Percussion Ensembles

Co-directed by Gregory Beyer and Ben Wahlund, the award-winning NIU Percussion Ensemble is the principal vehicle through which NIU percussion students gain critical chamber music experiences and cover a wide variety of genres and musical instruments. In addition to its on-campus performance each semester, the Percussion Ensemble is engaged in both local and regional community activities such as DeKalb's annual Transformation Through Rhythm fundraising event for non-profit organizations that aid communities in Africa, and the Himmelfarb Project.

The NIU Percussion Ensemble has earned several invitations to perform at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC):

• New Literature Showcase (2018)
• Percussion Ensemble Showcase (2003, 2009)
• Focus Day Performances (2009, 2013)
• World Percussion Showcase (2014)

Additional notable performances include the International Festival of Percussion Ensembles in San José, Costa Rica (2008, 2017) and the Illinois Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society (ILPAS) in 2005, 2009 and 2017.

Learn more about the history of the NIU Percussion Ensemble (PDF).

Ensembles are open to all students, regardless of major. Learn more about large ensemble auditions.

Featured Performance