To the Beat of the Rhythm of the Day

Members of the Santa Monica College Percussion Ensemble pose for a group photo during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College student Svetlana Akim performs during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Marina Portillo performs before the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa monica Percussion Ensemble perform at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College students Tina Malekisantmaleki (left) and Aiden Arenas (Right) performs during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College students Svetlana Akim (left), Shanna Blaney (middle), and Wyn Wilson (right) perform on the drums during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College student Quint Hunnicatt plays cajon during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College students Aiden Arenas (left), Wyn Wilson (middle), and Fisseha Asmerom (right) perform on the drums during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College student Tina Malekisantmaleki performs during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

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Santa Monica College student Anika Aniskovich performs during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

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Audience members watch the Santa Monica College Percussion Ensemble perform during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

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Santa Monica College student Hung King Man performs during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College student Wyn Wilson plays the drum during the SMC Percussion Ensemble concert at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. The show consists of various types of percussion under the direction of Megumi Smith. (Kantapong Wongjirasawad | The Corsair)

On Friday, May 15, 2026, the Santa Monica College Percussion Ensemble held a show at the SMC Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica. The show was performed under the direction of Megumi Smith. The ensemble covered a variety of musical pieces and included a dance number set to “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens at the end of the event. 

The percussion show featured several pieces: “Drum Circle 2026,” “Fault Time,” “Strive to Be Happy,” “Me Tarzan,” “Invention 8,” “Aftershock,” and “Mazatlan.” SMC students Svetlana Akim, who played the claves and the egg shakers and takes classes just for fun, and data science major Samuel Shaffer danced enthusiastically during “La Bamba.” 

For the exact dates and times of SMC’s performances next semester, check the SMC Music Events Calendar.