About Us

Founded and directed by Symphony San Jose’s principal percussionist Mr. Galen Lemmon, Pre-University Percussion Group provides a rare opportunity to showcase percussion instruments that are often placed out of sight in the back of the band or orchestra. Unlike other musicians in the band or orchestra where the instrumentalist specializes in that one instrument, the percussionist has to develop expertise in a wide spectrum of instruments: marimba, xylophone, cymbals, conga drums, snare drum, timpani, bells, tambourine, anything you can hit, shake, slap, or rattle.

After decades of teaching percussionists of all ages and observing youth percussion programs overseas, Mr. Lemmon was inspired to build his own youth percussion program to share the unique experience of percussion ensemble playing with as many students as possible.  His energy and passion for percussion is contagious, and the results can be seen in his students who fill the ranks of all the Bay Area's top youth symphonies and state honor bands.