Day of Percussion

On behalf of the Utah Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, we would like to invite you and your students to be a part of the 2012 Day of Percussion Festival. This festival is the most comprehensive and collaborative percussion event in the state of Utah, and is intended to provide a wealth of information, experience, and fun for all who attend.

The 2012 festival will be hosted by Jed Blodgett and the Juan Diego Catholic High School Percussion Program in Draper, UT. It will take place on Saturday, March 17th, 2012. We hope that you will encourage your students to participate in this festival, and that you yourself will also find reasons to attend. We’ve made a special effort this year to provide opportunities for the non-percussionist band director as well as the seasoned professional. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

Competitions

Ensemble Competition

Perhaps the most effective way to involve your students in the Day of Percussion is to register your group for the ensemble competition. Groups can participate as a Chamber Ensemble (3-6 members, no conductor) or a Large Ensemble (4+ members with conductor), in either the Jr. High, High School, or University divisions. Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each division.
 
Solo Competition
Students are also invited to participate as a soloist in the Soo Competition. This allows students to see how they measure up against other percussionists in the state and to gain confidence and valuable feedback by performing for some of the best adjudicators around. Prizes are awarded to Jr. High, High School, and University winners in each of the following categories:

• Orchestral Snare • Multi-Percussion
• Rudimental Snare • Mallets (Xylo, Vibes, Marimba)
• Timpani • Mock Audition
• Drumset

Composition Contest

A new addition this year will be the PAS Composition Contest for High School and College age composers. Winners will be awarded a $100 cash prize, along with a premier of their composition by the UWS Percussion Ensemble. Please visit the Composition Contest page to register.

Clinics and Performances

Clinics

Each year the Utah Chapter brings in some of the biggest names in the business to offer back to back clinics throughout the day. This year’s festival will see clinics on rudimental percussion, drumset, improvisation, ethnic percussion, timpani, concert percussion, and mallet technique to name a few. For non-percussionist directors, there will also be clinics on concert percussion accessories, rhythm-reading techniques, rhythm section methods and more.

Performances

In addition to the clinics, every hour will feature performances by our guest artists and local percussion ensembles alike. Some of the groups featured this year include select groups from the Utah Winter Drumline Association, Samba Fogo, Utah Wind Symphony Percussion Ensemble, the HYPE Percussion Ensemble and more. All festival participants receive free admission to performances and clinics. Non-registered students and directors are also invited to attend throughout the day by purchasing a $10 Day Pass (available at the door).

Final Concert and Awards Ceremony

At the conclusion of the festival, all participants and visitors are encouraged to attend the Final Concert where selected participants of each category will perform, followed by a feature performance from guest artists. Following the concert will be an awards ceremony for all participating groups and soloists with door prizes and give-aways valued at more than $3,000. 

Registration Fees and Deadlines

To register for the Day of Percussion Festival, you can either download and mail in the Registration Forms (found on our registration page) or register online at the same location. All payment and registration must be received no later than Saturday, February 11th, 2012 to be considered.

All current members of PAS receive a discounted registration fee. For large and chamber ensembles, the director must be a current member to receive discounted prices. 

PAS Members     Non-PAS Members   Additional Time Slot

Solo Entry - $20     Solo Entry - $35   Solo Entry - $20

Large Ensemble - $50     Large Ensemble - $100   Large Ensemble - $50

Chamber Ensemble - $40  Chamber Ensemble - $80     Chamber Ensemble - $40