RixStix Percussion Group

The RixStix Percussion Group under the direction of Dr. David L. Taylor consists of the RixStix Percussion Ensemble, the RixStix Mallet Ensemble, Viking Band Drumline, the RixStix Winter/Summer Drumline, the RixStix Electronic Ensemble, and a Handbell Choir. Membership in the various ensembles is open to all students regardless of major.  Audition requirements vary by ensemble.

RixStix Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble performs music from all style periods and genres for as few as two players up to the full ensemble. In addition to concerts, workshops are often scheduled for area school districts including a bienniel "Concert from the Hart" for elementary school children, a concert combining all components of the RixStix Percussion Group. Concurrent enrollment in percussion lessons is encouraged but not required. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 5:30. No audition is required.

RixStix Mallet Ensemble

The RixStix Mallet Ensemble is comprised of four to six players focusing on music written or arranged for keyboard percussion instruments. This ensemble is made up of members of the Percussion Ensemble and joins them in workshops, concerts, and other events. Concurrent enrollment in percussion lessons is encouraged but not required. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:30. An audition is required.

Viking Band Drumline

The Viking Band Drumline contains a frontline (keyboards and accessories) and battery (bass, tenors, snares, and cymbals) with a total of capacity of 23 players. The drum line rehearses and performs with the Viking Marching Band and provides music for several campus events during the fall semester.  The drum line meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:15. Membership is open to all students regardless of major.  Placement auditions are required.

RixStix Winter/Summer Drumline

The Winter/Summer Drumline is the official “Academic Society” on campus for rudimental percussionists. Members of the group receive instruction on playing technique and are encouraged to develop a variety of drumming skills. The drum line meets on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00. Membership is open to all students, faculty, and family members of faculty on campus as well as to students enrolled in the local public school system. No audition is required.

RixStix Electronic Ensemble

This ensemble is comprised of four to six players performing music written or arranged for electronic percussion instruments. This ensemble is made up of members of the Percussion Ensemble and joins them in workshops, concerts, and other events. Concurrent enrollment in percussion lessons is encouraged but not required. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4:30. Membership is open to students enrolled in the percussion ensemble.  An audition is required.

Handbell Choir

The handbell choir is made up of members of the Percussion Ensemble and joins them in the annual Christmas concert each December. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30. Membership is open to students enrolled in the percussion ensemble. No audition is required.

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