We are calling students who wish to participate in our Percussion, Zimbabwean Marimba and Handbell ensembles this semester! (Closes on Friday 31 July).

• The ANU Percussion Ensemble
  As part of the ensemble, you will learn and perform significant works from both Australian and international percussion ensemble repertoires.

  The ANU Percussion Ensemble members include students studying percussion performance as well as other music students and those with relevant experience from the broader ANU community. Students from all majors and degree types are welcome to audition.

  The ensemble rehearses in the Peter Karmel Building’s Percussion Room and is directed by Veronica Bailey, Principal Percussionist with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Weekly rehearsals are Fridays from 10 am - 12 pm, with a concert scheduled in week 12.

  For more information on the audition requirements, or to find out more about the Percussion Ensemble and to help you decide whether to audition, please contact veronica.bailey@anu.edu.au before Friday 31 July.

• The ANU Zimbabwean Marimba Ensemble 

  This Ensemble welcomes music students as well as students from the broader ANU community. Students from all majors and degree types are encouraged to participate. As part of the ensemble, you will learn and perform repertoire from the Zimbabwean and southern African marimba traditions while developing ensemble skills, listening, and rhythmic coordination through participatory music-making.

  Weekly rehearsals are directed by Felix Machiridza, on Saturdays throughout the semester (Peter Karmel Building).

  To find out more about the ANU Zimbabwean Marimba Ensemble, please contact Bonnie McConnell (Bree.mcconnell@anu.edu.au).  

   

• The ANU Handbell Ensemble
  A fun and fulfilling introduction to the art of ensemble bellringing, where each player usually rings just two to four bells and takes responsibility for a small but essential part of the music. As the ensemble works together to create a complete performance, members develop timing, rhythmic accuracy and awareness, and confidence in a supportive, collaborative setting. Ability to read music is highly valued, but not essential, and coloured highlighters and other learning aids can help those with limited reading experience.

  The ensemble will have access to a 61-bell set of Whitechapel handbells, and may also incorporate other kinds of bells in playful and creative ways to explore repertoire from a range of styles and cultures, including music by First Nations composers.

  ANU Music students receive credit for ensemble participation, and entry is open to ANU School of Music students, secondary school students, alumni, and community members. 

  Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 7.00–9.00 pm in Room 5.21, commencing 28 July 2026, with 12 rehearsals in Semester 2.

  Originally founded in 2012 by Dr Thomas Laue, the ensemble has presented public performances including at Regatta Point, ANU Open Day, Calvary Haydon residential aged care home in Bruce, and at the National Carillon. This year, a performance at Floriade is anticipated on Friday 2 October from 11:30–12:15.

  To find out more about, please contact Thomas.Laue@anu.edu.au.