The UTSA Department of Music proudly presented the UTSA Percussion Ensemble, directed by Senior Percussion Lecturer Sherry Rubins and Dr. Graeme Francis, on Thursday Nov. 3 at the Recital Hall.

Though the concert was relatively short, it gave the audience an opportunity to observe different percussion instruments and how they mixed in an ensemble to create a listening experience like no other.

With a group of 14 students, as well as Dr. Utah Hamrick, Lecturer and Electric Bass Instructor, the ensemble played a ranged series of different styles including classical, jazz, blues and even a touch of salsa.

Using instruments from the timpani to the marimba all the way to snare and bass drum, the night started with the classical, majestic music of W. A. Mozart and ended in a climatic exciting ending to the sounds and arrangements  of Cuban artist Paquito D’ Rivera.

“It’s amazing how different instruments create different sounds and styles” Corey Barb, junior Marketing major said. “I was never into band or chamber music, but the percussion gives it that extra energy that just brings you into the music.”

During the concert, Rubins also mentioned preparations for the upcoming UTSA Marching Band, starting with the percussion.

“The marching band will officially start in fall semester 2011” Rubins said. “The drumline will start in the spring. We will borrow some

equipment and start practicing, at least, once a month. We’re also looking into inviting several high school students that are interested in joining the band, once they graduate.”

“We are looking to march 300 students on that field” Rubins said. “Anyone interested should definitely look into joining the marching band.”

The UTSA marching band will begin practice in August 2011, in time for the new football season.

For more information on the percussion and the upcoming marching band, visit http://music.utsa.edu/.