Participants in Cannon Music Camp’s percussion program have a variety of opportunities to pursue their interest in performance, both individually and as a member of numerous ensembles, large and small.
 
 

    Daily activities for percussionists include:

    Large Ensemble - Students are placed by audition into the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, or Symphonic Band.  It is conceivable, due to enrollment and ensemble needs, that percussionists may participate in as many as two of the large ensembles.  These three large ensembles rehearse daily and perform twice during the camp session.

    Jazz Ensembles - Those percussionists who have jazz and drum set interest may audition for one of three jazz ensembles.  Each jazz ensemble rehearses daily and performs once during the camp session.

    Music Theory - All Cannon Music Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of the camp session.

    Percussion Ensemble - All percussion students will be included in percussion ensemble and this group meets daily.  Past performances of this ensemble have featured literature representing a variety of genres, including: “classic” concert percussion by composers such as Varese, Cage, Harrison, Cowell, and Chavez; contemporary concert percussion which have included premieres of works; fusion pieces utilizing a rhythm section, percussion, and mallets; and mid-East performance on middle-Eastern Rigs, North African Tars, and Irish Bodhrans.  This ensemble performs once during the camp session.

    Additionally, all percussion principals receive a one hour weekly private lesson as well as participating in a weekly masterclass.