Music

The percussion program at Eastern Washington University offers comprehensive instruction in classical/western percussion instruments and literature for keyboard percussion instruments (marimba, vibraphone, etc.), snare drum, timpani, and auxiliary percussion. The classical focus is on ensemble performance, solo literature, and orchestral excerpts.

The percussion program also offers comprehensive coverage in jazz, ethnic, and contemporary popular music applications for percussion study. This area includes drumset instruction, hand drumming, jazz vibraphone, and marimba playing. Jazz percussionists at EWU are also exposed to aspects of electronic percussion programming and performance. Performance opportunities abound for the percussionist.

The EWU music department offers traditional wind symphony, percussion ensemble, and orchestral groups. The "corps" style marching drum line performs with the EWU Eagle Marching band at home games and in special performances. In the jazz area there are three big bands, small groups and Jazz Vocal groups. The percussion ensembles perform a diverse repertoire ranging from jazz and ethnic influenced pieces to more traditional classical compositions. Spokane is the cultural center for the Inland Northwest and as such offers ample performing and cultural opportunities for the music student.

Click below to listen to the EWU percussion ensemble, directed by Dr. Michael Waldrop, playing:

1. "Sacrificial Rite" by David Gillingham

2. "Six Marimbas" by Steve Reich

3. Excerpt from Dave Mancini's "Suite for Drumset and Percussion Ensemble."

4. "Improvisation on Three Themes" by Don Goodwin (EWU composer)

5. "Introduction" (from "Introduction and Rondo") by Elliot Del Borgo

6. "Rondo" (from "Introduction and Rondo") by Elliot Del Borgo

EWU offers both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Performance and Music Education. Interested students should contact Dr. Waldrop by phone,(509)359-6120 FAX: (509)359-7028, or email, mwaldrop@ewu.edu in order to set up an audition.