Time:
Wednesday
December, 16, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:
W184
Category
College/University Percussion Ensemble
Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble is one of the preeminent percussion programs in both excellence and pedagogy around the country. Under current director Matthew Geiger, the ensemble has been invited to perform at International conventions and commissions new works from across the globe. Under the previous direction of James B. Campbell, the UK Percussion Ensemble has won the prestigious Percussive Arts Society Collegiate Percussion Ensemble Contest five times. They have also performed at several Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, The Bands of America Percussion Ensemble Festival, and alongside international guest artists such as Robin Engelman, Glenn Kotche, Steve Houghton, John Bergamo, Michael Burritt, Bob Becker, William Cahn, Michael Spiro, Chalo Eduardo, Ney Rosauro, Liam Teague, Dick Schory, Anders Åstrand, Richie Garcia, Dave Samuels, Danny Gottlieb, Glenn Velez, Emil Richards, Joe Porcaro, Jerry Steinholtz, David Johnson, Rich Holly, Dean Gronemeier, Fred Sanford, Thomas Burritt, John Parks, J.B. Smith, N. Scott Robinson, Andy Harnsberger, and many others.
University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble
Conductor's Bio
Award-winning percussionist and director Dr. Matthew Geiger continues to champion percussive works through teaching, performance, and research. His experience includes both the study and performance of orchestral percussion, solo and chamber repertoire, drum set, and world music. Matthew is Assistant Professor and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Kentucky.
Prior to the University of Kentucky, Matthew was coordinator of percussion at East Tennessee State University. There, he directed the percussion ensemble to winning the Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble competition as well as receiving an invitation to perform the New Literature Showcase Concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
Matthew received his Doctor of Musical Arts along with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Mathematics–along with a Spanish minor–at the University of Kentucky. He received his Master's degree in percussion performance at the University of Michigan. Matthew Geiger is a Yamaha Performing Artist and educational artist for Zildjian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, and Black Swamp Percussion.
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