Percussive Arts Society World Ensemble Competition

Stated goals for the competition: “To encourage, promote and reward the highest level of percussion education and musical excellence among high school and collegiate non-Western percussion-based performing ensembles from around the world. One ensemble will be invited to perform at PASIC 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The winning ensemble will be featured in a Showcase Concert (50 minute maximum program length).” 

The East — West Percussion Ensemble from the University of Iowa was selected as the 2013 winner of the competition following a videotaped audition adjudicated by five independent world music experts.

Check out video performances from PASIC and other performances from our Best of Steel Band Playlist.

Adjudicator comments were glowing, noting many of the qualities that we strive to foster in our percussion program. It is rewarding to see our efforts recognized by leaders in the field!

Some of the adjudicators’ comments:

“Very creative program; excellent choice of the final pan tune (Pelham Goddard composition) to make connection between multiple cultures.”

“There was an admirably high degree of accuracy in the different types of repertoire presented. All works demonstrate a high level of polish.”

“Clearly a high level of both musical and gestural communication. This was especially impressive given the numerous stylistic changes included.”

“Very nice precision throughout. Again, this is especially remarkable considering that the ‘precision’ required for steel pan music is of a very different nature that that required for various Chinese ensembles. The ensemble handled the diverse musical challenges very well.”

“This set had a high degree of difficulty on a number of levels including stylistic changes, ensemble coordination (Both gestural and musical), technique, and even diversity of styles within given pieces, particularly in the last work. The ensemble had clearly committed a great deal of time and energy to the repertoire, and the results were very impressive.”

“This group had an excellent level of musicality and is to be congratulated on a very successful entry. Great Work!”

“Excellent movement/enthusiasm in pan numbers. Students are clearly enjoying themselves.”

“Excellent diversity of styles. Very entertaining and professionally-presented. Very musical program!”

“Steel drum ensemble was very tight and well rehearsed. They also played with a nice feel, which is critical to the music. It appears they have created a culture of practicing and performing together which is evident.”

“A very challenging program, but it comes off as musical, not just difficult.”

“I was very taken with the ensemble playing and communication of this group. As I said before, I get the impression that they have created a culture of excellence here that they embrace.”

“Steel drum ensemble was a joy to watch, and the Chinese ensemble was also quite dramatic and engaging.”

“Seemingly disparate pairing of Trinidad & Tobago with China but makes for a delightfully diverse program.”

“Excellent precision.”

“Impressive ensemble playing.”

“Musical playing; especially attention to dynamics, phrasing, etc.”

“Superbly musical.”