Percussion

The percussion area at the University of Delaware is typically comprised of 20-30 undergraduate and graduate percussion students majoring in music performance, music education, composition, jazz improvisation, music theory or music history, as well as the Bachelor of Arts in Music. Percussion faculty members Gene Koshinski and Tim Broscious work in tandem to teach, coach, and perform side by side with the students in all areas of percussion education.

In addition, their group, Quey Percussion Duo, has been dazzling audience worldwide for the past 18 years, and is the only percussion duo to hold a full-time residency in the United States. QPD's unmistakable style, extensive performing career and side-by-side student experiences offer UD percussionists a truly unique educational opportunity.

The percussion program is focused around a "total percussionist" philosophy, meaning students will gain experience on all major percussion instruments (snare drum, drum set, keyboard percussion, timpani, multiple percussion, steel drums, hand drums, world percussion), experience diverse repertoire and operate in diverse environments all on a regular basis (the jazz improvisation degree focuses on a more specific set of skills).​

All percussion majors receive 1 hr/week of one-on-one instruction with Dr. Koshinski or Dr. Broscious, and students may craft their education by switching teachers each semester/year depending on instrument and career focus. Students may also decide to supplement their lessons with a focus on drum set with Tom Palmer. In addition, a studio class comprised of all percussionists meets weekly and functions as an outlet for master classes, clinics, workshops and guest artist presentations. Furthermore, the various percussion ensembles are an integral part of the education of UD percussion students as well as non-major percussionists.

UD Percussion Ensemble

Co-Directed by Dr. Koshinski and Dr. Broscious, the Graduate Percussion Group is a pre-professional chamber ensemble comprised of only graduate students that focuses on the performance of advanced literature at the highest level. This group performs often, for many different occasions throughout the year at various venues locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The graduate students are coached by and often perform closely with the faculty artists to present dynamic and diverse performances.

Graduate Percussion Group

Co-Directed by Dr. Koshinski and Dr. Broscious, the Graduate Percussion Group focuses on the performance of advanced chamber music at the highest level. The ensemble presents a full program each spring in addition to many presentations throughout the year at various venues locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The graduate students are coached by and perform closely with the faculty artists to present dynamic and diverse performances.

World Percussion Ensemble

The UD World Percussion Ensemble is open to all students and focuses on a hands-on exploration of percussion music and instruments from around the world. This may include focus of learning and performing in the following areas: Brazilian percussion, West-African percussion, Middle Eastern percussion, Cuban/Haitian percussion and Chinese percussion. The UD World Percussion Ensemble is open to all UD students.

Steel Bands

Composed of undergraduate and graduate students, the UD Steel Bands are designed to explore the steel band repertoire from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as classical, jazz and pop genres arranged for steel band. The group performs concerts on campus as well as in the community. There are two steel bands: 1 beginning band (for those new to the instrument) and Delaware Steel, a performance-centric group. The UD Steel Bands are open to all UD students.

Duos Concert

Each spring, the percussion studio presents a “Duos" concert where every studio member chooses a partner, selects repertoire, and rehearses throughout the semester with coaching from the faculty artists (Quey Percussion Duo). In addition to the musical preparation, the students work together to create the concert from the ground up (and all of the involved logistics), offering critical experiences presenting musical events alongside a direct focus on enhancing chamber music skills.​

The percussion program is focused around a "total percussionist" philosophy, meaning students will gain experience on all major percussion instruments (snare drum, drum set, keyboard percussion, timpani, multiple percussion, steel drums, hand drums, world percussion); experience diverse repertoire; and operate in diverse environments on a regular basis.

The percussion faculty at UD are committed to the development and growth of every student involved in the percussion program, regardless of major, and will work to achieve each individual student's potential within their performance medium. 

We Are a Community. We believe in a community environment where each and every student plays an important role in the fabric of the studio. We all work together, supporting each other's performances and events by attending all percussion-related events on campus (and off campus whenever possible). ​

​March 12-13, 2022 (check back soon for more details!)​

​View percussion audition requirements:

• Performance, Education, Bachelor of Arts, and Composition Majors
• Jazz Majors​

​The UD Percussion Ensemble performs Escape Velocity by Dave Hall.​