"As a member of the Mercury Rising Percussion Ensemble for 2 years, as well as a student of Joanna Huling for 5 years, I can honestly say that MRPE has dramatically improved my skills as a percussionist while also introducing me to many new friends. The program is always fun, with plenty of laughs, has a wide variety of music, and increases skill in all percussion. I look forward to it every year and highly recommend it to all percussionists of all skill levels"
EJ T., 17 - Member . . . 2010, 2011
"The Mercury Rising Percussion Ensemble has been one of the most enriching experiences in our son Hrday's life. We excitedly look forward to seeing what new ideas Joanna comes up for the pieces, to challenge the kids. So far Hrday has played with the ensemble two summers and we can attest that the level of training and performances is far superior to any other group because of the intensive practice sessions and the choice of music.
We also get a global perspective of music and have listened to pieces inspired from different cultures and styles. We recommend this to kids of all ages and know it will be a fun activity every summer."
Percussionist Joanna Dabrowska Huling is a performer and educator in the greater Baltimore-Washington Metro area. She has performed in the United States and Europe, with venues including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Music Center at Strathmore, Maryland Theatre and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.
Joanna has been performing with Grammy Nominee Jenny Oaks Baker since 2009. She has performed with the Maryland Symphony, Annapolis Symphony, Post-Classical Ensemble, McLean Orchestra, and Brass of the Potomac among many others. From 2006 to 2011 she held the position of Principal Timpanist of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic based in Alexandria, VA.