I have directed the McMaster Percussion Ensemble since my arrival at the university in 2009 (prior to which I directed a similar ensemble at Longwood University in Virginia). I enjoy the opportunity to work with both percussion majors as well as a students from a wide variety of programs eager to find and outlet for their musical interests.
I am working to archive select past performances, and will be updating this page with new videos of past concerts as they are available.
Peforming Sofapilla for 11 percussionists – high energy piece for 10-14 composed by an old friend from my days at Penn State (Chuck is a PSU alum from 2001). This performance features the entire 2021-22 ensemble, bringing together students and staff from across campus: Justin Bennett (staff), Colin Bruce (Integrated Biomedical Engineering), Andy Chen (Chemical Biology), Tristan Chung (Theatre & Film), Jonathan Gonzalez (Life Sciences), Reginald Hart (staff), Cindy He (Life Sciences), Cody Johnson (Music), Kevin Mathan (Music), Nadia Mohammed (Life Sciences), Cindy Zhang (Health Sciences), and William Zhang (Arts & Science).
Here is a live performance from the 2020 Ontario/Quebec Day of Percussion Festival in Ottawa – in what turned out to be our last public performance prior to the pandemic! This rendition of Infancia by Egberto Gismonti (arr. Brennan) features fourth year student Ryan McEwan in the lead marimba part, as well as Dhuvy Mathan, Brad James, Andy Lopez, and Juan several ensemble members improvising percussion accompaniment while I played the secondary marimba part.
Power Struggle (Nathan Daughtry). Performed byJonathan Gonzales, Andy Chen, William Zhang, Sarah Slabon, Juan Nieto, Dhuvy Mathan, Brad James, and Justin Bennet.
Shared Space (Trevino) performed live LR Wilson Hall. Performed by Pierre August-Ahrens, Jamaar Bryan, Thomas Dykstra, Andres Elizondo, Tom Johnston, Ryan McEwen, and Sarah Slabon.
Divertimento No 1. (Hayden). Three movements, performed by Ryan McEwen, Nadia Mohammed, Tom Dykstra.
Antiphon (F. Michael Combs). Performed Pierre August-Ahrens, Jamaar Bryan, Thomas Dykstra, Andres Elizondo, Brad James, Tom Johnston, Ryan McEwen, Nadia Mohammed, Eveline Rowley, and Sarah Slabon.
Woodwork (Gottry). Performed by Pierre August-Ahrens, Jamaar Bryan, Tom Johnston, Ryan McEwen, Nadia Mohammed.
Teamwork (Glassock). Performed by Pierre August-Ahrens, Jamaar Bryan, Michael Coates, Moj Modares, Sarah Slabon, Madison Walters, Andrew Mrozowski.
Finally, here is a complete concert (Fall, 2018) which includes some additional material. Performances by Performed Pierre August-Ahrens, Jamaar Bryan, Thomas Dykstra, Andres Elizondo, Brad James, Tom Johnston, Ryan McEwen, Nadia Mohammed, Eveline Rowley, Sarah Slabon, and Stefan Kitai and myself.