was only one student in percussion. Over the years, the ensemble has grown, and she currently teaches the 17 students who are in the group.

This summer, Professor Mathesen will retire from teaching, but she has enjoyed her years at UTM.

Under a new instructor, the percussion ensemble will move into new forms of music. Students will learn Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Gamelan music.