Concert is a package deal
By Julie Rausch
WSU's percussion students will be mixing it up in perhaps some of the best literature ever featured in a Percussion Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 17, in Miller Concert Hall.
When the ensemble’s director J.C. Combs presents a recital, it isn’t only about playing instruments. He gets involved in the whole packaging of the performance - marketing, programs, staging - and he teaches his students to do the same.
For example, Ryan Corcoran, who is the featured xylophonist, also designed the concert's program. Drummer Shawn Henderson, a featured soloist, is stage director for the concert.
"One of the downfalls of percussion concerts is moving the equipment around so it appears organized and effortless," says Combs.
The stage design adds to the essence of the performance, says Combs, and Henderson is a real craftsman.
In addition, the students in the program had to audition for the "privilege" of being featured soloists.
The program starts off with "Canzona" by Joseph Westley Slater. Matt Maholland, teaching assistant, will conduct the ensemble, followed by "Traditional African Music" featuring the music of Ghana and Senegal using two sets of authentic drums. Prior to the concert the percussion students will have the opportunity to be coached by guest clinician Sowah Mensah, originally from Ghana, India, who now teaches at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.
Bob Becker's "Mudra" features Henderson on solo drum, accompanied by fellow percussionists. This music is melodic and riveting with a very complicated drum solo, says Combs.
Red Norvo Suite features Corcoran on xylophone. Norvo, who recently died, was one of the leading jazz vibists, says Combs. He was also one of the leading innovators of xylophone ragtime.
"He never looked at the instruments while playing," says Combs. "Instead he’d look out at the audience and smile throughout the entire number."
Ann Glasmann will accompany on harp, while ensemble members play marimbas.
Graduate student Paraq Kamat, who is from India, will play "Palta." Written by Becker, it is a classical work reminiscent of the art music of northern India. The piece features tabla drums. The percussion department has a new tabla program, thanks in part to five new tabla drum sets secured by Wichita doctor Ralph Baharati.
Alumnus Kevin Bobo, who’s teaching marimba at WSU, will play "Shadow Chasers" by Michael Burritt, a leading marimba soloist. Corcoran, Maholland, Michael Aukofer and Nick Holmes will accompany Bobo in this flashy piece.
As usual the audience will be able to purchase various CDs and they can view a display of ethnic instruments, antiques and other archival material from Combs’ collection.
