Cross Currents of Rhythm with HSU Percussion Groups

Three HSU percussion groups—the Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and the Calypso Band-- bring cross-currents of world rhythms to the Van Duzer Theatre on Saturday, December 6.

The Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Eugene Novotney, presents “Cross Currents,” a major work for percussion orchestra by Lynn Glassock. “It calls for a massive group of percussionists playing on four marimbas, two vibraphones, chimes, glockenspiel, five timpani, and a collection of over 35 drums, cymbals, and hand percussion instruments,” Dr. Novotney said.

The Ensemble’s featured classical work is “Second Construction” by John Cage. Novotney describes it as “highly experimental,” featuring exotic instruments such as Balinese gongs, Indian oxen bells, African pod-rattles, and Chinese temple bells. It also includes Cage’s patented “prepared piano”—which augments the classical grand with nuts, bolts, washers and other objects placed on the piano strings. “It sounds more like an electronic synthesizer than an acoustic piano,” Novotney observed. “The effect is stunning and surprising.”

The World Percussion Group, directed by Howard Kaufman, completes the first half of the program with traditional Anlo-Ewe dance drumming from Ghana in West Africa. Dancers from the HSU dance studio, led by HSU Theatre, Film and Dance faculty member Deborah Ketelsen, will perform traditional dances of the Anlo-Ewe people.

As usual, the second half of the evening is devoted to the high-energy dance rhythms of the Humboldt State Calypso Band. For this concert the emphasis is on traditional Calypso music of Trinidad and Tabago. “The band prides itself in maintaining an accurate and authentic connection to the roots of the steel band movement, and to the innovative musicians of Trinidad, where this unique percussion phenomenon was born,” Novotney said. A fixture at North Coast outdoor celebrations, the Calypso Band has performed in San Francisco, Long Angeles and Seattle.

The HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Calypso Band perform on Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. First 50 HSU students Free with ID.

Media: Arcata Eye, North Coast Journal, Humboldt State Now.