UA Little Rock Percussion Ensemble Students Perform at Percussive Arts Society International Convention
For the first time in UA Little Rock history, the Percussion Ensemble was represented at the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Under the leadership of Dr. Justin Bunting, director of instrumental activities, the UA Little Rock Percussion Ensemble made headway at this event, showcasing their hard work and dedication.
The Percussive Arts Society is the largest percussion ensemble organization in the world, with just over 6,000 members. Bunting describes the Percussive Arts Society International Convention as Disney World for percussionists.
It is the largest percussion convention in the world, “bringing together over 5,000 people in Indianapolis for four days of performances, clinics, workshops, competitions, and other educational opportunities. One minute you are watching one of the top percussion ensembles in the country perform and the next you are sitting in a masterclass by a world-renowned marimbist.”
Bunting decided to commit to the competition in November 2023. He had seen rapid growth in the ensemble and knew they could be successful at such a renowned convention. On May 1, the UA Little Rock Percussion Ensemble was among the first groups to register for the Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition. Once confirmed, Bunting said he was extremely excited for his students and ready to get to work.
Four percussion students participated in the competition: Omar Delgado, Alexia Minzel, Ethan Nooner, and Cameron Thompson. The students performed “Watercolor Sun” by Ivan Trevino last school year, so the process with that piece was crafting the interpretation and performance. Over the summer, the students learned, practiced, and memorized the second piece, “The Gilded Cage,” by Susan Powell.
Throughout the semester, there were weekly rehearsals. Bunting noted that the students truly took ownership of these pieces, scheduling their independent rehearsal times without his guidance. They also had coaching sessions with Ivan Trevino and Susan Powell, the composers of the two pieces. Bunting said it was an incredible amount of hard work put in by these students.
At the convention, they were judged by three world-class percussionists and competed against 29 other ensembles from across the United States. They placed 19 out of 30 in the competition, ahead of quite a few ensembles from much larger programs and universities. Bunting said he was thrilled with this result, which spoke to the students’ dedication and hard work.
The experience was rewarding for Bunting and reminded him of his own experience in college performing at PASIC.
“When I was a second-year, undergraduate percussion major at Ohio State, our ensemble performed a showcase concert at PASIC,” Bunting said. “It was truly life-altering for me. So, when we came out of the performance room, and I saw the release of emotion and energy from the students, I knew they had a similar experience. Also, from a studio culture perspective, the bar has been raised. Big time. The standard for UA Little Rock Percussion is now on the international stage!”
This story was written by Rian Newman.
