Whether you are interested in becoming a teacher, a performer, or a sound engineer, the UAB Percussion Area will help you meet your goals. The basic philosophy of the percussion studio is to provide a well-rounded education for all students, better preparing them for success upon entering today’s competitive job market.
The UAB Department of Music is a perfect size: large enough to provide plenty of competitive ensemble experience for all percussionists, yet small enough to ensure meaningful teacher/student contact in all classes. With three different percussion ensembles, two symphonic bands, the Marching Blazers, Blazer Band, jazz ensemble, and jazz combos, there is always music happening at UAB.
The UAB Percussion Area is comprised of students participating in official functions as students in the UAB Department of Music, including all large ensembles (Marching Blazers, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band), small ensembles (jazz ensemble, jazz combos), and chamber groups (percussion ensembles, steel band, electro-acoustic percussion group). Students do not have to be a Music Major to participate in our groups—any and all are welcome!
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dr. Gene Fambrough, Professor of Percussion, at
Percussion Ensembles
These groups are the primary percussion ensembles at UAB and are devoted to contemporary and traditional percussion ensemble literature. They will also occasionally incorporate visual elements, marching percussion, or jazz/fusion influence into the repertoire. Two separate ensembles meeting each semester provide a deeper performance experience.
Steel Band
The UAB steel band is part of the percussion ensemble class and performs a wide variety of literature, from traditional upbeat calypso marches to popular dance music. Summer Steel is a smaller outreach group that performs locally during the summer months.
