Featuring Special Guest Conductors

The ECYS Percussion Ensemble is comprised of percussionists currently in the Sinfonietta, Wind Orchestra and Senior Symphony.

The ensemble performs two programs each year, at the Symphony Holiday Concert and at the Symphony Finale at the end of the season.

The section meets separately from orchestra practice to rehearse and to prepare their programs with coaches Tim Dent and Benjamin Paysen. The rehearsals are typically one or two hours on several Sundays prior to the performances.

For both the 2004 and 2005 Holiday Concert performances, the Percussion Ensemble was coached and conducted by the acclaimed Afro-Cuban specialist and educator, Michael Spiro. At those performances, the Ensemble performed with Mr. Spiro, who composed for the ensemble original pieces based on traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms. Mr. Spiro has also conducted two workshops for ECYS, working with the ensemble at the Annual Symphony Retreats.

In the Spring of 2005 the Percussion Ensemble performed "Head Talk" with Christopher Florio, Conductor. Mr. Florio, who is also Music Director of the Harker Schools, earned his BM in percussion and MM in conducting from UCLA.

The ECYS orchestras offer training programs for aspiring young percussionists at beginning orchestra (Chamber Players) and Intermediate Orchestra (Camerata). More advanced players will be placed in Sinfonietta, Wind Orchestra or Symphony, and invited to Percussion Ensemble.

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Sunday Afternoon Rehearsals (Intermittent, Not Weekly)

Cubberley Community Center
Palo Alto

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Concert Calendar

Audition Requirements and Application

ECYS Percussion Ensemble Members Only