On Thursday, Nov. 19, the UNI percussion ensembles will host an online concert on YouTube. The pre-recorded event will air at 8 p.m. and feature individual video premieres. The concert will be available to all members of the UNI community as well as the public.

With the rise of COVID-19 across the state, Kramer Milan and Matthew Andreini, percussion professors in the UNI School of Music, wanted to ensure the concert would be accessible and keep safety precautions in mind.

“Especially with the state of COVID-19, these ensembles have provided our students an opportunity to connect, socialize and make music together, in-person, in as safe of an environment as possible,” Kramer said. “We are grateful for how well our facilities are set up to accommodate our unique activity!”

The night is certain to be one filled with a fun, energetic performance from the group. Apart from other UNI School of Music groups, where they primarily focus on classical pieces, UNI Percussion emphasizes in pieces that may appear to go off the beaten path.

“The music performed on UNI-PG concerts is often quite different,” Kramer said. “We largely focus on works composed by living composers – offering a diverse, fresh and eclectic musical experience!”

Kramer also advocated for students to consider joining a percussion ensemble at UNI. For those without prior experience, West African Drumming Ensemble and Taiko Drumming Ensemble are open to all students.

“We make sure rehearsals are productive and fun, giving every member the opportunity to express themselves through our communal activity – drumming!” he said. “We highly encourage anyone interested in music, drumming or the study of world cultures to enroll and participate in these ensembles.”

Anyone interested in watching the concert can visit the School of Music’s YouTube channel this Thursday at 8 p.m.