WYSO Percussion Ensemble, UW Chamber & World Percussion Ensembles, Heartland Marimba

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Jolene Wochenske

WYSO Percussion Ensemble members.

WYSO Percussion Ensemble

Among the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras' varied groups is the Percussion Ensemble, which gives young performers the opportunity to learn and play drums, tambourine, marimba and many more instruments. Each spring the ensemble is highlighted with the Percussion Extravaganza showcase, which also features an array of guest groups: the chamber and world percussion ensembles from UW-Madison, and Iowa-based Heartland Marimba. The groups will collaborate to close the concert with the world premiere of a new work by Robert Harlow, a WYSO alumnus. 

media release: The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) will present its 24th annual Percussion Extravaganza on Saturday, March 21, at 4:00 p.m. at the Middleton High School Performing Arts Center, bringing together youth, UW-Madison, and professional percussionists from across the region for an afternoon of high-energy performance and collaboration.

Led by Vicki Peterson Jenks, director of WYSO Percussion, the concert features the WYSO Percussion Ensemble and Heartland Marimba, an Iowa-based ensemble dedicated to advancing the classical marimba repertoire and supporting new works for the instrument.

The concert will also highlight the contributions of University of Wisconsin–Madison student percussionists, who will perform with the UW Chamber Percussion Ensemble and the World Percussion Ensemble, two groups known for their adventurous programming and collaborative performance style. Their participation reflects WYSO’s long-standing connection with the UW–Madison School of Music and offers audiences a chance to hear emerging collegiate artists alongside younger performers.

This year’s concert is organized around the theme “We Rise by Lifting Others,” highlighting the collaborative spirit of percussion performance and the ways musicians support and inspire one another.

“The entire purpose of our Percussion Extravaganza is to provide a balm for the soul, hope, and joy,” said Jenks. “All of our performers – no matter their age – are truly amazing. Music, empathy, and community can change lives for the better.”

WYSO is also partnering with WayForward Resources as part of the event. A portion of proceeds from the concert will support the organization’s work advancing food and housing security for families in the greater Madison community.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with suggested contributions of $15 for adults and $5 for students. A limited number of free tickets are also available, ensuring the concert remains accessible to all members of the community.

Tickets can be reserved online at: wysomusic.org/concerts-events

About Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras

Founded in 1966, the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras serves more than 500 young musicians from across southern Wisconsin each year through a comprehensive program of orchestral training, chamber music, percussion ensemble, and music education initiatives. WYSO performs throughout the Madison area and at its home venue, the WYSO Center for Music.