arx duo at the 1900 Building

ARX DUO

Aspiring to expand the genre of percussion chamber music through performing and creative collaboration, arx duo has been blazing a trail in the realm of contemporary music since their inception at the Yale School of Music in 2013. In these short years, the duo has performed and given educational clinics  across three continents.

Through combining their different personas and experiences, Mari and Garrett showcase similar movements and unique musical communication that creates a oneness with an energy that fills any venue. The name “arx duo” comes from their desire to forge new connections and artistic pathways – or “arcs”- within the genre, expanding the opportunities for bringing their music to audiences.

With a repertoire ranging from established masters to today’s newest compositional voices, arx duo has worked closely with composers such as Alejandro Vinao, James Wood, and Gaudeamus Prize winner Ted Hearne. Always seeking opportunities to bring percussion to a wide variety of audiences, the group has given concerts, outreach performances, and master classes at universities and conservatories in Japan and the United States.

Born from the legendary chamber music studio, YPG (Yale Percussion Group) directed by Robert Van Sice, Mari and Garrett found their magical collaborative sound together in 2012 as students at Yale School of Music.  They are currently the ensemble in residence at Michigan State University as guest teaching artists, and percussion department coordinator/faculty members at the Young Artist Summer Program at Curtis Summerfest.

Mari and Garrett both proudly endorse Adams Instruments, Pearl Drums, and  Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets.