Cult Classic and Dance Rhythms with the Calypso Band and Percussion Groups

A cult classic by HSU alumnus Trey Spruance brings star power to the HSU Percussion Ensemble portion of the annual percussion concert in the Van Duzer Theatre on Saturday December 5.

“Ma Meesha Mow Skwoz” was featured on the 1995 Mr. Bungle album, “Disco Volante.” The Percussion Ensemble does it up big. “This arrangement features 15 percussionists playing almost every percussion instrument imaginable,” said Ensemble director Eugene Novotney. “It will be sure to bring down the house.”

The Ensemble’s featured work is First Construction in Metal by 20th century avant-garde composer John Cage. “Many consider this Cage’s finest early work,” Novotney said. “It calls for 58 instruments constructed of metal, including gongs, anvils, cymbals, bells and thunder sheets. In addition, a pianist plays a grand piano but with live sound alteration and manipulation by a percussionist who performs on the interior piano strings.”

The first half of the concert concludes with the World Percussion Group, directed by Howard Kaufman, performing a suite of traditional Mandeng drumming selections, and Brazilian Samba played on indigenous instruments from Brazil.

After intermission, the Humboldt State Calypso Band, directed by Eugene Novotney, performs its ever-popular high-energy dance music from the Caribbean, which this year will include the classic panorama composition “Pan Rising” by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe.

The HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band winter concert happens on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.

Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye