Purpose
The UCF Percussion Studio maintains a large inventory of percussion instruments along with dedicated practice and rehearsal spaces in the Performing Arts Center and Rehearsal Hall. This equipment is expensive, specialized, and in regular use. This policy explains who may use percussion facilities and instruments, why access is limited, and what makes a student eligible for access.
We are glad that so many students across campus play percussion and drum set. We do want to encourage you to continue playing. Access is limited not because we want to turn anyone away, but because we have a responsibility to the students who have chosen percussion as their degree program, and to the long-term care of instruments that cannot easily be repaired or replaced.
Why access is limited
Three factors shape this policy:
- Student demand: The percussion studio has a significant number of Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, and Bachelor of Arts percussion majors who need daily access to practice rooms and a full range of instruments to complete their degree requirements.
- Space and inventory: The number of percussion practice rooms and the quantity of certain instruments (marimbas, vibraphones, timpani, concert bass drums, etc.) is finite and already fully scheduled by studio members.
- Safety and maintenance: Percussion instruments are easily damaged by incorrect mallet choice, improper handling, or improper storage. Damage frequently results in weeks of downtime and repair costs, and some instruments are irreplaceable at their current quality. Limiting access to students who have been trained on our specific inventory and care procedures protects the equipment for everyone.
Access levels
- Percussion majors and minors: Students enrolled in applied percussion study as part of a music degree or minor have full access to Percussion Studio practice rooms and the complete instrument inventory in the Performing Arts Center and Rehearsal Hall, subject to the studio's scheduling procedures and care guidelines.
- Percussion Ensemble members: Students enrolled in Percussion Ensemble, regardless of major, have access to Performing Arts Center percussion rooms and the instruments needed to prepare assigned ensemble parts for the duration of the semester in which they are enrolled.
- Percussionists in large ensembles: Students of any major who are enrolled in a large ensemble that uses percussion (such as Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, or University Band) may be granted access to the Rehearsal Hall percussion storage room to prepare their assigned parts. This access is limited to ensemble-related preparation on instruments used by that ensemble and does not include the Performing Arts Center percussion practice rooms or the studio's primary inventory. Access is coordinated through the ensemble director and the Coordinator of Percussion Studies. In most cases it takes the form of a single key checked out to the principal player or section leader, who is designated by the ensemble director.
- General campus community: Students, faculty, staff, and community members who are not enrolled in one of the categories above do not have access to percussion practice rooms or instruments. This includes non-major students who are not currently enrolled in an eligible ensemble, regardless of prior experience or training.
University use only
All percussion equipment is University property and may be used only for University-related activities: applied study, ensemble preparation, coursework, and events sponsored by the School of Performing Arts. Instruments may not be borrowed, loaned, removed from their assigned rooms, or used for personal projects, outside gigs, recording sessions unrelated to coursework, or non-University organizations, unless approved in writing by the Coordinator of Percussion Studies.
Expectations for everyone with access
Access at any level carries the same responsibilities:
- Use only mallets and sticks appropriate to the instrument. When in doubt, ask.
- Cover keyboard instruments and timpani after use (keep covers off the floor).
- Do not move instruments between rooms without permission.
- No food or drink in percussion rooms.
- No guests. Access is for the eligible student only and may not be shared or extended to others.
- Report any damage immediately, even if minor. Honest reporting is never penalized; unreported damage is.
- Return all shared equipment (mallets, stands, accessories) to its respective storage location.
Failure to follow these expectations may result in loss of access.
How to gain access
If you are not a percussion major and want to keep playing percussion at UCF, there are real pathways to do so:
- Audition for Percussion Ensemble: Percussion Ensemble is open to students of all majors by audition. Space is limited and varies by semester. Members receive room and instrument access during the semester they are enrolled to prepare for rehearsals and performances.
- Join a large ensemble: Percussionists in Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, University Band, and other large ensembles are eligible for Rehearsal Hall storage room access to prepare their parts. Access is arranged through your ensemble director; in most cases a single key is checked out to the principal player or section leader.
- Contact the Coordinator of Percussion Studies: If you have a specific situation not covered here, we are happy to talk. Please include your major, your percussion background, and what you hope to do.