PERCUSSION STUDIO

The Percussion Studio at Southern Miss presently consists of twenty undergraduate students and six graduate students. Five of the graduates hold graduate assistantships.  The assistantship assignments are for the Percussion Studio (2), the PRIDE Drum Line and band department, the Orchestra and the Gulf Coast Campus. Southern Miss offers degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Jazz Studies, Music Industry and a Bachelor of Arts.  We also offer a Masters in Music and a Doctorate of Musical Arts. We are proud of our reputation for excellence and look to build and grow on our solid foundation. 

Our philosophy on teaching is to prepare each student for what they will encounter in life following college. Compared to most college programs we tend to take a more “Practical Approach.” Music education, performance and jazz studies majors are required to pass proficiencies each semester on the major percussion instruments (snare drum, mallet keyboards, timpani and drum set). The proficiencies vary depending the degree plan.  As the students study these instruments, they also will be introduced to hand drums, Brazilian percussion instruments, steel drums and much more.  What the students practice in the studio is applied in the various percussion ensembles such as the Concert Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, Samba Band, Marimba Ensemble, Salsa Band, wind bands, jazz lab bands, orchestra and various chamber groups.

To be admitted to the School of Music in the College of Arts and Letters at Southern Miss, students must first meet all general requirements for the admission the university. Upon this acceptance, students are eligible for acceptance as a music major in the School of Music. Auditions are scheduled for January and February.  All applicants should prepare an appropriate level solo/etude on the following percussion instruments: snare drum, mallet keyboard, timpani and drum set.  The audition also will consist of sight-reading on all the mentioned instruments.  Students are encouraged to audition on various other instruments as well, such as steel pans, congas, tabla, etc… This audition is for acceptance into the studio and scholarship. Auditions are live unless applicant lives beyond driving range. Auditions may be arranged by calling 601-266-4993.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Wooton
Director of Percussion Studies
http://www.johnwooton.com