About OMNI
Omni Percussion Duo (OPD), is a chamber percussion group from central Alberta, Canada. Bryce Cotton and Mackenzie Wiseman, the founding members, formed OPD in 2019 while pursuing their bachelor of music degrees. The duo’s unique style combines elements of contemporary, classical, world, folk, and pop music to create an extraordinary soundscape, encompassing “Omni.” Their fusion of styles often feature unconventional playing techniques, simultaneous playing of multiple instruments, and a cohesion of interlocking rhythms which all contribute to a breathtaking experience. Omni Percussion’s mission is to contribute to the growth and advancement of percussion repertoire by composing, promoting, and commissioning percussion music that features innovative approaches to technique, instrumentation, and composition.
Omni Percussion Duo has been featured at numerous conferences, community events, concerts, and showcase performances across Canada and the US. OPD embodies the “total percussionist” philosophy by exploring a wide variety of music and instruments, which informs every aspect of their musical life. This exploration of instruments and sounds across classical, pop, and world genres informs their identity, with regards to musical creativity and performance. OPD’s performances include fresh approaches to percussion standards and newly composed pieces that have been described as a “novelty of sounds” and “spellbinding to watch” by their audiences.
As educators, the duo works within the public school system, presenting masterclasses and performances, to provide students with an accurate and thorough understanding of the possibilities of contemporary percussion. OPD presents clinics across Canada in contemporary, classical, and world percussion, which educate students in developing technical proficiency, exploring personal musical expression, and understanding maintenance and care. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of percussion instruments, diverse repertoires and creative environments.
Bryce Cotton and Mackenzie Wiseman each hold a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge and are currently pursuing their Masters degrees in percussion performance at the University of Delaware. Their primary teachers have been Adam Mason, Joe Porter, Dr. Gene Koshinski, and Dr. Tim Broscious.
