Emma Kieselhorst

Front Ensemble

Emma Kieselhorst is a 2023 graduate from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Percussion Performance at Indiana University. 

While at North Texas, Emma was an active member in nearly every ensemble under the guidance of Mark Ford, Dave Hall and Paul Rennick. Emma also spent her undergraduate semesters performing in the Wind Symphony, Concert Orchestra 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. At IU, Emma now performs with the New Music Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. 

Emma is an active PAS member and touring performer, serving on the Education Committee and performing in festivals across the globe. She was a featured performer in the 2023 PAS All-Stars Collegiate Percussion Ensemble, and both competed and won the 2023 Texas PAS Day of Percussion Solo Competition. She most recently performed in the 2025 Cortona Sessions, where she also received first place in the contemporary solo competition. 

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 every featured role 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, as well as Rhythm X since the 2025 season, receiving a Silver Medal. Prior to this, she was a member of Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, receiving High Percussion and a Silver Medal (2019), Bluecoats, receiving a Silver Medal and performing at PASIC (2020-2021 & 2023), and Santa Clara Vanguard, receiving the Mike Laporta Memorial Award (2022). Emma aged out with Rhythm X, receiving a Silver Medal and the Trailblazer Award as a performer (2024). 

Emma is proud to endorse Pearl/Adams, Innovative Percussion and Sabian