Performing a variety of pieces modeled after drumming styles all over the world, from Moroccan to Japanese Tycho the Hillsdale Percussion Ensemble will perform alongside visiting musician David Jarvis in their upcoming performance.
They will be performing April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in McNamara Music Hall and their set will feature different types of drumming styles from around the world, which allows for a wide selection of sounds and beats.
“I like to do somewhat of a loose theme each year so we do a variety of works,” Percussion Instructor Stacey Jones said. “I don’t really have a preference, I just like the students to learn a variety of different types. This year we are doing different drumming styles from around the world, focusing on the changes in time, tempo, and beats from cultures who use a lot of drumming.”
The ensemble has a group of students and community members with varying experience both musically and specifically percussion. Currently there is one music major, several minors, and others who are simply interested in learning at their respective levels of play.
“I played drums from fifth grade through my senior year in high school, but when I came to college I stopped. It was part I’m not good enough, and then another part time, but my senior year I thought “what the heck!” senior Celia Rothhaas said. “My friend Renee Painter was in it, and she convinced me. It has been really great.”
This year’s recital will feature the music and performance of David Jarvis, a visiting musician who composed for the group specifically.
“I am excited that we will play with the guest artist, David Jarvis. He’s pretty good and I think it’ll be really fun too. He’s going to play a couple of songs with us and a few solo pieces,” junior Ian Ostaszewski said. “I am excited to play with a professional musician like him.”
Included in the foreign repertoire is the use of more eclectic instruments, Ostaszewski said. In one piece he will be playing an Egyptian drum called the darbuka, which is just one of many instruments that will be played.
The ensemble tends to attract students, especially seniors, who just want to play and have some fun, Jones said.
“I get a lot of seniors who say, “I just have always wanted to play drums,” and I love that and am always willing to work with them,” Jones said. “I already have like three seniors who are going to play in it next year. It’s great!”
Along with the students, Hillsdale community members play and Jones herself performs with the group, allowing for a greater selection of repertoire.
“I play with the group, too. I love performing with my students and I fill in some of the more difficult parts sometimes so we can play more difficult pieces.”
The ensemble plays one recital each year, spending the rest of the year learning and mastering new pieces, and learning techniques that permit the repertoire to expand and grow each year.
“It’s all contemporary music but inspired by old, so the sounds reflect the old,” Jones said. “It’s going to be a very enjoyable, listenable concert for the audience.”
