Smith Mallets Endorsers

Music Society K.N.A. Lunteren - Netherlands

The music society K.N.A. Lunteren was grounded in the year of 1907 as a fanfare orchestra. In the year 1956 started a few percussion players a percussion band. Playing marching music at festivals and village ceremonies was their main target. The percussion band was in those years very successful.  At marching contests they won several times the title of master of the Netherlands.

In the year of 1996 the percussion band decided to transform into a percussion orchestra. Percussion teacher and conductor Marco Onstenk became the musical leader in this progress. At the moment the percussion orchestra is very successful.

In 2009 they won the Dutch master contests for percussion orchestras and in July 2009 they will be playing at the World Music Contest. Three percussion teachers educate young percussionists to become outstanding players. The main goal of the orchestra is to play intelligent and modern percussion music. Cooperation with other music disciplines like choirs and soloists gives the orchestra new opportunities. Several composers like to write new music for the percussion orchestra. Smith Mallets helps to achieve our musical goals.

Website: www.knalunteren.nl

The John Battle High School Percussion Ensemble

The John Battle High School Percussion Ensemble is a diverse group, performing original compositions written expressly for percussion instruments, as well as classical, Latin and jazz arrangements.  The percussion program has 16 students that perform as one large ensemble as well as several small chamber groups.  The percussion students are trained in a variety of aspects of percussion and have the opportunity to perform in marching, concert and jazz ensembles.  Many percussion students study privately with freelance percussion artist in the area. 

The ensemble has hosted the Drum Expo as a Southwest Virginia State Day of Percussion.  The ensemble performed a special arrangement of Take Five with renowned jazz drummer, Joe Morello at the 2005 Drum Expo.  In 2008, the ensemble performed at the Virginia Music Educators Conference that included the selection Night of Moon Dances by Kopetzki that featured marimba virtuoso guest soloist, She-e Wu.  Each student is active in the Percussive Arts Society and attends the PASIC conferences on a regular basis.  Former students are active as educators, performers, composers, freelance artist, members of the Marine, Navy and Army Bands and regional symphonies throughout the United States.  The ensemble is directed by Mark Collins, Sr.