Percussion Studio goes to Florida!

        The McCormick Marimba Festival is an annual music event held at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL.  The festival was created by Professor Robert McCormick in 2002 to advance the study of marimba and other percussion instruments.  The two-day event held at the end of January hosts a variety of ensembles from across the country. Participants are usually high schools, universities, and independent artists.

      The UMass Percussion Group is fortunate enough to have been invited to perform at this year’s festival!  Six students from our twenty-person studio have been selected to attend the McCormick festival along with our professor, Ayano Kataoka.  Over the course of the weekend we will perform a number of contemporary percussion pieces, both as an ensemble and as soloists.        

        We benefit greatly from the performance opportunities we have at UMass, but it is important that we branch out.  Percussion music is an exciting genre that is still developing, and this festival is an opportunity for us to travel far from home, share what we do, and experience what others have to offer!

        The seven of us are already at work practicing for our performances, but we do need some help to make this trip happen.  Fortunately, the university has agreed get us to Florida and back.  However, we are still in need of funding for expenses over the course of the weekend.  Your contributions will go towards our lodging, meals, and transportation in Florida.  We appreciate any support you can give :)

- UMPG