Percussion Ensemble

Whether on the stage in the concert hall or on a gymnasium floor facilitating community outreach events, the UMSL Percussion Ensemble is continually striving for excellence through its unique formula of “entertaining education.” Event organizers both on the UMSL campus and in the St. Louis community have called upon the ensemble time and again to bring vibrance, excitement, and a sense of community to all in attendance. Some past performance opportunities and collaborations have included: The Muny, Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts Trophy, Modern American Dance Company, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Explosions Percussion Festival, Dance St. Louis, Missouri and Indiana Days of Percussion, St. Louis VP Fair, Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA), and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). Under the direction of Matthew Henry for the past thirteen years, the UMSL Percussion Ensemble has continually expanded its repertoire and focus. Specializing in musical practices and traditions of non- Western cultures such as the Malinke of West Africa and the pop and folk traditions of Cuba, the UMSL Percussion Ensemble offers to its members a unique experience in both classical and world percussion.


The Percussion Ensemble is open to all students by audition and consent of the instructor.

For additional information regarding scheduled concerts/activities, performance availability, and audition times, contact:

Prof. Matthew Henry, Director of Percussion Studies
Office: 314-516-7970
henryma@umsl.edu