CHARLOTTE, NC / April 9, 2026 - The rhythm, creativity, and versatility of Johnson C. Smith University’s music program were on full display during the JCSU Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert. Student musicians delivered an energetic performance highlighting contemporary percussion repertoire and diverse percussive sounds.
Held at the Arts Factory's Three Bone Theatre , the concert marked an exciting milestone for the growing percussion ensemble. For the first time, the group performed in the professional performance space - made possible through an Arts Factory grant that covered the cost of the venue.
“This concert is special because it’s our first time performing here in the Black Box Theater,” said Mr. Ricardo Reese, Director of Percussion at Johnson C. Smith University. “We’ve performed in the band room and the chapel before, but having the opportunity to bring our music to a dedicated performance venue like this really means a lot for the ensemble.”
The concert showcased repertoire written specifically for percussion ensemble, giving students the opportunity to explore a range of sounds and textures. Reese said the program was intentionally designed to highlight the versatility of percussion instruments and the skill of JCSU’s student performers.
“We wanted to show different timbres and sounds compared to our last concert,” Reese explained. “It also gave our percussion majors the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do as musicians.”
Students performed a variety of works including solo marimba literature and ensemble pieces featuring multiple percussion instruments, demonstrating both technical ability and musical expression.
Reese praised the students for their dedication and preparation leading up to the performance.
“They did an awesome job,” he said. “They put a lot of work into preparing for this concert. It was a fun challenge for them, and they really rose to the occasion.”
The percussion program itself is relatively new at JCSU but continues to grow under the leadership of Dr. Tomisha Brock, Director of Bands and Music Program Coordinator, and Reese. Just a few years ago, the ensemble began building its instrument collection and performance opportunities.
“This ensemble really started from scratch,” Brock said. “We had no instruments prior to 2023, but through an MREI [Mayor's Racial Equity Initiative] grant funding we were able to acquire instruments and build the program. From there, Mr. Reese took the ensemble and began expanding opportunities for students to perform and grow.”
Brock added that the percussion program focuses not only on performance but also on expanding students’ musical experiences through contemporary works and composers whose voices are often underrepresented in traditional classical repertoire.
“Our goal is to ensure students are exposed to music that reflects a broader range of perspectives,” Brock said. “It helps prepare them to be relevant musicians in today’s industry.”
Beyond the music, the evening represented a celebration of collaboration, persistence, and artistic growth for the students who brought the performance to life.
As the final notes echoed through the Black Box Theater, the concert underscored the momentum building within the JCSU music program—where students continue to refine their craft while sharing their talent and artistry with the Charlotte community.
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