The University of Oklahoma Percussion Ensemble Commissioning Series and Percussion Press, 1978--1999: An examination of its history.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to trace the development and history of the University of Oklahoma Commissioning Series and the OU Percussion Press. Both organizations were founded by Richard Gipson with the stated mission of "stimulating the very finest compositions for the Percussion Ensemble medium" and the "dissemination of outstanding music for percussion ensemble." In addition, the study documented all commissioned works from the series performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions from 1978 through 1999. Through this study, a detailed list was created of the commissioned works including the commission, publication and premiere dates, performance time, total number of performers needed, and all required instrumentation.

The OU Percussion Press has proven to be a vital link to the success and recognition of the OU Percussion Ensemble Commissioning Series. The ability to publish commissioned works and make them available for performance by other universities and high school percussion ensembles has been crucial to the overall success of the individual commissioned works as well as future commission pieces. Without the ability to publish the commissioned works, it is conceivable that the success of the University of Oklahoma Commissioning Series would have been dramatically and adversely affected.

The major historical source included interviews with Dr. Richard Gipson, founder and editor of the University of Oklahoma Percussion Ensemble Commissioning Series and the OU Percussion Press. Dr. Gipson is regarded as one of the leading proponents in the advancement and production of quality percussion ensemble literature. Through the interviews, information was gathered and documented concerning the history, contributions, significant developments and achievements, and the future of both organizations. Additionally, archival file material for the Commissioning Series and the OU Percussion Press was consulted and utilized.

In 1978, Dr. Richard C. Gipson commissioned John Beck, percussionist, composer, and professor at the Eastman School of Music, to write a new work for percussion ensemble and solo drum set. This piece, entitled Concerto for Drum Set and Percussion Ensemble, initiated what is now known as the University of Oklahoma Percussion Ensemble Commissioning Series. Since its inception, seventeen works for percussion ensemble have been commissioned and premiered by this ensemble, most of which have been subsequently published. The University of Oklahoma Commissioning Series is at present the longest running and most prolific commissioning series of its kind for percussion music.