jhancock@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - Hosting Idaho State University's Day of Percussion holds several purposes for Thom Hasenpflug, including an opportunity to expose regional high school students to what his department offers and a chance to work with some respected musicians.

Hasenpflug, director of percussion studies at ISU, hosted his sixth annual ISU Day of Percussion on Saturday at the university's Goranson Hall, welcoming percussion ensembles from five regional high schools and two experts in the field from outside the Gem State.

"The objective of this project is two-fold," Hasenpflug said. "One is outreach. Two is to get kids on campus."

Among those that attended were percussion groups from Highland, Blackfoot, Bonneville in Idaho Falls, Skyline in Idaho Falls and Hillcrest in Ammon. The school groups performed during a clinic portion of the day.

After each school performs a piece, the group is critiqued by Hasenpflug. Joining the ISU instructor for the critique session was special guest Payton MacDonald, a composer, performer and instructor at William Paterson University in New Jersey.

Jay Ronk, director of the Highland High School Band, said the session is especially helpful for his students because of the band's large percussion section.

"It gives us some things to work on," Ronk said.

He said some of the instruction received by professionals in the field can also help support his teaching.

"They can tell the students the same thing I tell them, but they are hearing it from a professional," Ronk said. "Sometimes they are better-focused during a session like this."

MacDonald, who is originally from Idaho Falls, didn't just help critique during the clinic. He also gave a performance and presentation of super marimba to start the Day of Percussion.

"(Hasenpflug) is well known in the percussion field," MacDonald said. "Some of my colleagues throughout the world said I should contact him. When I did, he asked me to come out and perform." MacDonald finds spending time in an atmosphere such as Saturday's is simultaneously challenging and fun.

"My teachers gave me a lot throughout the years and I enjoy sharing what I learned," he said.

For Hasenpflug, the Day of Percussion is at the core of what he does.

"I am the percussion director," he said. "This is what I do."

But he also enjoys bringing out people such as MacDonald who may not be household names, but are considered leaders in their field. There's also a personal reward.

"I like to bring in people who are names to me who I know have something to offer," Hasenpflug said. "I also get to play with them later in the session."