Welcome to the Lee University Percussion studio! Percussion studies at Lee University provides students a program of study in orchestral, solo, chamber, world and jazz idioms. Percussion students have a wealth of learning opportunities including private lessons, studio classes, and clinic/masterclasses with world-class guest artists. We strive to explore all facets of percussion and some of the previous guest artists have included specialists in marching percussion, drum set, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Middle-Eastern, African, jazz vibes, marimba, and concert/symphonic percussion. Currently the percussion studio is large enough to fill all major ensembles and small enough to ensure that each student receives one-on-one attention. The percussion facilities at Lee are first-rate with 7 dedicated percussion practice rooms, and the inventory of percussion instruments is constantly expanding.
Graduating percussion students from Lee have gone on to pursue many interesting and exciting careers in music. Some are outstanding educators, some are performers, some have made careers in music ministry, and some have gone on to the finest graduate schools in the country.
The performance opportunities for students include the Lee University Percussion Ensemble, Lee University Symphony Orchestra, Lee University Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Big Band, and numerous small jazz ensembles.
Students attend a weekly studio class where they perform in solo settings, and experience lectures on topics such as practicing, literature, and more. Dr. Harnsberger also teaches Percussion Literature and Percussion Pedagogy. World percussion classes are also available.
The student should demonstrate his/her highest level of achievement on snare drum and marimba. Timpani is encouraged for scholarship consideration, but not required.
Snare Drum: Rudiments and one selection at the level of any all-state required solo, or an etude from Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony Cirone.
Marimba: A four-mallet marimba solo, One selection at the level of any all-state required solo, or etude from Modern School for Xylophone by Morris Goldenberg.
Timpani: One selection at the level of any all-state required solo or an etude from The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth.
*If you wish to perform alternate repertoire for your audition, it must be approved by Dr. Harnsberger.
Snare Drum: Delecluse #1 or #9, Scheherezade, Lt. Kije
Xylophone: Porgy and Bess
Timpani: Hochrainer Etude #50, volume 2 or equivalent and 2 contrasting orchestral excerpts
Marimba: A movement by J.S. Bach and a solo demonstrating the highest level of technical achievement
*If you wish to perform alternate repertoire for your audition, it must be approved by Dr. Harnsberger.