Amplifying Our Voices: Percussion Solo Works by Indigenous Composers

In February 2025, Lorena won first prize in Michigan State University’s Running Start Competition with her project Amplifying Our Voices: Percussion Solo Works by Indigenous Composers. This project aims to commission and premiere percussion solo works by Indigenous composers from the United States and Canada.

The inspiration for Lorena’s project emerged during the summer of 2023, while she was interning with the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone in Elko, Nevada. Lorena had the privilege of organizing an end-of-summer concert that provided students with the chance to perform traditional Shoshone songs on a concert stage. Among the songs they sang were the Shoshone Flag song, the Shoshone Water song, and a selection of original pieces by Lorena’s mother. Witnessing the joy radiating from the students, parents, elders, and the Elko community after the concert truly inspired Lorena, solidifying her commitment to bringing Indigenous music to the concert stage.

Kerey Harper
(St. Theresa First Point Nation)

Sonny-Ray Day Rider
(Blackfoot)

Danielle Jagelski
(Oneida & Ojibwe)

Anjelica Lindsey
(Cherokee)

Lorena commissioned composers Sonny-Ray Day Rider, Kerey Harper, Danielle Jagelski, and Anjelica Lindsey for this project. These commissions will be debut during Lorena’s dissertation lecture recital in the Spring of 2026. The recital will consist of 6 new works, including her own original composition inspired by her mother’s children song Tsaan Ima (Good Morning).

Lorena’s goal is to establish the percussion community as another place where music by Indigenous composers can be celebrated and standardized. She also created the database, Percussion Solo/Chamber Works by Indigenous Composers. This database is for percussionists, educators, and artists who is interested in performing or learning more about these works.

Following Lorena’s dissertation recital, she plans to produce a tour to present these commissioned percussion works in universities and high schools.

Please check back for updates on this project!