Percussion Ensemble

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The Western University Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Richard Burrows, is a dynamic performing group presenting concerts both on campus and off. In the past, ensemble tours included performances in Kitchener, Burlington, Markham and Richmond Hill. The Ensemble, comprised of Percussion Majors, performs a variety of styles with a focus on contemporary percussion literature, and there are often appearances by guest artists.

The Western Percussion Ensemble has performed in numerous OMEA (Ontario Music Educators Association) Showcase concerts, at LOLA (London Ontario Live Arts Festival) festivals, the Ontario Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion and appeared as guests artists with the London Concert Band and the Blyth Festival Singers. Other performances include Soundstreams Canada at the Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto, performing music by Peter Sculthorpe; Omar Daniel Composer’s Concert at Western University; Southwestern Ontario Region Music Fest, London, and twice at the South Huron Schools’ Fall Band Festival in Clinton.

Director: Richard Burrows
Auditions are not required for the Percussion Ensemble, but membership does require the permission of the instructor. All wind, brass and percussion students must audition for Large Ensemble placement. Audition information
Rehearsals: Fridays 3:30-5:30 plus two extra hours TBD
Percussion Studio
Winds, Brass & Percussion Division

2026-27 Performances

Please read the Audience Information page before joining us on campus.
Concert programs are available for download up to a week in advance.
Durations are estimated.

Friday, November 27, 2026 12:30 and 7:30pm Paul Davenport Theatre (1 hour)

Game Theory

Ever wonder what a flower pot sounds like? How about tin cans? Come hear the Don Wright Faculty of Music Percussion Ensemble make melodic music from everyday objects.

Friday, March 12, 2027 12:30 and 7:30pm Paul Davenport Theatre (1 hour)

the dust settles

This concert features blurred lines of genre. In the cacophony of sounds, can you hear all the different influences?

Performance Excerpt

Excerpt from Earth, the 4th movement from TorQ’s Element Suite
Conductor: Rich Burrows, November 22, 2024