UWM Percussion

Congratulations to 2026 percussion graduate Devin Grabowski! Devin completed a Music Education degree and, after receiving multiple acceptances and funding offers to different masters programs, he has decided to attend Oklahoma City University this fall to begin his Masters studies!

Devin has had a profound impact on our percussion studio and the broader UWM for many years. He lead our percussion student organization for several years, leading to a lot of financial support for our activities. He was also a member of the steel band and percussion ensemble every semester and made high-level musical contributions as well as demonstrating great leadership. Devin was also an Arts Ambassador for the Peck School of the Arts and has had several other accolades and activities across campus and Milwaukee during his time here. We will miss his steady presence but wish him the best as he moves forward on his musical journey!

Devin had this to say about his time at UWM: “There has not and never will be a point in my life where I would regret studying at UWM. The person/musician I am today is a direct reflection of the opportunities and people I have met during my time. Through every opportunity, challenge, and success, I grew both personally and professionally in ways I would’ve never imagined. I will be forever grateful for the impact that Dr. Wier and many other professors had on my time at UWM. Their constant support and guidance challenged me to push boundaries and take risks that have lead to my growth and successes. Every lesson they taught me will stay with me forever. Leaving the university and the city is very bittersweet but I know that I will always have a good support system and life-long connections back here at UWM.”

Congratulations to Emilio De La Rosa and Ciprian Fountain on their shared junior recital this weekend! It was a fun program, and it was enjoyable to watch them present their first recital!

Our final percussion ensemble concert of the school year is complete! Thanks to all those who came in person and watched the livestream! Some “fun” power grid failures around the block made for an interesting final piece of this one… 🔋🪫

We had a great final concert of the year for the UWM Steel PANthers Steel Band and Community World Music Ensemble last night! Thanks to everyone who came out and tuned in online!

We have 2 concerts this week! Both are in the Zelazo Center but also live streamed. We hope to see you at one, or both!

UWM Steel PANthers Steel Band & Community World Music Ensemble: https://uwm.edu/arts/event/uwm-steel-panthers-steel-band-university-community-world-music-ensemble-2/

UWM Percussion Ensemble: https://uwm.edu/arts/event/uwm-percussion-ensemble-2/

UWM Steel PANthers Steel Band & Community World Music Ensemble This exciting night of music will feature music from Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago performed by UWM students and Milwaukee community members. The UWM Steel PANthers Steel Band and the Community World Music Ensemble will join forces on a program highlighting traditional and arranged musi...

We had a great weekend with the 2026 MKE Percussion Festival! It started with a bang with the MKE Mass Steel Band with the amazing (with a lovely extended intermission courtesy of a tornado warning), and continued with awesome sessions with , Chris Riggs, and Julio Pabon on Saturday! Thanks to all of our guests for presenting, and to everyone who attended parts of the events!

The 2026 MKE Percussion Festival, including the MKE Mass Steel Band, is coming up next week! The mass band is on Friday 4/17 with guest artist Victor Provost, and the rest of the activities (clinics and solo and ensemble festival) are on Saturday 4/18! We hope you can join us! Full event information: https://uwm.edu/arts/event/mke-percussion-festival/

Our wonderful TA, Abraham, gave us a great clinic presentation on Venezuelan maracas in studio class today!

We had the pleasure of having Dr. Anthony Di Sanza on campus yesterday! We really enjoyed his class on the Darbuka and then later in the evening his wonderful recital program. Thanks for visiting!

We had a blast this weekend presenting our 5th annual World Percussion Night! Thank you to and UWM Dance for joining us, and to everyone who came out for the performances! We will also have more photos to share soon from the photographer.