Emma Kieselhorst

Front Ensemble

Emma Kieselhorst is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Percussion Performance at Indiana University. 

While at North Texas, Emma was an active member in the UNT Percussion Ensemble under both Mark Ford and Dave Hall. Emma also spent her undergraduate semesters performing in the Wind Symphony, Concert Orchestra (section leader) and Wind Orchestra, performing at the 2022 CBDNA conference. Outside of contemporary percussion, Emma was a performing member in the Afrocuban, Brazilian, Steel Band, Gamelan, and South Indian ensembles. She also both performed and taught the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band, performing at UIL finals and region contests across Texas. 

Emma is an active PAS member, serving on the Education Committee. She was also a featured performer in the PAS All-Stars Collegiate Percussion Ensemble, and both competed and won the 2023 Texas PAS Day of Percussion Solo Competition. She is also currently a member of the WGI Future Leaders Program and an intern with The Vibraphone Project. 

Recently, Emma was a performer in the summer 2024 Blast! Japan Tour as the percussion swing. Touring 21 prefectures over three months, Emma performed in featured roles on drumset, quads, timpani, snare, and most notably as the marimba soloist in “Marimba Spiritual.” 

Emma is currently on staff at the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, beginning in the 2024 season when the corps received a Gold Medal. Prior to this, she was a member of Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, receiving High Percussion and a Silver Medal (2019), Monarch Indoor Percussion (2021), Bluecoats, receiving a Silver Medal and performing at PASIC (2020-2021 & 2023), and the Santa Clara Vanguard, receiving the Mike Laporta Memorial Award (2022). Emma most recently aged out with Rhythm X, receiving a Silver Medal and the Trailblazer Award (2024).