The UTM Percussion ensemble was founded in the fall of 1969 and experienced 36 years of growth and excellence under the direction of Professor Nancy Mathesen. Dr. Julie Hill came to UTM in the fall of 2005 after Prof. Mathesen's retirement. Dr. Hill strives to teach contemporary and world percussion styles through the diverse literature performed by the percussion ensemble.
In addition to "traditional" ensemble repertoire of both a historical and contemporary nature, the UTM Steel Drum Band was founded in the fall of 2005 by Hill. This group has quickly become an integral part of the UT Martin percussion program. The UTM steel band is global in purpose, striving to explore all facets of world percussion, therefore, embracing diversity found in all cultures throughout the world, but specifically those throughout Africa, Brazil, Cuba, and the Caribbean. The UTM steel band performs regularly for schools and communities with their presentation, “The Roots of Rhythm”. This presentation provides an engaging multi-sensory performance, encouraging students to observe how differing societies are formed and interact through music. Brazilian, African, and Afro Cuban ensembles also perform on traditional instruments during this program.
The University of Tennessee at Martin percussion ensemble has performed internationally at the PercuSonidos International Percussion Festival in Tampico, Mexico, the UFBA Federal University in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and regionally on numerous occasions at the Tennessee Music Educators Conference.
UTM graduates have secured successful teaching careers in public schools and at colleges such as the University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Louisville, San Jose State University. Recent graduates have pursued their Master Of Music degrees in Percussion and Music Therapy and have received Graduate Teaching Assistantships to universities such as the University of Kentucky, University of Wisconsin (Madison), Appalachia State University, and Central Arkansas University. Another graduate has recently been named mayor of a West TN town.
The UTM Percussion Ensemble has performed with world renown artists such as Zoro, Anders Astrand, Michael Gould, James Campbell, Miles Osland, Steve Houghton, Ney Rosauro, the Caixa Trio, James Ross, Brian Mason, John Parks, and Matt Savage.
Current information on student activities can be found on the UT Martin website
http://www.utm.edu/departments/finearts/music/ or contact: jhill@utm.edu
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