Percussion Ensemble

The CSU Percussion Ensemble (MUS 106/506, Sec. 75) is an elective performance ensemble in the School of Music at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. It is dedicated to the thoughtful performance of music for the modern percussion ensemble. Repertoire includes contemporary works, classics of the genre, and transcriptions from all musical periods. The members of the ensemble include graduate and undergraduate percussion majors from all areas of emphasis. (Non-music major membership will be considered by audition only.)

Katalin La Favre, Applied Faculty in Percussion, directs the CSU Percussion Ensemble. A classically trained percussionist on a non-traditional path, Katalin La Favre throws her creative energy into developing captivating experiences. Interested in interdisciplinary and experimental work, she was awarded a Fulbright Grant to study with French percussionist Jean Geoffroy. Katalin remained in France for 9 years, collaborating with actors, dancers, and musicians for several programs which have been performed in France, Germany, Scotland and Portugal. These programs were vastly diverse, combining contemporary music, contemporary dance, poetry, narration, humor, and street theatre. Recently relocated to Ohio, she has developed several programs, including BACH'S MUSIC BOX, reimagining Bach's Goldberg Variations for metallic percussion instruments.  She has also spent the last two years making ceramic instruments and recently premiered Mud Meditation, a project featuring these instruments combining theater and music.  An avid chamber musician, Katalin has recorded two albums with the Smoke and Mirrors Percussion Ensemble, and is a member of the Cleveland-based Contemporary ensemble, No Exit.

A passionate teacher, Katalin has taught at several institutions including the Colburn Academy (USA), The Chassieu Conservatory (FR), and the Hector Berlioz Conservatory (FR). Previous students have been accepted into the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Carnegie Mellon University, The Juilliard School, and The Lyon Regional Conservatory. She enjoys working with diverse age groups and levels, from preschoolers to highschoolers, to adults. Katalin has a bachelor's degree from the Colburn School, a Master's degree and artist diploma from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon, and a degree in instrumental pedagogy from the CEFEDEM Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.