Concert Preview

previewed by Erin Sinogba

Fri. Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Symphonic Concert Band
Sun. Dec 7, 2:30 p.m.
Sebring-Lewis Hall

Percusision Ensemble

There is more to the tambourine than meets the eye. Or ear.

The members of the Percussion Ensemble, including Alok Shah ’04, have learned this lesson by practicing the piece Fan Fare for Tambourines by John Alfieri, which will be featured in the upcoming concert.

“It all depends on the visuals,” he said, “It’s all about when someone rolls, or slaps their knees.”

Their diverse repertoire includes pieces from all areas of the globe, original compositions and contemporary works. The group has also had the opportunity to work and perform with a diverse group of professional percussion artists such as Dave Samuels and Ed Shaughnessy.

Director Mark Dorr said this semester’s concert will continue to reflect that versatility and “will feature a distinctive international flavor.”

They accomplish this international flavor by incorporating instruments from around the world, including the conga, bass marimba, tom-tom, roto-tom, marimba, vibraphone and xylophone. Beisides Fan Fare, eight other pieces will be performed at the concert. Stained Glass by David Gillingham stands out for Shah.

“It has a lot of dissonance,” he said, “All the beats are off from each other, but they still work with a structured beats.”

Ensemble member Sarah Smith ’07 is most looking forward to playing Field of the Dead by Serge Prokofiev, which she described as slow and melodic.

“While the notes aren’t challenging, it is challenging to be expressive,” she said.

Other pieces featured include Dill Pickles, a xylophone piece by Charles Johnson, and Africa by Flora Purim.

In addition to diverse instruments and musical pieces, the group also has a diverse membership that includes people from both the college and community.

“Mark [Dorr] makes sure he incorporates community,” Shah said, “These are the people who’ve built the Percussion Ensemble, so why wouldn’t they want to be involved?”

In the end, the ensemble seeks to prove that there is more to percussion than playing one’s own beat. Smith reaffirmed the value of opening one’s mind to new influences as well as the unconventional. “Even in percussion, everything has a special sound,” said Smith.

Symphonic Concert Band

The Grinnell College Symphonic Concert Band has something to celebrate this Sunday: freedom.

“This time, Mark [Dorr] let us pick the songs for the concert,” said Diana Grimes ’04, who plays clarinet for the band. They chose songs including First Suite by Alfred Reed and An American in Paris by George Gershwin. The band will perform them on their upcoming concert on Sunday.

Like the Percussion Ensemble, the band also draws on a diverse repertoire, ranging from major wind and percussion works to well-known favorites. Members of the community are also a major part of the group. They have also collaborated with guest artists, including Ein Finkel last year.

Sunday’s concert is titled Celebrations, which Grimes described as an opportunity to celebrate music and to break away from stress by enjoying music.

Director Mark Dorr said he wants “the audience [to] feel that they are an integral part of the excitement and energy of these performances.” He added, “The audience feels the energy of the music being produced and the performers feel the energy and response of the audience.”