Ball State University has three percussion ensembles and two Brazilian ensembles. Each percussion ensemble helps students develop sight reading skills, learn how to perform with others, maintain and set up equipment, and learn how to play many of the smaller percussion instruments while gaining invaluable performance experience.
Each group has between 10 and 12 students, and placement is by audition during the large ensemble auditions in the fall semester. Repertoire for each ensemble varies and may feature both solo and large group works. Students often perform without a conductor and are encouraged to rehearse on their own.
Each ensemble performs at least two concerts per year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Percussion ensembles generally also play an annual Christmas concert at area nursing homes. Ensemble 1 has also been featured in various off-campus events, such as Indiana Day of Percussion and the Indiana Percussion Association.