Music education major places in 2018 New York International Percussion Competition

STARKVILLE, Miss.— A student in MSU’s College of Education recently placed at the 2018 New York International Percussion Competition.

David Jenkins, a senior music education major from Franklinton, Louisiana placed third overall out of a field of nine competitors in the competition that was held from August 22-24 on the New York University campus in New York City. 

“It is with great pride that we applaud the efforts of David Jenkins for his third-place finish at the New York International Percussion Competition. This is a remarkable achievement, and it highlights David’s daily commitment to rigorous practice and performance at the highest levels. Dr. Jason Baker is to receive similar commendation for the inspirational teaching and encouragement he has provided both to David, and to the many members of the percussion studio at MSU. On behalf of all the students and faculty of the Department of Music congratulations!” Dr. Barry Kopetz, department head for Mississippi State’s Department of Music, said.

Jenkins performed a total of six works for solo percussion in the categories of marimba, snare drum, and timpani - with three assigned works and the others chosen by the performer. On the marimba Jenkins performed "Reflections on the Nature of Water" (Druckman) and "Etude for a Quiet Hall" (Deane), "Saeta" (Carter) and "Soundings" (Engelsrud) on timpani, and "Prim" (Masson) and "Etude No. 9" (Delecluse) on concert snare drum.

“More than the accolades, competing just pushes you to become a better musician and getting feedback from people who are legends in my field and getting to play in front of them is very important,” Jenkins said.

The New York International Percussion Competition was established by Mr. Shoulun Chen in 2014 and brings together students from around the world to participate in several days of masterclasses and competition. This was the first collaboration with the NYU Steinhardt Percussion Studies Program (Jonathan Haas, Director) and featured a variety of guest artists and judges, including: Jonathan Haas, Shoulun Chen, Simon Boyar, Eriko Daimo, Clint de Ganon, Morris “Arnie” Lang, Hongyu Li, Pablo Rieppi, and Sean Statser. Participants competed in two divisions Division I (ages 17 - 26) and Division II (ages 16 and younger) and categories included: marimba, vibraphone, timpani, snare drum, drum set, and world percussion.

Top prizes were awarded in all categories and the grand prize awards, which included cash prizes, were given to the three highest scoring competitors from each division that competed in a minimum of three categories. 

Established in 1903, MSU’s College of Education is now home to six academic departments, one research unit and numerous service units. For more about the college, visit //www.educ.msstate.edu/.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu. 

Photo submitted.