SUU Sophomore Takes Second at Utah Day of Percussion
Published: April 17, 2023 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 3 minutes
Sheldon Stevens, a sophomore Percussion Performance major from Clinton, Utah, placed second in the state in the Snare Drum category at the Utah Day of Percussion on March 18, 2023.
The Utah Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, along with its leaders and members, has been responsible for the revitalization of percussion education and performance at all levels in the state of Utah for over 50 years. Part of this revitalization has been the hosting of Annual Days of Percussion in the Spring and Fall, which feature performances of Utah percussion soloists, ensembles, and Universities throughout the state, as well as clinics by world-renowned artists and educators. The Snare Drum category gives student artists the opportunity to compete against other soloists with an eight-minute performance.
“The Utah Day of Percussion is always an opportunity to hear lots of great playing with amazing clinicians,” Sheldon says. “Along with that, I love to interact with upcoming musicians and see what they are up to and enjoy friendly competition with colleagues from other schools.”
Sheldon credits his success to the environment of SUU and the many opportunities he’s had to play in a variety of ways, along with the mentorship of Dr. Lynn Vartan. He says, “I owe so much of my progression and success to Dr. Vartan. I could not have reached this point without her direction and support through these last couple of years.”
“Students like Sheldon are what make our days as teachers,” comments Dr. Vartan, SUU’s Director of Percussion. “His work ethic and artist’s mind are such a joy to experience. He inspires all those around him, including me!”
After graduation, Sheldon hopes to perform all over the world. “Being in a rock band would be super fun, but also traveling, exploring, and teaching marimba would be great,” he says. “I hope to one day have a studio with students of my own and give them the same opportunities and experiences that have made such a difference to me.”
Sheldon’s success on the state level is a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as the quality education available through the SUU Percussion Studio. To learn more about Percussion at SUU, please visit www.suu.edu/pva/music/percussion.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year and is affiliated with the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the Center for Shakespeare Studies. Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.Tags: Music College of Performing and Visual Arts Percussion