Ensemble Information
University Percussion Ensemble (UPE)
The UPE meets Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00-2:50 in Loeb 112. Auditions for this ensemble occur during the first week of classes. An audition is not required if a student has been in the ensemble for two years or has special consent from the instructor. This ensemble is graded solely on attendance and material preparation. Attendance is mandatory and the material must be prepared in advance of rehearsals. Prior to a performance, extra rehearsals will often be scheduled if necessary. A schedule of rehearsals for the entire semester will be posted by the third week of classes. This ensemble is open to all students – music majors and non-music majors. See the percussion handbook for more information about the philosophy of the ensemble program.
World Percussion Ensemble (WPE), Spring Semester Only
The WPE meets Monday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Loeb 112. Auditions for this ensemble occur during the first week of classes of spring semester. Audition material will be available during the fall semester. The WPE often plays around the city and state during the spring semester. It is the student’s responsibility to notify his/her teachers of an upcoming absence and arrange to make-up the missed work. This ensemble is open to all students – music majors and non-music majors, however, reading music is required.
MU Steel
MU Steel is the student steel drum band at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Like the WPE, this ensemble performs around the community raising funds for the percussion program. This ensemble gigs often, including summer, and has a gig book that is standard for all off-campus performances. Concert pieces will be rehearsed for the various percussion ensemble concerts and the steel band is always featured at the annual WPE concert in April. Auditions for this ensemble occur at the beginning of each semester. Two people will be selected for each pan spot to facilitate performances when one student is not available. This ensemble is open to all students – music majors and non-music majors. During the fall semester, students participating in MU Steel should register for UPE. During the spring semester, students participating in MU Steel should register for WPE. more >>