SOU Graduate Percussion Group Performs Next Week

photo via Greg Eliason
photo via Greg Eliason

Ashland, Ore. – The Music program of the Department of Performing Arts at Southern Oregon University presents the SOU Graduate Percussion Group on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 pm, in the SOU Music Recital Hall.

The Master of Music in Performance program started at SOU in fall 2013. The Graduate Percussion Group was formed last summer when the graduate students in percussion studies arrived in Ashland. Jeff Kolega, Colin Malloy and Tyler Willoughby perform in duets, trios, quartets, and a quintet including SOU Artist Instructor of Percussion, Bryan Jeffs.

This performance will feature a variety of music, including “Yume no Wa” (Dreamscape) by Hikaru Sawai. The work was originally written for a Japanese Koto (a stringed zither) ensemble and was arranged for percussion by Malloy. “Metavita” by Casey Cangelosi and Tom Hillker, is composed for three snare drums with lighted brushes, performed in complete darkness. “Mudra” by Bob Becker, based on the music of India, will be performed by a quintet. The program features “Trio per Uno” by Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, “Nagoya Marimbas” by Steve Reich and “Catfish” by Mark Applebaum.

“This group of percussionists is a dynamic, professional-level ensemble who perform with verve, sensitivity, and elegance,” said Terry Longshore, director of SOU Percussion Studies. “Each of these Master’s students has recently received international acclaim in their own right.” 

Longshore said “it has been the highlight of my career to attract not only graduate-level performers in this first year of the Master’s program, but three students who are all excellent musicians. They rehearse together almost daily and their dedication will be manifested in this augural performance. I am truly proud of their work and proud to share the stage with them.”

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free to full-time students. The Performing Arts Box Office is located in the Theatre Arts Building lobby. Box-office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card over the phone by calling 541-552-6348 or online at sou.edu/performingarts. Contact the box office for discounts offered to SOU alumni, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute participants and SNAP/Oregon Trail cardholders.