We offer several degree options for music majors and encourage students in other disciplines to participate in our ensembles. The percussion facilities at USC are first-rate and the inventory of percussion instruments expands frequently.
USC’s multifaceted percussion program requires students to participate in the various band and ensemble opportunities on campus. Performance opportunities include the Carolina Marching Band, three concert bands, the USC Symphony Orchestra, Southern Exposure New Music Series, USC Percussion Ensemble, Percussion Players and the Palmetto Pans Steel Band. Each year, USC hosts the South Carolina Day of Percussion.
Past guest artists have included Michael Burritt (Eastman School of Music), Mark Ford (University of North Texas), Sympatico Percussion Group, Meehan-Perkins Duo, Steven Schick (UCSD), Jeffrey Moore (Central Florida) and Andy Harnsberger (Lee University).
Scott Herring directs the percussion area, Percussion Ensemble and Palmetto Pans Steel Band. He performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and was a member of the Northwestern University Graduate Percussion Quartet, which traveled to Germany and London for performances. Herring frequently appears as a guest artist with university percussion ensembles across the U.S. and has presented concerts and clinics at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
Gordon Hicken recently served as the principal percussionist with Sinfonia Gulf Coast in Destin, Florida, and has performed in the percussion sections of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Carolina Pops Orchestra and the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra. Active as a teacher, adjudicator and clinician, Hicken arranges music for marching and concert percussion ensembles throughout the Southeast.
Drummer Marc Widenhofer is an active performer and educator. He has earned the reputation as a versatile drummer, having performed with many jazz, pop, rock and country bands throughout the Midwest and the greater Denver area. Widenhofer performs regularly in Columbia, SC with the Bert Ligon Trio, Think Jazz Orchestra and many other local artists. Widenhofer is a member of the Jazz Education Network and Percussive Arts Society.