Ouachita Percussion Ensemble to present concert Nov. 25

happenings

A student plays a bongo during percussion ensemble practice

November 22, 2019 - Madison Cresswell

Ouachita Baptist University’s Percussion Ensemble will present a concert on Monday, Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Ouachita’s McBeth Recital Hall in Mabee Fine Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Percussion Ensemble will perform five pieces for the evening’s concert following the theme “Shared Space.”

“We are performing a piece of the same name, ‘Shared Space,’ in which five performers play on the same vibraphone and marimba, and this piece inspired the idea of a concert of pieces in which instruments are shared between the percussionists,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, associate professor of music and director of the ensemble. “This is a situation unique to the world of percussion. … It began outside of the concert hall in the percussion traditions of cultures in West Africa, Mexico, Indonesia and others.”

The evening’s concert will begin with a performance of “Bread and Butter” by Andy Smith, followed by “Postludes for Bowed Vibraphone” by Elliott Cole and “Shared Space” by Ivan Trevino. Next, the ensemble will perform the traditional Mexican marimba pieces “El Ahualulco” by Banda El Recodo and “Huapanguerito” by José Gutiérrez & Los Hermanos Ochoa. To conclude the concert, the Percussion Ensemble will perform “Sossa-Bala” by Emmanuel Sejourne. The finale will pay tribute to the West African balaphone, much like a Western marimba, and involve all 11 student performers.

“This piece features some unusual techniques, including bowing the vibraphone and marimba, playing marimba with the hands, playing on both sides of the marimba and vibes and even blowing into the resonator tubes to create a bamboo flute-like sound,” Lewis said.

“It will no doubt be a fun, enjoyable and ear-opening concert,” he added.

For more information, contact Dr. Ryan Lewis at (870) 245-5421 or lewisr@obu.edu or visit www.obu.edu/percussion.