November 10, 2011
Percussion Group concert set for Nov. 16
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Did someone order more cowbell?
Altgeld Hall, home of the School of Music at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, has more than two dozen ready to go for an SIUC Percussion Group performance in Altgeld Hall, Room 112. The free performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16.
The cowbells are part of a composition by Jo Kondo, a Japanese composer of contemporary classical music. That selection is one of many offered by the percussion group -- an ensemble that often surprises not only by its musical selections but also by its ability to render musical everyday objects.
Concert-goers will get to hear the world premier of a composition by contemporary composer Eve Beglarian, “Play Nice,” in a version for vibraphones as well. Also included in the program is a composition for electric metronomes, and a piece for marimbas.
Ron Coulter, senior lecturer in percussion, established the group in 2005 as a way to expand the percussion opportunities at SIU Carbondale, and to offer a forum for improvisational performance. The eclectic group looks to world music, spoken word, video, dance, electronic technology and mixed media to enhance its performances and to challenge audiences to listen to music with more than ears alone.
For more information about the School of Music, including a full schedule of events and information about the various student, community and faculty ensembles, visit http://music.siuc.edu/.