Sunday, December 13, 2009
Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale & University Singers
Humboldt Symphony plays Beethoven’s First and joins forces with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for a rarely heard baroque Christmas Midnight Mass, in their annual holiday concert on Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Humboldt Symphony conducted by Paul Cummings, Humboldt Chorale by Carol McWhorter Ryder, and University Singers by Harley Muilenburg. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Humboldt Symphony plays Beethoven’s First and joins forces with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for a rarely heard baroque Christmas Midnight Mass, in their annual holiday concert on Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Humboldt Symphony conducted by Paul Cummings, Humboldt Chorale by Carol McWhorter Ryder, and University Singers by Harley Muilenburg. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Sweet Jubilation at Humboldt Symphony, Chorale and University Singers Holiday Concert
In what’s becoming a holiday tradition, the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers perform a work for voice and orchestra that celebrates the season.
This year it’s a Christmas Midnight Mass by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Not only is this work rarely performed, it is a rare example of a baroque Mass that uses melodies from popular music of the time— the Christmas carols that the French call noels.
“The carols give this Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation,” said Harley Muilenburg, HSU professor of Choral & Vocal Music and director of the University Singers. “The use of organ and soloists provide contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.”
In the evening’s first half, the Humboldt Symphony plays a varied program of short works (a bold overture by Verdi, a popular prelude by Debussy, and one of Dvorak’s best-known chamber work, the Serenade in D) before performing Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. Considered by some to be Beethoven’s most accessible symphony, on its debut it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece, a witty and innovative introduction to a great composer still just 29 years old.
Paul Cummings conducts the Humboldt Symphony. The Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Vocal soloists for the Midnight Mass are Kevin Sharkey, Kevin Richards, Katherine Kinley, Sarah Benzinger, Bill Ryder and Sara Young.
The combined Symphony, Chorale and University Singers concert is Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
In what’s becoming a holiday tradition, the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers perform a work for voice and orchestra that celebrates the season.
This year it’s a Christmas Midnight Mass by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Not only is this work rarely performed, it is a rare example of a baroque Mass that uses melodies from popular music of the time— the Christmas carols that the French call noels.
“The carols give this Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation,” said Harley Muilenburg, HSU professor of Choral & Vocal Music and director of the University Singers. “The use of organ and soloists provide contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.”
In the evening’s first half, the Humboldt Symphony plays a varied program of short works (a bold overture by Verdi, a popular prelude by Debussy, and one of Dvorak’s best-known chamber work, the Serenade in D) before performing Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. Considered by some to be Beethoven’s most accessible symphony, on its debut it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece, a witty and innovative introduction to a great composer still just 29 years old.
Paul Cummings conducts the Humboldt Symphony. The Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Vocal soloists for the Midnight Mass are Kevin Sharkey, Kevin Richards, Katherine Kinley, Sarah Benzinger, Bill Ryder and Sara Young.
The combined Symphony, Chorale and University Singers concert is Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
Conductors Notes
Paul Cummings
Conductor, Humboldt Symphony:
"Before being joined by the Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for the second half of the concert, the Humboldt Symphony will perform the first half on its own.
I like to structure the concerts with a lot of variety. So we begin with Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, which is very Italian, employing Italian folk songs and melodic writing-- everything is prototypical Verdi.
You can’t get much farther from the Italian lyrical style than Debussy. The Verdi is fast and loud, with a lyrical middle. The Debussy really changes the mood—it’s a completely different musical world: slow, with muted strings, a very serene piece. The Sunken Cathedral is a transcription of a popular piano prelude from Debussy’s first book of preludes. It’s got large proportions and a symphonic character to it. There are a couple of different transcriptions—we’re doing one by Henri Mouton, a French transcriber. It’s about seven minutes long.
That’s followed by Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor—one of his famous pieces of chamber music, for 11 instruments, all winds except for one cello and one bass. It’s a unique instrumentation, and it requires all the instruments to be featured prominently, so all the musicians do solos. We’re playing the first and fourth movements. Each is about six or seven minutes.
We close the first half with by far our longest work (at about 25 minutes): Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. It doesn’t require a large orchestra, as the Verdi does—no trombones, two horns instead of four, no tuba, but it’s got symphonic proportions.
Then in the second half we’re joined by the two choral groups for the Charpentier, commonly known as the Midnight Mass. It’s historically the earliest piece on the program, from the middle of the baroque era. Like the piece we did last year, it’s from France and it employs noels as thematic material. These noels are different, their melodies are not as familiar, unless you grew up in France. But they’re recognizable as Christmas carols.
This piece uses a small orchestra, no brass or percussion, no woodwinds except for two flutes, the string orchestra, and organ to play the continuo part. Though Carpentier is known mostly for his sacred choral music, this is not done very often, but it’s a lovely piece of French baroque. It alternates between sections of orchestra and full chorus with sections for soloists, so it’s got variety within it: the full chorus and orchestra sound rich and full, followed by more intimate sections with soloists and a greatly reduced orchestra accompaniment—cello and organ with occasional string interludes.
We’re so happy to have Greg Granoff to play the organ part, because he really understands baroque music, and he is a wonderful guide and model for our students to listen to.”
Dr. Harley Muilenburg
Professor of Choral & Vocal Music:
Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704):
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Offertory
Interlude
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Messe de Minuit pour Noël is one of 12 settings of the Mass Ordinary found among Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts in Paris. It is a rare example of a Baroque parody Mass—a mass which uses Melodies from other musical works—In this case, 11 French noels—popular, monophonic songs associated with Christmas. The carol melodies are derived from secular songs that in fact are traceable to Renaissance and early-baroque dance melodies.The carols used by the composer give the Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation.
There is also intense, serious expression of deep sobriety and imaginativeness, particularly in the third movement “Credo”. Variety and interest is achieved by the use of organ and soloists providing contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.
Paul Cummings
Conductor, Humboldt Symphony:
"Before being joined by the Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for the second half of the concert, the Humboldt Symphony will perform the first half on its own.
I like to structure the concerts with a lot of variety. So we begin with Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, which is very Italian, employing Italian folk songs and melodic writing-- everything is prototypical Verdi.
You can’t get much farther from the Italian lyrical style than Debussy. The Verdi is fast and loud, with a lyrical middle. The Debussy really changes the mood—it’s a completely different musical world: slow, with muted strings, a very serene piece. The Sunken Cathedral is a transcription of a popular piano prelude from Debussy’s first book of preludes. It’s got large proportions and a symphonic character to it. There are a couple of different transcriptions—we’re doing one by Henri Mouton, a French transcriber. It’s about seven minutes long.
That’s followed by Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor—one of his famous pieces of chamber music, for 11 instruments, all winds except for one cello and one bass. It’s a unique instrumentation, and it requires all the instruments to be featured prominently, so all the musicians do solos. We’re playing the first and fourth movements. Each is about six or seven minutes.
We close the first half with by far our longest work (at about 25 minutes): Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. It doesn’t require a large orchestra, as the Verdi does—no trombones, two horns instead of four, no tuba, but it’s got symphonic proportions.
Then in the second half we’re joined by the two choral groups for the Charpentier, commonly known as the Midnight Mass. It’s historically the earliest piece on the program, from the middle of the baroque era. Like the piece we did last year, it’s from France and it employs noels as thematic material. These noels are different, their melodies are not as familiar, unless you grew up in France. But they’re recognizable as Christmas carols.
This piece uses a small orchestra, no brass or percussion, no woodwinds except for two flutes, the string orchestra, and organ to play the continuo part. Though Carpentier is known mostly for his sacred choral music, this is not done very often, but it’s a lovely piece of French baroque. It alternates between sections of orchestra and full chorus with sections for soloists, so it’s got variety within it: the full chorus and orchestra sound rich and full, followed by more intimate sections with soloists and a greatly reduced orchestra accompaniment—cello and organ with occasional string interludes.
We’re so happy to have Greg Granoff to play the organ part, because he really understands baroque music, and he is a wonderful guide and model for our students to listen to.”
Dr. Harley Muilenburg
Professor of Choral & Vocal Music:
Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704):
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Offertory
Interlude
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Messe de Minuit pour Noël is one of 12 settings of the Mass Ordinary found among Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts in Paris. It is a rare example of a Baroque parody Mass—a mass which uses Melodies from other musical works—In this case, 11 French noels—popular, monophonic songs associated with Christmas. The carol melodies are derived from secular songs that in fact are traceable to Renaissance and early-baroque dance melodies.The carols used by the composer give the Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation.
There is also intense, serious expression of deep sobriety and imaginativeness, particularly in the third movement “Credo”. Variety and interest is achieved by the use of organ and soloists providing contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
HSU Jazz Orchestra
HSU Jazz Orchestra plays a Mingus suite and Latin sounds on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
HSU Jazz Orchestra plays a Mingus suite and Latin sounds on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Mingle with Mingus, Then Go Latin with the Jazz Orchestra
It’s a concert in two parts.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra begins with a suite of compositions by jazz bassist, pianist, band leader and composer, the legendary Charles Mingus. His long career stretched from the 1940s into the 1970s. “These are social-political pieces from the 1950s,” said Jazz Orchestra director Shao Way Wu. “They showcase his unique approach and his highly personalized sound.”
The second part of the program features Latin sounds, including Fusion classic “La Fiesta” by jazz pianist Chick Corea, the fiery Afro-Cuban “Sandunga” by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and two tunes by jazz pianist Horace Silver.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra presents its winter concert on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
It’s a concert in two parts.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra begins with a suite of compositions by jazz bassist, pianist, band leader and composer, the legendary Charles Mingus. His long career stretched from the 1940s into the 1970s. “These are social-political pieces from the 1950s,” said Jazz Orchestra director Shao Way Wu. “They showcase his unique approach and his highly personalized sound.”
The second part of the program features Latin sounds, including Fusion classic “La Fiesta” by jazz pianist Chick Corea, the fiery Afro-Cuban “Sandunga” by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and two tunes by jazz pianist Horace Silver.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra presents its winter concert on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Friday, December 11, 2009
Holiday Concert Benefit
HSU Trumpet and Brass Consort play Monteverdi and Purcell, and Elisabeth Harrington leads a holiday sing-along accompanied by pipe organ and brass, in a charity event on Friday December 11 at 5 PM in Armstrong Hall (Room 131) on the HSU campus in Arcata. Free admission, but $2 donation goes to Arcata Open Door Clinic and canned food donations to local food banks. Cider and cookies follow the music! Organized by Gil Cline and Elisabeth Harrington, for the HSU Music Department.
HSU Trumpet and Brass Consort play Monteverdi and Purcell, and Elisabeth Harrington leads a holiday sing-along accompanied by pipe organ and brass, in a charity event on Friday December 11 at 5 PM in Armstrong Hall (Room 131) on the HSU campus in Arcata. Free admission, but $2 donation goes to Arcata Open Door Clinic and canned food donations to local food banks. Cider and cookies follow the music! Organized by Gil Cline and Elisabeth Harrington, for the HSU Music Department.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Madrigal and Mad River Transit Singers
Madrigal Singers in traditional Elizabethan costume celebrate the season with madrigals and songs of Shakespeare’s time, then Mad River Transit sings jazz, swing and blues in their combined concert on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Madrigal Singers in traditional Elizabethan costume celebrate the season with madrigals and songs of Shakespeare’s time, then Mad River Transit sings jazz, swing and blues in their combined concert on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Let Your Heart Be Singing with Madrigal and MRT Singers
Beginning with the “Fanfare For Christmas Day” by English composer Martin Shaw, the HSU Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit celebrate the season with their patented mixture of 16th century tradition and 20th century jazz in their annual holiday concert on Sunday, December 6.
The Madrigal Singers, clad in Elizabethan costume, sing solos, duets and trios as well as traditional madrigals. This year the selections are by England’s John Dowland, Thomas Arne and Thomas Ravenscroft, and Welsh composer William Mathias. The Singers will perform versions of three madrigals by contemporary American composer Emma Lou Diemer, and “Come, Let Your Hearts Be Singing” by late Renaissance Italian composer Giovanni Gastoldi.
Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, accompanied by the instrumental trio of Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
Among the selections, soprano Kelly Whitaker and baritone Bryan Lieser sing “When Sunny Gets Blue” by Marvin Fisher, and soprano Brandy Rose goes solo for Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe in Spring.”
Claire Bent revives Frank Sinatra’s early hit, “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers. The song was written about Frank’s daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Ensemble tunes include “Sugar Turrentine” and “Cookin’ At the Continental.”
Both groups are directed by Harley Muilenburg, HSU Professor of Choral & Vocal Music.
The annual Madrigal Singers and MRT holiday concert is performed on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Beginning with the “Fanfare For Christmas Day” by English composer Martin Shaw, the HSU Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit celebrate the season with their patented mixture of 16th century tradition and 20th century jazz in their annual holiday concert on Sunday, December 6.
The Madrigal Singers, clad in Elizabethan costume, sing solos, duets and trios as well as traditional madrigals. This year the selections are by England’s John Dowland, Thomas Arne and Thomas Ravenscroft, and Welsh composer William Mathias. The Singers will perform versions of three madrigals by contemporary American composer Emma Lou Diemer, and “Come, Let Your Hearts Be Singing” by late Renaissance Italian composer Giovanni Gastoldi.
Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, accompanied by the instrumental trio of Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
Among the selections, soprano Kelly Whitaker and baritone Bryan Lieser sing “When Sunny Gets Blue” by Marvin Fisher, and soprano Brandy Rose goes solo for Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe in Spring.”
Claire Bent revives Frank Sinatra’s early hit, “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers. The song was written about Frank’s daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Ensemble tunes include “Sugar Turrentine” and “Cookin’ At the Continental.”
Both groups are directed by Harley Muilenburg, HSU Professor of Choral & Vocal Music.
The annual Madrigal Singers and MRT holiday concert is performed on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Madrigal Singers
Emily Smith, Claire Bent, Georgia Bertolini, Aubrey Costa, Jasha Evans, Amy Chalfant, Tiffany Guenter, Susan Stewart, Jacqueline Hernandez, Kashana Tonozzi, Cheryl Lincoln, Kristina Toomata, Carrie O’Neill, Todd Herriott, Elliott Pennington, Hiro Kobayashi, John Pettlon, Chelsea Rothchild, Clint Rebik, Michael Shelly, Blake Rouzer, Christopher Werner.
Mad River Transit Singers
Brandy Rose, Kelly Whitaker, Claire Bent, Calista LaBolle, Elizabeth Holverson, Kaeden Williams, Emmy Smith, Sara Scibetta, Cate Ross, Gabriel Holman, Bryan Lieser, Samuel Kaplan-Good, Michael Scott, Shosaku Matsushima.
Darius Brotman, Piano
Robert Amirkhan, Bass
Jonathan Kipp, Drums
Emily Smith, Claire Bent, Georgia Bertolini, Aubrey Costa, Jasha Evans, Amy Chalfant, Tiffany Guenter, Susan Stewart, Jacqueline Hernandez, Kashana Tonozzi, Cheryl Lincoln, Kristina Toomata, Carrie O’Neill, Todd Herriott, Elliott Pennington, Hiro Kobayashi, John Pettlon, Chelsea Rothchild, Clint Rebik, Michael Shelly, Blake Rouzer, Christopher Werner.
Mad River Transit Singers
Brandy Rose, Kelly Whitaker, Claire Bent, Calista LaBolle, Elizabeth Holverson, Kaeden Williams, Emmy Smith, Sara Scibetta, Cate Ross, Gabriel Holman, Bryan Lieser, Samuel Kaplan-Good, Michael Scott, Shosaku Matsushima.
Darius Brotman, Piano
Robert Amirkhan, Bass
Jonathan Kipp, Drums
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Calypso Band, World Percussion & Percussion Ensemble
An HSU alum’s cult hit, John Cage’s heavy metal plus African rhythms, samba and the ever-popular calypso dance music highlight the HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band concert 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. Directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman, produced by HSU Department of Music.
An HSU alum’s cult hit, John Cage’s heavy metal plus African rhythms, samba and the ever-popular calypso dance music highlight the HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band concert 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. Directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman, produced by HSU Department of Music.
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
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
Background: Humboldt State Calypso Band
The Humboldt State Calypso Band prides itself in maintaining an accurate and authentic connection to the roots of the steel band movement and the innovative musicians of Trinidad, the island on which this unique percussion phenomenon was born. The band is dedicated to the performance of traditional and contemporary music from the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, and the United States.
In addition to its regular performances at Humboldt State and throughout Northern California, the band has undertaken tours to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Eugene, OR and Seattle, WA.
The Humboldt State Calypso Band prides itself in maintaining an accurate and authentic connection to the roots of the steel band movement and the innovative musicians of Trinidad, the island on which this unique percussion phenomenon was born. The band is dedicated to the performance of traditional and contemporary music from the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, and the United States.
In addition to its regular performances at Humboldt State and throughout Northern California, the band has undertaken tours to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Eugene, OR and Seattle, WA.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Symphonic Band
HSU Symphonic Band presents Jonathan Kipp on 16 different percussion instruments in a concert on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
HSU Symphonic Band presents Jonathan Kipp on 16 different percussion instruments in a concert on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Symphonic Band Cuts to the Chase
The HSU Symphonic Band’s bright and bracing winter concert includes a Sousa march, Armenian Dances and a tribute to classic Warner Brothers cartoon chases, but the most novel work may involve 16 different percussion instruments played by one musician.
Senior Jonathan Kipp is the percussion soloist for Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra by French composer and teacher Darius Milhaud. “It’s a dramatic work that stresses the interplay between the band and the soloist,” noted Kenneth Ayoob, conductor of the Symphonic Band.
Greatly influenced by American jazz, Milhaud was among the 20th century’s most prolific composers. He was also noted as a teacher: his students included jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and contemporary composer Philip Glass.
Philip Glass also studied with American composer Vincent Persichetti, whose Psalm for Band is on the evening’s program. “ It’s one of the cornerstones of the band repertoire,” Ayoob said. “It uses the separate choirs of instruments extensively supported by thematic rhythms in the percussion.”
Armenian Dances (Part I) by Alfred Reed—another prolific and popular American composer—is built upon 15 folk songs. “ It evokes many moods from soulful ballad, to driving asymmetric meters, and fully exploits the colors of the wind band.”
The Symphonic Band also plays Fortress by contemporary American composer Frank Ticheli, Pas Redouble by modern French composer Camille Saint-Saens and The Gallant Seventh by John Philip Sousa.
In a reprise from its fall concert with the Jazz Orchestra, the Symphonic Band once again presents Cartoon by Paul Hart, a merry melody that conjures the action of classic chase cartoons starring the Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny and Tweety.
The HSU Symphonic Band performs on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
The HSU Symphonic Band’s bright and bracing winter concert includes a Sousa march, Armenian Dances and a tribute to classic Warner Brothers cartoon chases, but the most novel work may involve 16 different percussion instruments played by one musician.
Senior Jonathan Kipp is the percussion soloist for Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra by French composer and teacher Darius Milhaud. “It’s a dramatic work that stresses the interplay between the band and the soloist,” noted Kenneth Ayoob, conductor of the Symphonic Band.
Greatly influenced by American jazz, Milhaud was among the 20th century’s most prolific composers. He was also noted as a teacher: his students included jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and contemporary composer Philip Glass.
Philip Glass also studied with American composer Vincent Persichetti, whose Psalm for Band is on the evening’s program. “ It’s one of the cornerstones of the band repertoire,” Ayoob said. “It uses the separate choirs of instruments extensively supported by thematic rhythms in the percussion.”
Armenian Dances (Part I) by Alfred Reed—another prolific and popular American composer—is built upon 15 folk songs. “ It evokes many moods from soulful ballad, to driving asymmetric meters, and fully exploits the colors of the wind band.”
The Symphonic Band also plays Fortress by contemporary American composer Frank Ticheli, Pas Redouble by modern French composer Camille Saint-Saens and The Gallant Seventh by John Philip Sousa.
In a reprise from its fall concert with the Jazz Orchestra, the Symphonic Band once again presents Cartoon by Paul Hart, a merry melody that conjures the action of classic chase cartoons starring the Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny and Tweety.
The HSU Symphonic Band performs on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
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