UCM Percussion is dedicated to excellence, from the many areas of percussion to music in general.
When you attend UCM, you will develop your artistic voice and teaching approaches through the study of percussion at the undergraduate and graduate levels within Western classical, “World,” Jazz and commercial, chamber, marching, large ensemble, and electronic practices. You can also engage in the many offerings of composition, arranging, and instrument building, including drum and mallet instruments.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Text "Music" to (660) 248-0496 for more information about UCM Music
“Reconnecting the Music-Making Experience Through Musician Efforts in Instrument Craft.” International Journal of Music Education (2018). http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0255761418771993.
“Crafting New Musical Possibilities: A New Educational Area for Academic Music?” Perspectives of New Music 54 (2017). https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7757/persnewmusi.54.2.0219?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents.
“Reconnecting the Actors of the Music-Making Experience: Supporting Small-Scale Local Craftsmanship in the Academic Percussion Community.” Ecomusicology Review 4 (2016). https://web.archive.org/web/20170217045314/http://www.ecomusicology.info:80/reconnecting-the-music-making-experience-supporting-small-scale-local-craftsmanship-in-the-academic-percussion-community.
“New Musical Contexts for More Sustainably Made Marimbas.” Percussive Notes Online Research Edition 1 (2016). http://www.pas.org/publications/percussive-notes-online-research-edition.
“More Than a Marimba Bar.” UCLA Echo Blog (April 27, 2015). http://www.echo.ucla.edu/more-than-a-marimba-bar/.
Review of George Dor’s West African Drumming and Dance in North American Universities: an Ethnomusicological Perspective. The Journal of Musical Arts in Africa 13, no. 1-2, 95-98.
Ian McClaflin is the Assistant Coordinator of Marching Percussion at the University of Central Missouri. In addition to his duties at UCM, Ian is a DMA candidate at the University of Southern Mississippi where he studies with Dr. John Wooton. While at Southern Mississippi, Ian taught private lessons along with conducting and arranging for the percussion ensemble. Ian earned his MM in percussion performance from the University of Missouri, where he studied with Dr. Julia Gaines. While at Mizzou, he was a member of the MU New Music Ensemble and performed in numerous venues throughout the Midwest region.
Ian started his collegiate career at the University of Central Missouri studying with Dr. Michael Sekelsky. During his time at UCM, Ian won many competitions including the Mid-Missouri Percussive Arts Trophy in the marimba and percussion divisions, and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention where he competed in the individual and ensemble multiple percussion divisions. While at Southern Mississippi, Ian won the concerto competition with his performance of Eric Ewazen's Marimba Concerto and performed the piece with the university symphonic band. He is a founding member of the amusement park Worlds of Fun's percussion ensemble The Grease Monkeys (Kansas City MO), percussion duo Division II, and plays with and arranges for the Kansas City Chief's "Rumble" Drumline.
Ian previously held appointments as Director of Percussion for the Sedalia 200 School District, and Associate Professor of Percussion for State Fair Community College. Along with maintaining a private percussion studio, Ian is an active performer, recording artist, and arranges percussion for many high schools throughout the Kansas City area. Ian has numerous works published by C-Alan publications for both solo percussion and percussion ensemble.
Click here for more information about 2021 Marching Percussion Auditions
Click here to download the audition packet
Click here to register for marching percussion auditions by April 1st
Click here for the help session and audition schedule
Click here to access UCM Marching Percussion video tutorials!
Student News
-Nicklas Bohannon (Sophomore): Composition Publication (2019), Groovae
-Michael Walling (Senior): 2nd Place (2019), MMPAT Collegiate Multi Percussion Division
-Alex Braud (Senior): 2nd Place (2018), MMPAT Collegiate Snare Division; Blue Lake Counselor (2016)
-Daniel Gardner (Junior): 2nd Place (2016), MMPAT Collegiate Marimba Division
-Alex Hastings (Senior): 3rd Place (2013), MMPAT Collegiate Marimba Division
-Michael Walling (Junior) and Alex Hastings: 2nd Place (2013), MMPAT Collegiate Duet Division
-Michael Walling (Junior): Madison Scouts Front Ensemble (2017)
Alumni News
-Michael Walling: Marching Band Graduate Assistant at University of Wisconsin, studying percussion performance
-Alex Braud: Graduate Assistant at Lamar University, studying percussion performance
-Dr. James Doyle: Assistant Professor of Music, Adams State University
-Carol Helble: Percussion Specialist, Lebanon High School, MO
-Kolby Koczanowski (BME 2015): Music Therapy Masters, University of Kansas; 1st Place (2015), MMPAT Collegiate Marimba Division
-Nathan Long: Assistant Director of Bands, Oak Grove High School
-Jim Lower: Drumset Artist, Broadway Jazz Orchestra
-Ian McClaflin (BME 2012): DMA Candidate at University of Southern Mississippi; 1st Place (2010-2012), MMPAT Collegiate Marching/Multi Percussion Division
-Marcus Neudigate (BME 2013): UCM Drumline Coordinator (2014-2016); 2nd Place (2012), MMPAT Collegiate Multi Percussion Division; 3rd Place (2012), MMPAT Collegiate Marimba Division
-Dr. Roger Schupp: Professor of Percussion, Bowling Green State University
-Dr. Doug Smith (BM and BME): Assistant Professor of Percussion, Utah Valley University; Tuscon Symphony Orchestra
-Adam Twenter: Director of Bands, Pleasant Hill High School, MO
-Danny Watring: Director of Bands (Retired), Grandview High School, MO
-Josh Williams: Engineer/Instructor BRC Audio Productions, K. C. MO
Fall 2020
Poetry + Percussion: A UCM Student Performance; Thursday November 5, 2020 @ 7:00pm
Alex Smith Virtual Album Release Concert; Thursday, October 29, 2020 @ 7:00pm
Saakumu Dance Troupe Guest Artist Recital; Monday, November 2, 2020 @ 7:00pm
Spring 2020
UCM Percussion Ensemble and Studio Recital; Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Stream on YouTube and Facebook
Alex Smith
Assistant Professor
HUD 116