The RWCMD Percussion Ensemble in rehearsals in
the Dora Stoutzker Hall
The College’s lively percussion department encompasses a
thorough training in solo, orchestral and ensemble playing. Through
individual lessons, students develop a sound technique in timpani
and percussion playing as well as a thorough knowledge of the
orchestral repertoire. Additional one-to-one tuition is also
provided in drum kit, and there are specialist group sessions in
Latin American percussion.
Repertoire sessions take the form of mock auditions or
orchestral technique classes under the guidance of Henry Baldwin
(LPO). A complementary programme of masterclasses and workshops
brings in inspirational musicians from around the world to work
with students. Masterclasses this year have been given by Toby
Kearney (Co-Principal Percussion, CBSO), Matt King (Principal
Percussion, BSO), Steve Whibley (Co-Principal Percussion, BBC
Concert Orchestra), Chris Ridley (Co-Principal Timpani, Royal Opera
House, Covent Garden), Sam Walton (Co-Principal Percussion, LSO)
and InSound Mallets.
All students are members of the Percussion Ensemble, which
performs both at the College and at external venues. Students gain
valuable skills and experience through involvement in an active
outreach programme providing educational workshops to school and
community groups.
The small and supportive department fulfils the percussion
requirements of all College ensembles, offering students a broad
experience. Its comprehensive range of percussion instruments is
constantly reviewed and updated.
Head of Percussion Performance
Patrick King BMus
(Hons)
Timpani
Steven Barnard ARAM
Patrick King BMus
(Hons)
Percussion
Owen Gunnell BMus
(Hons)
Henry Baldwin BMus
(Hons)
Percussion Ensemble
Phil Girling BA
(Hons) AC (WCMD)
Percussion Outreach
Patrick King BMus
(Hons)
Latin American
Elliott Bennett BA
(Hons)
Drum Kit
Elliott Bennett BA
(Hons)
Matt French BMus (Hons)
Percussion Teaching Skills
Patrick King BMus
(Hons)
Jayne Obradovic
Visiting Artists
Toby Kearney (CBSO)
Sam Walton (LSO)
Matt King (BSO)
Southern Percussion
InSound Mallets
David Hockings
Eric Sammut
She-e Wu
Jasmin Kolberg
Kevin Hathway
Stephen Whibley
Matthew Perry
Sam Staunton
Matt French
O Duo
4-Mality
Nebojsa Zivkovitch
Arthur Lipner
Antoine Sigure (Philharmonia Orchestra)
Ben Hoffnung (London Mozart Players)
Grahame King (BRB)
Austin Beattie (ENB)
James Gorman (Evita)
Graham Johns (RLPO)