Mercer Percussion Ensemble drums up anticipation for next performance

 

The Mercer University Percussion Ensemble is set to perform March 18 in Fickling Hall. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. and is free of charge.

During this performance, the percussion ensemble will be working with both traditional and nontraditional percussion instruments to present a variety of pieces.

“There's going to be a little something for everyone at this concert — classical, jazz, even some non-traditional instruments will be used,” said Marcus Reddick, director of percussion studies. “It's going to be a lot of fun for everyone involved, so I hope [everyone] will come out and support these students who have worked tremendously hard for this concert.”

One piece that will be featured in the performance is George Hamilton Green’s “Jovial Jasper,” an arrangement written in ragtime style. The soloist for this piece will be sophomore xylophonist Brian Tyra.

Another piece that will be performed is titled “Doppelganger.” This arrangement is meant to be executed by four marimbists and four drummers handling two drums each. Reddick anticipates that this particular performance will fare well with audience members.

“The work moves in and out of shifting time signatures, so there is a bit of uneasiness about the feeling of this piece,” Reddick said. “We'll be doing this one without a conductor to add to the tension. I know the audience will love this one.”

BEAR Steel, Mercer’s newest ensemble, will also be featured during the concert. They will play two selections on steel pans.

“We will all be working hard to give everyone a percussion experience, ​rather than just a concert,” Reddick said. “I always welcome people to get up and dance if the spirit moves them during these concerts.”