Percussion Ensemble set for Dec. 8 performance

By Andrew McClain

College of Fine Arts and Communication Media Office

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Percussion Ensemble will perform in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.

The ensemble, consisting of percussion majors and minors, will perform four pieces for percussion instruments: “Stained Glass,” a work for large percussion ensemble by David Gillingham; “Bonham,” a tribute to Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, written for eight percussionists by Christopher Rouse; a marimba quartet by Brian Nozny called “Purdy’s Maze,” and an arrangement of “Alma Nao Tem Cor” by the Brazilian band Karnak.

Dr. Blake Tyson, associate professor of percussion at UCA, has been working with percussion students all semester, and this concert is the culmination of Tyson’s vision for their education.

“Hopefully the students will develop both musically and technically while honing their ensemble playing skills,” he said. “Also, being a part of an ensemble like this helps them learn how to organize, lead, and conduct ensembles of their own in the future. Of course, we also want to put on a great concert that the audience will find both enjoyable and inspiring.”

For more information, contact Tyson at (501) 450-5263 or btyson@uca.edu.

-30-