Percussion Ensembles are open to all students, subject to auditions held at the beginning of each semester.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (For more information, please contact Prof. Kataoka)
Ayano Kataoka, director

UMass Percussion Ensemble (12:10–2:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Advanced Chamber Percussion Ensemble (12:15–2:20 p.m., Fridays)

UMass Percussion Ensemble and Advanced Chamber Percussion Ensemble provide opportunities to perform and become familiar with the ever-growing volume of percussion ensemble literature from 20th and 21st century, such as works by Steve Reich, John Cage, George Crumb, Iannis Xenakis, Alejandro Viñao, and Paul Lansky. The students expose themselves with the vast literature and develop their techniques of ensemble skills. It is also designed for the students to pursue their independent processes for preparations and rehearsals working toward the assigned performance opportunities.

The Percussion Ensembles are open to all students, subject to auditions held at the beginning of each semester by appointment. The ensembles have been invited to perform at McCormick Marimba Festival (Tampa, FL), Centro Cultural Recoretta (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and annually perform at Brattleboro Museum and Art Center.

For information about placement auditions for Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble & Symphony Band, please see the Wind Bands webpage

Ayano Kataoka
Director of Percussion Ensembles
Ayano Kataoka

Professor, Percussion; Area Coordinator

Percussionist and marimbist Ayano Kataoka is known for her brilliant and dynamic technique, as well as the unique elegance and artistry she brings to her performances. She has been a season artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 2006 when she was chosen as the first percussionist for the society’s prestigious residency program, The Bowers Program (formerly Chamber Music Society Two). A retrospective of her early life along with interviews and performances were featured on the CMS’ live stream program Artist Series in fall 2021.
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