Percussion Ensemble

Percussion Studies at Caldwell University provide a rich, dynamic education in a variety of percussive offerings with multiple performance opportunities available each year. Past year highlights included participation at the Collegiate Band Festival in Allentown, PA, as members of the Caldwell University Drum Line, hosting the Necessary Noise Percussion Festival at Caldwell University, performances at the Verona HS Percussion Festival and William Paterson University Percussion Festival, and additional performances as part of the Caldwell University Concert Series.

Students may perform in various events through participation in the following offerings available for credit:

Percussion Lessons
Marching Band (Fall Semester)
Chamber Music: Drum Line Class (Fall semester)
Chamber Music: Percussion Ensemble Class (Spring Semester)
Wind Ensemble
Performance Class
Jazz Band

Additionally, students frequently perform as guests with the String Ensemble, Choir, and other various groups.

The percussion program is led by Director of Percussion Studies Joe Bergen, who serves as current NJ Chapter President of the Percussive Arts Society as well as Co-Artistic Director of Mantra Percussion, Inc., a future-focused arts organization committed to a lasting influence on percussion music, developing unique and equitable music communities through the art of percussion, fostering high-level musicianship for underserved and underrepresented youth in new music, and engaging audiences by challenging the standard concert format through evening-length events that look toward a grander artistic vision.

Mantra Percussion, Inc., will be an ensemble-in-residence at Caldwell University providing concerts, masterclasses, mentorship and additional performance opportunities to students at Caldwell University for this upcoming school year.

For more information on how to join, please contact Professor Bergen jbergen@caldwell.edu