The ASU Alpine Backbeats Drum Line performs during the Adams State University Homecoming halftime show. The group will add to the high energy at the Percussion Extravaganza on December 2. The concert will feature a variety of ensembles, soloists, and music from around the world.
Returning to the classic Percussion Extravaganza, the Adams State University performance begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the Richardson Hall Auditorium.
The concert will feature special guest and visiting scholar from Japan, Professor Chiho Sugo on a work by Japanese composer Minoru Miki for clarinet and percussion in a taiko-inspired style. The ASU Alpine Backbeats Drum Line will perform, including their recently premiered work, "Grizz Nation," composed by junior percussionist Dryden Hill, and dedicated to Adams State President Beverlee McClure.
The ASU Percussion Ensemble will perform an American work by Alan Hovhaness including the ASU Flute Choir; a work inspired by Ugandan marimba playing by Emmanuel Séjourné; a clever composition for five drums and percussionists written by Susan Powell; and one of the oldest chamber works for percussion, "March for Two Pairs of Kettle Drums," first performed in 1685 at the Versailles Palace for King Louis XIV. Sophomore flutist and percussionist Emily Johnson will perform a composition for flute and looping pedal with live percussion surround sound. Traditional Mexican marimba folksongs will be performed, and both the SLV Community Steel Band and the ASU 7,543′ Panhandlers Steel Band will perform popular works on the native instruments of Trinidad and Tobago, before the ASU Samba Bateria closes the concert with the high energy traditional drumming of Brazil.
The concert, directed by Dr. James Doyle, is a sampler of percussion from numerous cultures and will display the breadth and variety of percussion opportunities at Adams State.
The concert is audience friendly for all ages but moments of the concert may be loud.
Admission is free to Friends of Music and members of Associated Students and Faculty; $1 for all other students and $5 general admission. For more information contact the Adams State Music Office at 719-587-7621.
