Percussion

Iconic American composer John Cage once stated that "percussion music is revolution."

In the revolutionary and unique percussion program at GCC, students will unlock their drumming potential and focus their personal aesthetic while developing their technique and musicality.

GCC is home to an impressive inventory of percussion instruments and music for private, group or ensemble study and performance. Private instruction is available for all levels of expertise. The Percussion program has a long and effective history with alumni successfully auditioning and transferring to prestigious schools of music and pursuing performance careers.

In the award-winning GCC Percussion Ensemble (MUP190), students gain valuable performance experience. Exploring diverse aesthetics and global music traditions, the Ensemble offers several concerts each school year. A wide variety of guest artists perform with the group. No audition is required; the only pre-requisites are a desire to perform percussion music and some percussive experience. Additional on-campus percussion experiences include performance in the GCC Symphonic Winds and performances/master classes by the GCC Percussion Faculty Quintet (Dr. Sonja Branch, Dr. Robert Esler, and Dr. Douglas Nottingham) and ensemble-in-residence Crossing 32nd Street.

Musicians interested in percussion studies at GCC are encouraged to contact Dr. Doug Nottingham at doug.nottingham@gccaz.edu