Associate Professor Frank Oddis has served as coordinator of the Percussion Program at the Morehead State University Department of Music since 1977. Under his direction, Morehead has become nationally recognized as a leader and innovator in percussion performance and education. The school’s percussion ensembles have won three Percussive Arts Society national championships in marching percussion, and Oddis and the department host an annual Day of Marching Percussion that draws directors of indoor marching percussion ensembles from around the country. In addition, the Morehead State University Concert Percussion Ensemble recently toured Beijing, China, performing at the Central Conservatory of Music and at the famed Beijing Concert Hall.

Oddis is a Morehead graduate, too, having received a bachelor’s degree in music education from MSU. He also holds a master’s in music performance from East Carolina University and is a noted percussionist himself. Oddis plays with the Faculty Jazz Quartet at Morehead, which recently released a CD titled Blue Duck Suit; with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, including its annual pops series of concerts; and with the Lexington Singers.

He also has worked as a freelance percussionist and drummer for many well-known celebrities and jazz artists as well as the national touring companies of A Chorus Line and Annie. Membership in the former Kentuckiana Brass and Percussion Ensemble led to performances at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Music Educators National Conference, and the International Brassfest.

In addition to directing percussion ensembles at MSU, Oddis serves as music arranger for the groups. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by university and high school percussion ensembles nationwide.

Oddis also serves as an adjudicator for DCI, PAS, Bands of America, and many other state and regional organizations. A clinician and endorser of Ludwig drums, Sabian cymbals, and Vic Firth sticks and mallets, he has presented educational workshops and conducted concerts nationwide and internationally, including performances in the People’s Republic of China and Brazil.

Program 606

A preview of the 2003 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Louisville, the Morehead State University Percussion Ensemble, and a tour of the University of Louisville Photographic Archives. (#606)

Program 620

Favorite segments from previous episodes, including features on Franklin County photographer and weaver Dobree Adams and the Lexington Public Library ceiling clock, plus musical performances by the Morehead State University Percussion Ensemble, Tess Arkels, and the Middle Men. (#620)