OUR BIO

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Metaphor Percussion is a contemporary percussion duo founded in 2023 in Oklahoma by Dr. Jordan Shippy and Dr. Vivienne Shippy. Now based in Sacramento, California, Metaphor Percussion Duo is dedicated to expanding the artistic limits of percussion performance and creating engaging concert experiences focused on both new music and education.

Metaphor Percussion performed as a featured artist for the 47th Annual Festival of New American Music in Sacramento, California where they premiered their popular multi-media program SHADES. Since it's debut, SHADES has been featured at institutions nationwide, resulting in a rapidly growing reputation for thoughtful and imaginative programming.

In 2025 they were asked to return for the 48th annual FeNAM to play along side world-renowned composer Clarice Assad, performing her well-known percussion quartet concerto "PLAY!", originally premiered by Third Coast Percussion.

Metaphor Percussion has toured across the United States, performing in more than five states and collaborating with a wide range of artists and composers. In 2025 they were awarded a university-funded grant for their initiative entitled "Sounding Out" that commissioned four new percussion works for young percussionists in underfunded music programs. With every commission, Metaphor aims to further their commitment to cultivating the next generation of young percussionists.

Metaphor proudly endorses Salyers Percussion and Black Swamp Percussion.

Meet the Members

Jordan Shippy

Dr. Jordan Shippy currently serves as the percussion faculty at Sacramento State, and has played in numerous settings including the Festival of New American Music, the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, and the Northwest Percussion Festival.

Vivienne Shippy

Dr. Vivienne Shippy currently serves as the President for California PAS as well as theAdjunct Assistant Professor of Percussion at Cosumnes River College. She has performed and presented research in a variety of settings including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, and the Midwest Conference.