Percussion Ensemble I and Mallet Ensemble will perform their first concerts of the semester at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in 128 Music Building II. Highlights of the program include a composition by Penn State percussion alumnus Jeffrey Barudin (class of 2001), as well as a piece by current composition student Paul Skripnik. Percussion Professor Dan C. Armstrong directs the ensembles, assisted by graduate teaching assistant Stephen Fleming. Admission is free.
Program
Downside, Up and Around - Jeffrey Barudin
Music for Pieces of Wood - Steve Reich (prepared by Stephen Fleming)
Variations on a Ghanaian Theme - Daniel Levitan
A Plausible Ouroboros - Paul Skripnik
"If you’re really right, will be proved by the light" - Manu DeLago
Factions - Lynn Glassock
Percussion Ensembles I and II perform a variety of music written for four to 12 players, including contemporary music written for percussion as well as arrangements. Instrumentation includes all types of percussion, from familiar drums and cymbals to exotic items from around the world. Through participation, students learn the art of ensemble performing and augment their understanding of the role of percussion within the discipline of music. They also learn the skills of organization and cooperation through rehearsal and performance. The ensembles have appeared frequently at meetings of the Music Educators National Conference and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. Enrollment is by audition with the conductor.
The Mallet Ensemble performs music either written for or arranged for mallet-played keyboard percussion instruments and consists of three to eight players. Literature ranges from transcribed orchestral and chamber music to contemporary compositions written specifically for mallet ensemble. Enrollment is by audition with the conductor.