UK Ensemble Wins “Hat Trick”

In sports, a hat trick is associated with succeeding at anything three times in three consecutive attempts. For the UK Percussion Ensemble, their hat trick was completed this fall when they won the 2007 Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Collegiate Percussion Ensemble Competition, an accomplishment unmatched by any other group in the world. Their accomplishment has earned them a rare Showcase Concert at the PAS International Convention in Columbus, OH on November 1.

The Percussive Arts Society is the world's largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages. Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization, their mission is to promote percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. Today, it boasts an organization of over 9,000-members with 50 chapters located across the United States, and an additional 24 chapters outside the United States.

Under the direction of UK music professor James Campbell, the UK Percussion Ensemble has also performed at several Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, the Bands of America Percussion Ensemble Festival, and alongside international guest artists such as Steve Houghton, John Bergamo, Michael Burritt, Bob Becker, William Cahn, Michael Spiro, Chalo Eduardo, Ney Rosauro, Liam Teague, Dick Schory, Anders Åstrand, Richie Garcia, Dave Samuels, Danny Gottlieb, Glenn Velez, Emil Richards, Joe Porcaro, Jerry Steinholtz, N. Scott Robinson, and many others.

The UK Percussion Ensemble will present a preview concert on Sunday, October 14 at
7:30 pm in the Concert Hall at the Singletary Center for the Arts that will include several world premier compositions. The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information call the UK Percussion Studio at (859) 257-8187.