Percussion Ensemble is an ensemble for percussionists in the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra organization. The typical Percussion Ensemble student has had some private instruction and school ensemble experience, has good snare drum and mallet technique, and reads music well.
Percussion Ensemble consists of all BYSO percussionists who were placed at the Philharmonia or Youth Symphony level after auditioning. Percussion Ensemble students provide percussion as needed for these two orchestras in addition to practicing and performing in their own ensemble, where they focus on interesting and challenging percussion-only pieces. Past ensemble works performed include Cirone’s 4/4 for Four, Spears’s Polyphonies, and an arrangement of Rossini’s William Tell Overture.
Sample of Percussion Ensemble:
Conductor: Storm Benjamin
Storm Benjamin received his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Central Washington University. Two years later, he earned his Master's degree in Music Performance at Central Michigan University. Mr. Benjamin has wide-ranging performance experience, from playing solo sets to chamber, orchestral, and marching ensembles. Learn more.
Contact Storm Benjamin at percussion@byso.org
Messages from the Conductor
BYSO Fall Percussion Retreat is taking place this Saturday, Nov. 3rd from 9-11am at the usual rehearsal spot in Sammamish High School.
BYSO Percussion Ensemble Nov. 4th Concerts CALL TIMES:
The Percussion Ensemble students should arrive at Meydenbauer Center at 2:55p to be ready to soundcheck at 3:10p, on stage with the Philharmonia. At 4:05p, they will sound check with the Percussion Ensemble. The Showcase Concert begins at 4:30p (might be good to pack a snack for before the concert).
For the Youth Symphony Concert, the percussionists should arrive at 6:25p to be on stage to soundcheck at 6:35p. There will be time to eat between the Showcase and Youth Symphony concerts.
Here’s a helpful recording of the Holiday Concert music:
