The University of Texas at El Paso Percussion Ensemble scored a win for the books at the 2025 Percussive Arts Society International Convention, taking home first place in the collegiate category. At the event, which took place November 12-15 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, the team thrived under the guidance of Andy P. Smith, D.M., who served both as the assistant professor of music at UTEP and the director of their percussion studies. According to UTEP Newsfeed, the ensemble showcased a piece titled "Fandango 13" by composer Michael Burritt, featuring an array of instruments such as marimbas, vibraphones, and drums.
Following their victory, on November 15, the ensemble was invited to perform at the PASIC Winners Showcase Concert. Held at the same convention center, the concert featuring drummers and percussionists from around the globe was also a stage for networking and sharing insights among musicians. "Our group was trained to achieve a high level of artistry, communication and music-making; we never discussed the outcome," Smith expressed, as per UTEP Newsfeed, highlighting the ensemble's focus on process over prizes.
The six-member team from UTEP consisted of senior students Jose-Angel Rivas, Serena Sanchez, and Israel Vasquez; juniors Jacob Melendez and Jacob Ocampo; and sophomore Jorge Calzada. The ensemble maneuvered its way through a lineup of 30 competing groups that included heavy hitters from institutions like the University of Delaware and Texas Christian University. Not only did they perform, but five of the six members also competed in solo categories, showcasing their individual talents and earning strong results, as noted by UTEP Newsfeed.
The experience extended far beyond mere competition for these musicians. Sever contacts were made during the event, including securing a summer apprenticeship with a top drum corps for senior Rivas, and for sophomore Calzada, who is the ensemble's only, completed a first-round audition with the prestigious Blue Devils Drum Corps. Andrew Hunter, DMA, UTEP's director of bands, praised their achievement, "The tremendous achievement of UTEP’s percussion ensemble at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention confirms what the El Paso community has known for some time: UTEP has firmly established itself as a national leader in musical performance," Hunter told UTEP Newsfeed.
