Rhythmic music filled the air on Tuesday night as the Plymouth State Percussion Ensemble took center stage in their annual spring concert. Many heads in the crowd were bobbing in the packed Studio Theater as the audience clapped along to a variety of songs and arrangements. There was a mix of soloists and pieces that involved the whole group displaying the immense talent of the group.
The selections played were “Mr. PC” by John Coltrane, “Sueños” by Lalo Davila, “Maria la O” by Ernesto Lecuona, “Anasazi” by Alice Gomez, “Teen Town” by Jaco Pastorius, “Paganry” by Morris Goldenberg, “Etude 1” by Mitchell Peters, “Journey” by Dave Saunders, “Sinister Guitar Tales” by John Blanchette, “Heavy Metal” by Sherrie Maricle and “Birdland” by Josef Zawinul.
Student performer Mark Perry happily said, “I got blisters on my fingers,” after the show. Junior Brian Butland said, “They did some crazy stuff involving xylophones and trash cans. It was kick ass.”
Percussion Ensemble consists of Sally Jensen, Kevin Smith, Michelle Bobb, David Saunders, Brian Nagel, Kevin Griffin, Mark Perry and Phil Barber (as Filco Barbarious in homage to Jaco Pastorius). Two special guests, student John Blanchette and faculty member Tom Robinson accompanied on guitar and saxophone respectively. The group was led by faculty member Tim Gilmore, who also joined in the music-making.
For information on the remaining upcoming entertainment events go the Silver Center for the Arts website at plymouth.edu/cac.