The Caixa Trio, Julie Hill, Julie Davila, and Amy Smith, was formed in 2000 and is a professional percussion ensemble based in Tennessee. The ensemble derives its name from the caixa, or snare drum, used in escolas de samba in Brazil. The Caixa Trio performs an eclectic repertoire including classical, contemporary, world, and rudimental percussion. The Caixa Trio has performed internationally at festivals in Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, France, and Puerto Rico as well as the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions. The Trio has also performed and presented master classes at universities and public schools throughout the United States including numerous state Day of Percussion events. The Caixa Trio emphasizes the importance of musicianship and demonstrates the versatility needed in the role of the total percussionist. The Caixa Trio is dedicated to expanding the literature available for percussion trio by composing and commissioning new works. The Trio will release a cd of all commissioned works in the fall of 2007.