«Percussion is an inherently theatrical art. An audience member can often “hear” the sound of a percussion instrument long before it is struck based on what character, or stroke, with which the percussionist approaches the instrument. A hard, quick stroke creates in the mind’s ear a loud and aggressive sound. Conversely, a soft, slow stroke creates a more lyrical sound within the mind. The full-bodied aspect of percussion, including complex movements and gestures around instruments as well as mallet and stick changes, makes every percussionist a “dancer”. With the built-in shapes and angles of the percussion set up, the instruments themselves become a sculptural work of art.» 

- Jen Torrence