Washburn University Department of Music and Theatre to Host its 19th Annual Total Percussion Camp July 16-20; Offers Opportunities for the Public to Attend Free Concerts

            Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University Music and Theatre Department will host 40 students in grades 6 through 12 July 16 – 20 on the Washburn campus for the 19th annual Washburn University Total Percussion Camp. Students will engage in hands-on instruction covering drumline, drum set, percussion ensemble, hand drums, improvisation and more. Many of these campers are electing to stay in residential facilities on the Washburn campus for the duration of the camp for a totally immersive experience. Students must have previously registered to attend.

             These young percussion enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn from and play with some of the finest percussionists in the Midwest, including Dr. Von Hansen, Washburn University, Emory Dease, Seaman High School, Dr. Hannah Weaver, University of Nebraska Omaha, Dylan Bassett, University of Kansas, David Liston and The Fountain City 45s and Daniel Albertson, Kansas Wesleyan University. Cameron Arnold, Simon Walrod and Cleo Foster, current Washburn University music students, will also be assisting with the camp.

       “The Washburn Total Percussion Camp is unlike any other camp in the area, providing students with concerts and clinics in multiple areas of percussion,” said Hansen.

Free Concerts for the Public

As part of the learning experience, students attend and participate in three concerts during the camp. All concerts are in White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus and the public is welcome to attend these free concerts.

Total Percussion Camp Staff Solo Concert

7 p.m. July 16

The staff for the camp will perform a concert of solo music for various percussion instruments. 

Total Percussion Camp Staff Chamber Concert

7 p.m. July 18

The staff for the camp will perform a concert of percussion ensemble music. 

Closing Concert

1 p.m. July 20

Student groups will perform drumline cadences, percussion ensemble pieces and three mass percussion pieces. The mass percussion pieces will be an Afro-Samba ensemble led by Dylan Basset from the University of Kansas, an improvised ethereal piece with students spread among the audience and an exciting pop music-based piece featuring the students, staff and counselors.

- 30 -