Photo: Carlos Camacho teaching his masterclass to Western students

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s percussion ensemble hosted guest artist Carlos Camacho from the University of Panama for a week-long residency in March.

The percussion ensemble recently held its winter concert, performing several chamber and solo works by Panamanian and Latin composers such as Samuel Robles, Ricardo Risco, Rodolfo Acosta, and Luis de Pablo. 

Before the concert, Camacho held a masterclass on Panamanian music and the Panamanian Tambor. Students engaged through Panamanian instruments and learned about the history of Panamanian music. 

“I’m really glad to be at Western. Thank you to Dr. Joel Garza for the invitation. It’s been cool to see how the students juggle their classwork and performances,” shared Camacho. “It was exciting to attend their concert and I like just being a part of it all.”

Professor Joel Garza, Ph.D., is the director of Western’s percussion ensemble. The ensemble is designed to meet the needs of percussion and music education majors. The group performs one concert each term and aims to challenge students in many percussive styles in the pursuit of advanced study and performance of the percussion ensemble repertoire. 

To learn more about the percussion ensemble, contact Joel Garza garzaj@mail.wou.edu

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.