Welcome to the Winds and Percussion area page of the WSU School of Music. Our renowned faculty are not only accomplished musicians but also dedicated educators, fostering a learning environment that encourages technical mastery and artistic innovation. With a wide range of ensembles and performance opportunities, students can develop their skills while sharing their musical passion.
Information Coming Soon!
Impulse Percussion Group
The Impulse Percussion Group (IPG) functions as a large percussion ensemble as well
as many smaller chamber ensembles. Membership is by audition, majors and non-majors
alike are welcome!
For more than 10 years Professor Jerry Scholl has led the IPG to new heights including:
winning second Prize at the Wolff-Ilse Bing chamber music competition and premiering
over ten works, including Paul Elwood’s New Jerusalem for percussion and choir, and
Teppa and El Silencio two concertos for Marracas and Percussion featuring maraca virtuoso
– Ed Harrison.
The IPG prides itself in the performance of theatrical, contemporary and telling works in the history and advancement of percussion music. An IPG concert is as much an all inclusive sensory experience as it is a musical production. Stemming from a strong partnership with the media and stage crews at WSU, the lights, sounds and flow of an Impulse Percussion Group program are top notch and not to miss!
Undergraduate students who intend to major in music must audition for the School of Music faculty. Regular audition dates for undergraduate students are scheduled throughout the year. Your audition is for consideration for certain School of Music scholarships as well as entrance into the music program.
Audition InformationInterested persons are requested to prepare for an on-campus audition:
Interested persons are requested to submit a recent CD recording or mp3 or other up-loadable sound files of their playing to Dr. Webber by Dec. 1. You are encouraged to send repertoire you are comfortable with, and that represents your playing accurately. All recordings should include a variety of solo literature and orchestral excerpts of candidate's choice. Acceptable materials include but are not limited to:
An on-campus audition is expected but can be substituted by submitting a high-quality recording (mailed CD or audio files shared via an online platform such as DropBox, YouTube or SoundCloud). The audition should include:
An on-campus audition is expected, but can be substituted by submitting a high-quality recording (mailed CD or audio files shared via an online platform such as DropBox, YouTube or SoundCloud). If you are applying for the Clarinet Graduate Assistantship position (GSA), an on-campus visit is required. Live or recorded audition requirements:
To audition for the saxophone studio you must perform either a live, on-campus audition for Jim Pisano, or submit a professionally-recorded screening recording for consideration. If you are applying for the Saxophone Graduate Assistantship position, an on-campus visit is required.
You should select repertoire that you feel best represents your strong suits as a performer, and music with which you feel comfortable. Although it's expected that most of your audition repertoire will be played on alto saxophone, applicants may also play works on soprano, tenor, or baritone saxophones to demonstrate versatility. Below is a suggestion of repertoire that is expected of incoming graduate students at Wichita State University.
Etudes: two etudes of contrasting character (one lyrical, one technical). Selections from the 48 Etudes by Ferling, 18 Etudes after Berbiguier, Neuf Etudes Transcendantes by Samyn, or 28 Etudes after Messiaen by Lacour are acceptable
Scales: any full-range major and minor scales can be asked at the time of the audition. Please include three scales of both major and minor (six total) on any audition recording. Chromatic Scale, full range
Repertoire: a twenty to thirty minute program from the standard repertoire demonstrating both technical and lyrical abilities. Competitive applicants will want to include one contemporary work on their program. Acceptable works:
Any other works of comparable quality.
To organize an audition or arrange a campus tour, applicants should get in touch with the studio professor of their specific instrument. Awards are often determined via in-person auditions. You must appear in person for your audition if you want to be considered for a monetary award, except in unusual circumstances. Please send an email to one of the brass faculty members from the list above if you have more questions.
Interested persons are requested to submit an application including a CV. A performance audition, an interview, and a short percussion clinic on the topic of your choice are required of all candidates. To make audition arrangements and to schedule a campus visit, contact Professor Gerald Scholl.
Email Prof. SchollAudition repertoire is to include:
There are several Graduate Teaching and Graduate Staff Assistantships available in the Winds and Percussion Area. For more information, please contact the applied faculty member of your specific instrument.
