About Us - Percussion Studies - University of Maine

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

Percussion Faculty

Dr. Stuart Marrs
Professor of Music
marrs@maine.edu
207.581.1247

As soloist, clinician, orchestral timpanist-percussionist, conductor, and teacher, Dr. Marrs’ professional experience spans over 50 years and four continents. His principal orchestral positions include the orchestras of Louisville, Bolivia, and Costa Rica. His freelance experience includes such diverse areas as TV, Ice Capades, jazz, symphonic orchestra, experimental groups, solo and chamber recital performances. Stuart Marrs has an extensive international profile having taught and performed in Singapore, France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia and Costa Rica.

Dr. Marrs taught at the National University of Costa Rica, Indiana University, and from 1985 until his retirement in 2023 at the University of Maine. In addition to his teaching and performance, while at UMaine Marrs also occupied the position of Chair of the Music Division and for the university at large, Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education. Stuart Marrs received his doctorate from Indiana University School of Music. Dr. Marrs tours the US, Asia, Europe, and Latin America as soloist, conductor, clinician, and teacher. In 2005, he authored the ground-breaking analytical DVD, Stuart Marrs on Elliott Carter: Eight Pieces for Four Timpani – Performance and Analysis, which received international attention. The DVD sold out, but portions of it are now viewable on YouTube. He has also added to his Youtube channel: Stuart Marrs’ preparation and practice tips for the Elliott Carter “Eight Pieces for Four Timpani.”

Dr. Stuart Marrs is a Yamaha Performing Artist. He is also an endorser for Sabian, Vic Firth, and Grover ProPercussion.

Click here for a very detailed résumé.

Information about hosting clinics, master classes, and concerts with Dr. Stuart Marrs.

Christopher G. White, M.M.
Lecturer in Music, Director of Sports Bands
cgwhite@maine.edu
207.581.1232

Teaching Areas
Director, UMaine Symphonic Band and Athletic Bands
Director, Maine Summer Youth Music Camp
Wind Conducting
Percussion Methods

Mr. White directs the University of Maine Symphonic Band, Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band, and the Screamin’ Black Bear Pep Band. Bands under his direction have performed throughout New England and across the nation including Louisiana, California and Virginia. Mr. White also teaches percussion methods, marching techniques, conducting and undergraduate studio percussion. He is the director of Maine Summer Youth Music camp and is currently the symphonic band director of MSYM.

Chris received his B.M. in Music Education in 1988 from Ithaca College , studying percussion with Gordon Stout and Bill Molenhof and conducting with Rodney Winther; his M.M. in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Maine in 1994 , studying percussion with Dr. Stuart Marrs and conducting with Professor Curvin Farnham. Mr White has attended the University of North Texas conductors collegium 2 times studying with Eugene Corporon and Dennis Fisher. From 1988-1992 he was the Band Director and District Music Supervisor of M.S.A.D. #11 in Gardiner, Maine.

Prior to being named director of the University of Maine Symphonic Band, Mr. White was the associate conductor of the group, conducting on their annual tour. Chris has played percussion with the Maine State Ballet Orchestra, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and has performed at P.A.S.I.C. with the University of Maine Percussion Ensemble. Mr. White is also active as a clinician for percussionists and bands throughout the state of Maine, as well as guest conducting and adjudicating festivals. Chris is a member of C.B.D.N.A.. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Pi Kappa Lambda as well as an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, and is currently faculty adviser to Tau Beta Sigma.