1961
During the Eleventh Workshop – Concert on July 13, 1961, at the Hubbard Auditorium
(MSM), Max Neuhaus performed as a core member of the Summer Session Percussion Ensemble (part of the Paul Price Percussion Ensemble or PPPE).
His specific instrumental contributions to the program’s world and regional premieres included:
- Michael Rosenberg: Two Moods for Percussion Quartet (World Premiere)
- Instruments: Snare drum and tom-tom.
- Context: This piece challenged the quartet to navigate contrasting rhythmic temperaments, a hallmark of the contemporary percussion repertoire Price was championing at the time.
- James Hanna: Fugue and Chorale (1956)
- Instrument: Snare drum.
- Note: Neuhaus provided the primary rhythmic drive for the fugal subject, demonstrating the technical precision required for "contrapuntal" percussion.
- Keisuke Ajiro: Sextet No. 1 (World Premiere)
- Instruments: Snare drum, triangle, bongos, and tambourine.
- Walter Anslinger: Suite for Percussion (NYC Premiere)
- Instruments: Suspended cymbal, gong, vibraphone, and marimba.
- Carlos Surinach: Ritmo Jondo (1952)
- Instrument: Xylophone