Ouachita’s Tiger Steel drum ensemble to present spring concert May 4
April 25, 2016
- Anna HurstOuachita Baptist University will host the Tiger Steel Drum Ensemble in its spring
concert May 4 in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The concert will be
held at 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Founded in 2013, Tiger Steel includes both music and non-music majors.
“It is a high-energy ensemble, and we have a great time working and performing with
one another,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, assistant professor of music at OBU and director
of Tiger Steel.
Tiger Steel members learn a variety of musical styles. Among styles that will be featured
in the concert are Trinidadian calypso, Brazilian bossa nova, Latin jazz and American
jazz. Members also are learning how to improvise and solo over repeated chord progressions,
something Lewis describes as “a truly educational and freeing musical experience.”
Over spring break, the group performed at Epcot in Disney World. The May 4 concert
at Ouachita will feature some songs from the group’s tour as well as several additional
songs.
To begin, the group will play their signature opening number, Harry Belafonte’s “Jump
in the Line.” Other pieces will include: Alan Menken’s “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid; Dizzy Gillespie’s Latin jazz tune “Soul Sauce;” Bobby McFerrin’s a cappella hit
from the 1980s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts’ Panorama
classic “Pan in A Minor.”
Several pieces will also feature guest accompanists. For John Williams’ “Cantina Band”
from Star Wars: Episode IV, the group will be accompanied by Megan Archer, a senior elementary education major
and music minor from Osceola, Ark., on flute; Becky Bloodworth, a senior instrumental
music education major from Carrolton, Texas, on clarinet; and Addison Crow, a junior
English and secondary education double major from Malvern, Ark., on clarinet. Lauren
Hutcheson, a junior musical theatre major from Bossier City, La., will provide vocal
accompaniment on Harry Belafonte’s calypso standard “Island in the Sun.”
Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl from Ipanema” also is included in the line-up. Solo
accompanists for the Brazilian bossa nova hit will include Dr. Craig Hamilton, Lena
Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music at OBU, on trumpet; Jason Potts, a junior instrumental
performance major from Springdale, Ark., on trombone; C.J. Slatton, a sophomore instrumental
music education major from Paragould, Ark., on saxophone; Chris Hogan, a 2015 OBU
graduate, on tenor pan; and Brandon Lovelady, a senior instrumental performance major
from Hot Springs, Ark., on the drum set.
“Steel drum music always makes people smile, and if all we do is bring some joy to
even a few listeners, then we have done our job and brought a blessing to them,” said
Lewis, adding that he is most looking forward to “the wide variety of music and performers”
that will be featured during the concert.
For more information contact Dr. Ryan Lewis at [email protected] or (870) 245-5421.
By Anna Hurst
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