The WYSO Percussion Ensemble has a longtime WYSO tradition of delighting audiences at concerts and tours. All WYSO percussionists come together each Saturday morning from 7:30– 9:30 to rehearse an array of exciting percussion works.

The Percussion Ensemble performs during regularly scheduled concerts and is also featured at the “WYSO Percussion Extravaganza” on Saturday, Feb. 9 in Mills Concert Hall. They will be joined this year by the UW-Madison Western Percussion Ensemble and the Oregon HS Shadow Drum Line.

The Percussion Ensemble is required for all percussionists in WYSO Orchestras.

Vicki Peterson Jenks is celebrating her 27th year with WYSO! Under her direction, the Percussion Ensemble has received national recognition from the Percussive Arts Society and has performed for the Wisconsin State Music Conference, the National Band Association, North Central MENC and the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Vicki is an Artist Clinician for Yamaha, Sabian Cymbals, Mike Balter Mallets and Vic Firth Sticks. She serves on the Board of Directors for the International Music Camp, Wild Rose Kiwanis, and Tri County American Red Cross. Additionally, she is a Disaster Action Team Volunteer for the American Red Cross. This past summer, Vicki became a Master Adjudicator for the Wisconsin School Music Association and was nominated for the Percussive Arts Society’s “Lifetime of Excellence in Education” award. Ms. Jenks has also studied drumming in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.