Clemson Percussion Ensemble, Steel band end year with a 'bang'

Published: April 18, 2012

The Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band perform April 27. image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — The Clemson University Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band will be ending the spring semester with a "bang" at 8 p.m. Friday, April 27, at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

The Percussion Ensemble takes the stage first to perform a variety of pieces beginning with “Katraterra” by Jim Casella, an intense, driving work that features odd meters and syncopated grooves.

It is followed by a Japanese lullaby written by Shinsaku Kusakawa, named “Yurikago.” Originally written as a folk song in 1922, it is a song the composer’s mother used to sing to him as a child. The program also includes “4/4 For Four” by Anthony Cirone, a staple of the percussion repertoire, and “Scenes from the Woods” by Brian Blume, an advanced marimba quartet.

Layne Mauldin, graduating senior and the department’s Outstanding Student in Performing Arts in Music, coaches the final piece of the percussion program, “Airbrush” by Joe Krieger. This work explores the sounds and timbres brushes make when played in the air and will be a special way to end the percussion ensemble’s portion of the evening.

The second half of the concert by the Steel Band includes pieces from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as reggae and pop tunes. “Ayko Ayko” by Jeff Neitzke is a traditional calypso piece from Trinidad and Tobago with an unforgettable melody and groove, while “Music (Dingolay)” by Winston “Shadow” Baily and arranged by Jeff Narell is a soca that will feature all members of the steel band.

The spirit of Jamaica and Bob Marley are featured in the piece “Ja-Mu” by Rick Cline, and the band will perform the Beatles favorite, “Here Comes the Sun." The concert concludes with the piece “Jump Up” by Chris Tanner that is a driving soca for steel band featuring all members of the ensemble.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased online, in person or by phone. Visit www.clemson.edu/Brooks or call the Box Office at 864-656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday for more information.

The Steel Band’s new CD, "Pan Overboard," is available through the Clemson Band Office for $10 per CD, plus $2 for shipping. Call the band office at 864-656-3380 or email director Paul Buyer at pbuyer@clemson.edu.

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