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Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Drumline and Percussion Ensemble took second place at the annual Percussive Arts Society's International Competition, Nov. 9 - 12, 2016, in Indianapolis. The Percussive Arts Society is a non-profit music-service organization whose mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world.

In addition to the drumline and ensemble placements, music major Armando Gaucin, originally of El Paso, won first place in the marching tenor solo competition.

“It is no secret that our percussion students and faculty are among the hardest working and most talented in the country,” said Brian Shook, interim chair of the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. "We are very proud of the consistent excellence they continue to exhibit, both at the university and on the international stage.

Travis Fife, director and coordinator of percussion, and Matt Holm, instructor of percussion, conduct the ensembles.

"Having the experience of going to this convention is truly an honor and a valuable opportunity for our students to grow and develop," said Fife. “I’m very proud of the students and their dedication.”

Over the last four years, the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Drumline placed second three times and won first in the 2015 competition. Winning first place at the Percussive Arts Society is among the highest honors a collegiate percussion ensemble can receive.

At this year’s competition, the Drumline performed an original piece written by Fife, Randall Nguyen and Shane Roderick. The four-member Percussion Ensemble performed “DisArchitecture,” written by Dave Hall.

“The percussion students here at Â鶹ÊÓƵ strive to be the best and want to compete against the best, year in and year out,” said Fife. “They are extremely dedicated to their craft and have such a deep passion for educating and performing. Working with these students is truly an honor.”

Pictured
Top: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Drumline performing in Indianapolis at PASIC. Photo by Emory Hensly, copyright Percussive Arts Society.

Right: Â鶹ÊÓƵ's percussion quartet, left to right:  Caleb King, from Mabank; Meagan Tantillo, Kountze; Michael Cheng, Kingwood; and Jacob Ottmer, Katy