Adams State University Spring Percussion Festival 2026

April 16th & April 17th

 

About the Festival

Band Directors and students, you are cordially invited to the inaugural Spring Percussion Festival  April 16th & April 17th 2026 on the Adams State campus!

This event is open to percussionists ranging from middle school to undergraduates in college. Band Directors, parents, or guardians are welcome to accompany their participants.

The general schedule is as follows: arrive on Thursday 4/16 at approximately 8:30am and participate in coachings and clinics throughout the day with Dr. Leoce and our featured guest teachers – information about our world-class guest teachers is available below. We are able to provide all percussion equipment as long as the equipment needs are received in advance.

Thursday evening at  5:30pm, attend a concert performed by the guest artists, Dr. Leoce, and the Adams State Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and Brazilian Ensemble. If staying for Friday’s events enjoy more coachings and clinics before heading back home.

Schools may choose to attend ONLY Thursday, ONLY Friday, or attend both days and get overnight accommodations. While overnight accommodations, food, and transportation will be your financial responsibility, we are able to offer discounted rates at local hotels for participants. Additionally, this festival will be offered with no registration fees!

Festival Host

Melinda A. Leoce, D.M.
Assistant Professor of Percussion, Adams State University

Melinda A. Leoce
Photo credit: Paul Davis

 

2026 Guest Artist: Valerie Dee Naranjo!

A flyer for the 2026 Percussion Festival at Adams State University, featuring guest artist Valerie Dee Naranjo. Layout and Visuals The flyer uses a light teal, pink, and dark green color scheme. Top Right: A photograph shows Valerie Dee Naranjo smiling and playing a traditional wooden percussion instrument with mallets. Bottom Section: Includes logos for Adams State University, Spring Percussion Festival, Vic Firth, Dream, and Pearl. QR Code: A dark green sidebar on the right contains a QR code for the event schedule. Text Content Headline The Department of Music and the School of Visual and Performing Arts presents our 2026 Percussion Festival Guest Artist: Valerie Dee Naranjo! Biography The text describes Valerie as a prominent percussionist who: Holds the permanent percussion chair in The Saturday Night Live Band. Teaches at New York University. Was the founding percussionist and arranger for The Lion King on Broadway. Was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2021. Was raised in Alamosa, where the event is being held. Event Details Dates: April 13–17, 2026. Accessibility: All concerts and events are open to the public. Action: "Scan the QR code below for schedule and more."

 

Check out the Adams State Percussion Ensemble