MKE Percussion Festival
April 17 – April 18
Dates
Friday, April 17, 2026 (7:30–9 p.m.)
Saturday, April 18, 2026 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Ages
All Ages
Contact
percussion@uwm.edu
The MKE Percussion Festival brings together percussionists of all ages for a weekend of educational and performance opportunities. Attendees will be able to learn from guest artists about a variety of topics, instruments, techniques, and musical styles related to percussion in addition to listening to, and participating in, performances and workshops. All events are designed to be accessible and inclusive to empower and inspire all participants on their percussive journey.
Schedule & Guest Artists
All events are free to participate in.
| Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Event | Guest Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | K-12 Solo & Ensemble Festival (register below) | Alex Wier |
| 1–1:50 p.m. | Orchestral Percussion | Chris Riggs |
| 2–2:50 p.m. | Drum Set | Dave Schoepke |
| 3–3:50 p.m. | Puerto Rican Bomba | Julio Pabon |
Public Performance
Join us for a public performance as part of the festival activities. For the MKE Mass Steel Band, if you are a pan player who owns your own instrument and would like to participate, please contact percussion@uwm.edu.
April 17, 7:30 pm
Steel pan ensembles and individual performers from around Wisconsin and Illinois will come together to form the 2026 MKE Mass Steel Band, hosted by the UWM Steel PANthers Steel Band. Involving over seventy performers, the event will fill the stage with steel pans and feature a lively combination of traditional music and pop transcriptions. This year’s guest artist is Victor Provost.
K-12 Solo & Ensemble Registration
To participate in the solo and ensemble performance opportunity individuals and ensembles must register by Monday, April 13 to receive a time slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We encourage you to bring some sticks and mallets as there may be opportunities to play throughout the day. It also never hurts to have hearing protection handy just in case it is needed to maintain a healthy environment.
Absolutely – the MKE Percussion Festival is open to everyone!
Yes, you can attend as much of the MKE Percussion Festival as you like.
No! the MKE Percussion Festival is completely free to attend.