MSU Percussion Ensemble to perform in concert tonight

The Mississippi State Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Robert J. Damm, will perform April 19 in the theater of McComas Hall.

The free, public concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

The MSU Percussion Ensemble is led by Dr. Robert J. Damm (second from right).

The program will include "Hoo-Daiko," an original composition by Damm inspired by traditional Japanese taiko drumming.

Guest performers are Dr. Dylan Savage, visiting lecturer in piano, who will be featured in "Jester Rag"; Dr. Thomas Daniel of music education who will narrate a suite of pieces inspired by Brazilian myths; and John Staggers, a freshman music education major from West Point, will solo on "Suite for Solo Drum Set and Percussion Ensemble," which includes sections in rock, Afro-Cuban and samba styles.

The ensemble also will play "Cohesion," a snare drum trio composed by music education major James Gassaway, a Starkville sophomore.

Other works to be performed include "Six Slick Stix Click Licks" and a marimba selection borrowed from the repertoire of Veracruz, Mexico.

The finale will be "Afro Blue." This selection will showcase members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia playing traditional African drums, in collaboration with Blues Axis-Edwin Daniel, guitar; David Reese, piano; and Bart Owings, bass-and Dr. Scott Bauer of Mississippi University for Women on flugle horn.

For more information, contact the Department of Music Education at 325-3070.