LEXINGTON, Ky. — Sixty percussion alumni spanning five decades will converge at the University of Kentucky on Saturday for a free concert celebrating the legacy of the UK percussion program and its longtime director, James Campbell. The performance begins at 7 p.m. in the Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall.

The reunion, described as one of the largest and most significant gatherings of percussion alumni in the school's history, brings together graduates from the 1970s through current students. Campbell directed the UK percussion ensemble from 1985 to 2023, building what has become a nationally recognized program.

Campbell has received worldwide recognition as a performer, pedagogue and author, and was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 2021. He was also inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Bands of America Hall of Fame.

"This concert represents a truly monumental moment for the UK School of Music, highlighting the profound impact our percussion program has had on generations of graduates," said Ben Arnold, School of Music director. He added that the event "stands as one of the largest and most meaningful gatherings of percussion alumni in our history."

The program features the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by 2012 graduate Tyler Swick, composed specifically for this event and featuring all performers. A return performance of "Rudi's Batuque" by D.M.A. alumnus Julie Hill, originally premiered at a UK percussion alumni concert two decades ago, is also included, along with Edgard Varèse's "Ionisation" presented with expanded instrumentation and performers.

Campbell will conduct two significant pieces from the contemporary percussion repertoire, works he frequently programmed during his tenure. "For nearly 40 years, Jim taught and mentored some of the most successful percussionists in higher education and in the performance world," said Matthew Geiger, D.M.A., assistant professor of percussion and a Campbell protégé.

The concert will include a memorial tribute honoring members of the UK percussion community who have died, with the ensemble performing "Have You Ever Seen the Grand Canyon" by D.M.A. alumnus Brian Nozny. Admission is free.