University-Community-World-Music-Ensemble
DatesAgesLocationContact
Fall & Spring Sessions12+Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, Room 280 and Kenilworth Square Eastpercussion@uwm.edu

This ensemble is open to all community members (ages 12 and older) and UW-Milwaukee students with an interest in learning the musical techniques and performance styles of folk and popular genres from different corners of the globe.

The Community World Music Ensemble explores the musical techniques and performance styles of folk and popular genres from different corners of the globe. Regular offerings include Trinidadian steel pan (Steel PANthers) and Guatemalan marimba (Marimba Pantera), with other offerings available on a rotating basis depending on instructor availability.

Directors

Jack Forbes Headshot
  • Faculty Member, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies
  • Co-Director, Community World Music Ensemble
Alex Wier Headshot
  • Assistant Professor, Percussion
  • Area Head, Percussion
  • Director, Percussion Ensemble, Steel PANthers Steel Band, Marimba Band
  • Co-Director, Community World Music Ensemble

Rehearsals

Registration provides the option for participating in one or both of the Steel PANthers Steel Band and/or Marimba Pantera Guatemalan Marimba Band. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays (Marimba Pantera) and Thursdays (Steel PANthers) throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. There is a final concert at the end of each session.

The first CWME meeting for Fall 2024 is Thursday September 5th at 5:45 p.m. in the Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, Room 280. Attendance is required. After the first organizational meeting, registrants may participate in rehearsals for either or both ensembles, based on interest and availability. Any questions can be directed to Dr. Wier or Mr. Forbes.

Performances


University-Community-World-Music-Ensemble

November 21, 7:30 pm

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 music played on Guatemalan marimba doble and Trinidadian steel pans.


April 24, 2025, 7:30 pm

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 music played on Guatemalan marimba doble and Trinidadian steel pans.

Auditions & Membership

Open to UWM students and community members of all skill levels ages 12+. No audition or prior experience is necessary. Please register prior to the start of the session as no walk-ins are allowed. Enrollment is on a first come first served basis with an opportunity to be placed on a waiting list.

Students seeking college credit should register via PAWS in either MUS 464 (undergraduate) or MUS 464G (graduate). First-year and transfer students should register with their advisor during New Student Orientation. Music majors cannot take this in place of their assigned ensemble.

Non-credit students and community members should register through the School of Continuing Education.