UNews - Adam Mason

Faculty of Fine Arts Signature Events to showcase student, alumni musical talent in upcoming concert series

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:24:41 +0000

Concerts to feature Global Drums, Collaborative Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Orchestra

Recognizing and celebrating the professional development and talents of student musicians and musical artists, the Faculty of Fine Arts’ Signature Events and Performance Series will wrap up 2024 with its annual fall concert series.

Audiences will experience energetic programs through diverse musical selections that showcase the talents of each ensemble.

Fall Concert Series

The Fall Concert Series features performances from Global Drums, the Collaborative Ensemble, the Jazz Ensemble and the Wind Orchestra.

Friday, Nov. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Global Drums presents: Lots More Than 12 Drummers Drumming

Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Collaborative Ensemble Concert

Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra presents: Shadows Ablaze

Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Jazz Ensemble Concert

On Friday, Nov. 29, the ever-popular Global Drums ensemble will captivate audiences with a night of mash-ups and Christmas classics. This dynamic and harmonious blend of community and student percussionists are directed by conductor Adam Mason and assistant conductor Leo Brooks. Dive into a world of rhythmic diversity—from Brazilian samba and African beats to Chinese and steel band rhythms—as Global Drums leaves its indelible mark on the stage.

During the first week of December, our Collaborative Ensemble, Wind Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble will bring cheer and excitement with their respective concerts.

The Collaborative Ensemble, under the direction of Drs. Carolyn Herrington and Sandra Stringer, brings together pianists, guitarists, vocalists and instrumentalists in a concert performance that showcases the breadth of student musicians and highlights their exceptional talents. This group partners in duos to present beloved sonatas, captivating showpieces, opera arias and art songs, exploring the nuances of language, poetry, acoustics and musical balance. In a special collaboration, the ULethbridge Guitar Ensemble will be featured during this performance. The Collaborative Ensemble concert is free to attend, and all are welcome!

Prepare to be wowed by the powerful showcase of talent and musicality with the Wind Orchestra performance, led by Dr. Holly De Caigny, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. This 65-member ensemble features a mix of music majors and students from various disciplines, bringing passion and excellence to every performance. The evening’s program includes diverse wind band compositions such as A Mother of a Revolution by Omar Thomas, Peace Dancer by Jodie Blackshaw, Shadows Ablaze by Kathryn Salfelder and more.

Rounding out our slate of performances for 2024 is the Jazz Ensemble, led by Dr. Josh Davies, which blends contemporary and classic big band jazz in each performance. The Jazz Ensemble performs both on and off campus each year, often working with school audiences through concerts and workshops and regularly collaborating with guest artists in the community, creating dynamic and memorable performances.

Tickets for our concert performances are on sale now at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (Monday - Friday, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.) or online: ulethbridge.ca/tickets.

Tickets are $20 adult, $15 alumni and senior, $10 student. ULethbridge students receive one complimentary ticket at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office with valid student ID.

Percussion students earn honours in international competition

caroline.zentner — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:46:12 +0000

Two ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge percussion students can consider themselves among the best in the world after finishing in the top four in their competitions at the recent 2017 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Blake Davenport, a fourth-year student, came in fourth place on solo marimba and Taylor Murphy, a third-year student, finished second on solo multi-percussion.

“This is a major accomplishment for these students and the U of L,” says Adam Mason, the U of L’s director of percussion and one of the leaders of PASIC. “They competed with graduate and undergraduate students from some of the top music universities around the world.”

“I’m very happy coming in second,” says Murphy. “For my first time going, coming in second was a good feeling.”

“I was really happy with the way I played,” says Davenport, who competed at PASIC for the first time last year. “I was up against people who’ve been studying percussion since they were eight years old so it’s nice to know I can keep up having studied for only five years.”

The annual PASIC convention draws thousands of percussionists, including students, performers, composers and drum makers from around the world. Murphy says the convention is like the San Diego Comic Con for percussionists. Some percussionists prepare all year for the chance to perform at the convention. Competing at such an event isn’t for the faint of heart. In Davenport’s case, the judge of his performance just happened to be the composer of the piece he’d chosen to perform.

“Competing is a little nerve-wracking,” says Davenport. “You’re surrounded by professional percussionists from all over the world and they know how a piece is supposed to sound.”

“Some are fresh out of high school and doing the same pieces you are,” says Murphy. “It’s nerve-wracking but it’s exhilarating. I broke out of my shell to do this and I’m glad I did because it opened so many doors.”

Both Davenport and Murphy grew up in Calgary and had some experience in percussion before coming to the U of L. Murphy was part of the Calgary Stampede Showband for seven years.

“I knew right out of high school that I wanted to study percussion,” says Murphy. “I knew the U of L had one of the best percussion programs, probably in Canada, and Adam (Mason) has a great reputation for being an amazing professor. He loves what he does, he’s very knowledgeable and he and I share a drum corps background.”

Davenport started playing the drum set at age eight and began percussion music when he was in high school. He planned to take a year off after graduating and then go to university in his home town. But before deciding, he took his mother’s suggestion to participate in the U of L’s Be a Student for a Day.

“I got to watch a Global Drums rehearsal and I was like ‘Oh, yeah, I’m coming here,’” says Davenport. “There was no way I was going anywhere else.”

Percussion students learn to play at least 50 unique instruments, including cultural types of drums like Taiko, African, Polynesian and Chinese. The program gives students an opportunity to travel to learn drumming in other countries. Both Davenport and Murphy have been to Hawaii with the Global Drums group and another trip to China is planned for June.

Davenport will be performing his grad recital on Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. in the U of L’s Recital Hall. Everyone is welcome.

“I’m going to hit some stuff in a pre-decided order,” he says, tongue in cheek.

The next Global Drums concert is scheduled for April 6 and 7 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Global Drums members record EP with rock legends at iconic Ocean Studios

trevor.kenney — Mon, 29 May 2017 20:12:42 +0000

Six members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Global Drum percussion ensemble, under the direction of Adam Mason, were hand-selected to participate in a ground-breaking Pan Rocks recording at Ocean Studios in Burbank, CA alongside a jaw-dropping list of rock and roll alumni.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni Matt Groenheide (BMus ’11), Jodi Groenheide (BMus ’11), Alya Jeraj (BMus ’13), Matt Thiessen (BMus ’16), and current students Theo Lysyk and Owen Francis were the only Canadian artists to join a 25-piece steel drum orchestra, Pan Rocks, to record a six-song EP and video documentary.

A special experience for, (from left) Theo Lysyk, Matt Groenheide, Owen Francis, Pan Rocks founder Tracy Thornton, Matt Thiessen, Jodi Groenheide and Alya Jeraj.

Internationally renowned steel pannist and founder of Pan Rocks, Tracy Thornton, brought in rock heavy hitters including Stephen Perkins on drumset (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros), Tracii Guns on guitar (LA Guns; Guns & Roses), and Billy Sheehan on bass (Mr. Big; David Lee Roth). The project is being produced by Thornton and Matt Starr (Mr. Big; Ace Frehley) and will be mastered by Dave Collins (Metallica, The Police, Soundgarden). They will also be adding tracks from Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad), and a cello duo from America’s Got Talent.

“It was a huge honour to be invited to be part of such a ground-breaking project,” says Matt Groenheide. “I don’t think anyone has ever bridged the gap between the worlds of steel pan and rock in such a big way.”

The group recorded six songs including an original piece by Thornton and covers of rock classics from Jane’s Addiction, Led Zeppelin, KISS and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The recording took place in May at famed Ocean Studios that has seen the likes of Evanescense, Jimmy Eat World, the Ataris and more.

“Ocean Studios was mind blowing,” exclaims Jeraj. “The studio was cozy and not intimidating at all. Walking down the hallway to record we saw platinum and gold records from Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy, and so many more. I can't even describe the feeling I got when we were setting up and recording, knowing so many great musicians had used the space.”

The percussionists had a chance to rub elbows with rock legends, not something they get to do every day in Lethbridge.

“I wasn't sure what to expect when meeting these rock and roll legends. I didn't know if we would actually get to work with them directly or even talk to them. It was amazing. They were hanging out with us and wanted to know more about what we did back home and if we were having a good time.”

There were also steel plan players from across the US who are teachers at universities, inner city schools, or freelance musicians. Learning from them and playing alongside was an unforgettable experience.

“They were all extremely well prepared and talented beyond belief. Learning about their history with steel pan and percussion, and who they have toured and played with was so inspiring,” shares Jeraj. “Billy, Stephen, Matt and Tracii may have played with famous rock stars, but many of the percussionists have traveled to Trinidad to play with the most iconic steel pan players in the world. One of the tenor pan players, Bryan Garbe, just came back from opening up for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden with his band Oak and Ash.”

Thornton is no stranger to the Global Drums ensemble, working with Global Drums and director Adam Mason over the years, travelling with them to Trinidad & Tobago, Japan, the Netherlands, England and the US.

“He’s really Global Drums’ best friend,” says Groenheide. “We’ve been playing Tracy’s music for years. It was incredible to hear it brought to life by the combination of steel pans and rock instruments.”

“This project has been a dreamlike experience for our students,” says Mason. “They have worked hard and persevered to be counted among the best of the best. I could not be more proud of them.”

Pan Rocks is the brainchild of Thornton, a professional steel pan performer, composer, arranger, recorder and clinician.

“One of his ongoing missions is to put rock and roll music on steel pan in order to expose the instrument to people who haven't heard of it before,” shares Groenheide. “He wants to prove that the steel pan is not just a novelty instrument playing Caribbean folk tunes at a poolside bar. It's a versatile, fully-chromatic instrument that can play any style of music.”

The result of their hard work will be a documentary and EP to be released in the future.

“Tracy Thornton is so passionate about steel pan that he wants to reach a wider audience,” says Jeraj. “I hope it reaches younger kids and youth who may look at the pan as ‘light and fluffy.’ Hopefully this will get kids and others wanting to take up pan and become musicians.”

Mason delivers in creating percussion program

trevor.kenney — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:06:53 +0000

Adam Mason was given carte blanche when he first came to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as he endeavoured to put together a percussion program that would be the envy of his colleagues. In just a few short years he has been able to do just that, creating a program of excellence that regularly travels and performs locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

Mason also incorporates the southern Alberta community into his program - another excellent example of how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is a community leader in the fine arts.

Global Drums preparing for exotic event

trevor.kenney — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:57:53 +0000

Join Global Drums for another thrilling world tour and sample the exotic rhythms of Africa, Brazil, Japan and Latin America.

Global Drums and their special guests take to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage Apr. 1-2 at 8 p.m. nightly for a program of hard-hitting rhythms and unique cultural collaborations.

"Our concert has something for everyone," says Adam Mason, director. "Audiences can expect a fantastic night of entertainment featuring works from our Steel Drum Ensemble, African Drums, Taiko Ensemble, Brazilian and Samba Ensemble."

Joining Global Drums this year is a notable roster of guests. The Brazilian Samba Band welcomes world-renowned Brazilian Samba drumming artist, Jimmy Biala.

"Biala is from San Francisco and teaches Samba percussion worldwide. We're very excited to have him lead our Samba Band during the concert," says Mason.

Another highlight of the program is an inspired twist on Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Glen Montgomery. Composed for piano and orchestra, the U of L Percussion Ensemble collaborates with Montgomery on this unique rendition of Gershwin's classic.

"We are also performing a fast and furious arrangement of Hopak, featuring the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Club and saxophonist Ian Burleigh," adds Mason.

Consisting of more than 40 performers, Global Drums boasts the largest post-secondary percussion ensemble in the country.

"Our steel drum band proudly represented Canada at the 17th Annual Cultural Festival in Honolulu this March," says Mason.

With support from provincial funding and the Lethbridge Twinning Society, U of L students took to the stage along with ensembles from Korea, Japan and Tahiti.

To experience the electricity of Global Drums, tickets are available from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, weekdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are $15 regular and $10 senior/student.

For a look at the March issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Music events dot calendar

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:26:04 +0000

A bounty of music concerts are coming in November and December, each of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge music ensembles present their end-of-semester offerings.

Winds on the Moon
Friday, Nov. 26, 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra, directed by Dr. Tom Staples, performs to elevated heights with their moon-inspired concert. With a program that includes Introduction to the Moon by Libby Larsen, Spin Cycle by Scott Lindroth, Galilean Moons by Roger Cichy, Moon by Night by Jonathan Newman and Sleep by Eric Whitacre, this concert will be out of this world.

Magnum Mysterium
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church

Vox Musica and the U of L Women's Chorus share a concert of magnificent choral Christmas selections.

Vox Musica has perfected two versions of O Magnum Mysterium: one by Tomás Luis de Victoria and the other by Morten Lauridsen.

"These are two very different musical arrangements using the same text," explains Glenn Klassen, Vox Musica director.

Other highlights include Ralph Manuel's Alleluia, and an unforgettable performance of Ralph Vaughn Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols, featuring organist Mary Lee Voort and U of L alumnus McKade Hogg (BMus/BEd).

The U of L Women's Chorus takes to the stage under new conductor,
Dr. Ruth Phillips, to perform Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, a glorious seasonal arrangement for treble choir.

Birth of the Cool
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

The U of L Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. David Renter, returns to the roots of jazz, performing selections from two of the most important and influential recorded jazz albums of all time, Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and Birth of the Cool.

Selections include timeless classics, So What, All Blues and Freddie Freeloader. Other program highlights include a seasonal jazz arrangement of O Tannenbaum and selections by pianist Herbie Hancock.

Classical Percussion Concert
Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Combining a touch of Christmas with chamber percussion selections, this season's Classical Percussion Concert promises to appeal to everyone.

Featuring guest performers, Raymond High School Percussion Ensemble, the program highlights Latin percussion, steel band, a powerful, mirrored drum duet and an incredible piece for Percussion Orchestra.

Directed by Adam Mason, the U of L Percussion Ensemble boasts more than 40 members including ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students and community members. Audiences can look forward to another unforgettable night of rhythm.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets to all these concerts are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 student/senior.

For a look at the full issue of the November Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Feel the Beat features Musaeus String Quartet

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:15:50 +0000

A musical stampede thunders its way through Southminster United Church, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, May 18-19, with the final concert of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music's Feel The Beat series.

A show for all ages, the program offers a menu of animal-themed musical selections, including Carnival of the Animals, composed by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, and How the Loon Got Its Necklace, by Keith Bissel.

"Feel the Beat is a four-part series for children that introduces classical music," explains Breeanne Fuller, conservatory co-ordinator. "Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and as always, free."

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Feel the Beat has enjoyed its second successful season this year.

"Carnival of the Animals aligns with the school music curriculum," Fuller adds. "It's a piece that appeals to young audiences while at the same time providing a valuable educational experience."

Composed for full orchestra and featuring two pianos, Carnival of the Animals includes 14 movements with delightful titles including Tortoises, Aquarium, The Elephant and Hens and Roosters.

Musaeus String Quartet, along with percussionist Adam Mason, will perform How The Loon Got Its Necklace, a Canadian composition based on an aboriginal folk legend.

"Everyone's invited to attend and the admission is free. However, you must reserve your seats before the show," Fuller says.

With shows at 10 a.m. and noon on both May 18 and 19, seats can be reserved over the phone by calling 403-329-2304.

"Although the 10 a.m. shows are sold out, there are still plenty of seats available for the noon shows," she adds.

Fun for the whole family, this Feel the Beat concert is both educational and entertaining. Be sure to book your reservation early.

Celebrate your inner drummer

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:07:05 +0000

Here's your chance to release your inner drummer.

Everyone is invited to attend the Third Annual Day of Percussion on Saturday, Apr. 10 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall hosted by the U of L Conservatory of Music. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with $10 registration at the door.

"The day features clinics and performances from world drum educators and performers," says Adam Mason, Percussion Ensemble director. "Everybody in the community is welcome to attend."

Door prizes, giveaways and a showroom of percussion equipment greet attendees. The day is filled with workshops and some hands-on opportunities as well.

"Mike Michalkow, one of our special guests, is conducting a drum set clinic," says Mason. "Michalkow comes to us from Vancouver courtesy of Yamaha. It's a great opportunity for students to meet and work with an exceptional musician."

Another highlight is the Marching Percussion Clinic, led by Lael Johnston.

"Participants are going to experience one of the best drum lines of our region," says Mason.

Tickets for the Global Drums concert are separate from Day of Percussion registration and are available for $15 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors.

Catch the beat during Day of Percussion

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:01:30 +0000

Here's your chance to release your inner drummer.

"The day features clinics and performances from world drum educators and performers," says Adam Mason, Percussion Ensemble director. "Everybody in the community is welcome to attend."

Door prizes, giveaways and a showroom of percussion equipment greet attendees. The day is filled with workshops and some hands-on opportunities as well.

Another highlight is the Marching Percussion Clinic, led by Lael Johnston.

"Participants are going to experience one of the best drum lines of our region," says Mason.

Tickets for the Global Drums concert are separate from Day of Percussion registration and are available for $15 regular admission and $10 for students and seniors.

Glory and Grandeur

trevor.kenney — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:33:02 +0000

Celebrate the glory and the grandeur of magnificent wind band music with the U of L Wind Orchestra, Friday, Mar. 26 at 8 p.m. in Southminster United Church.

"Our feature piece provides the title of our concert," says director Glenn Klassen. "The Glory and the Grandeur by Russell Peck is going to knock everyone's socks off!"

An exciting composition for percussion trio and wind orchestra, three guest percussionists take the stage for this piece – U of L percussion instructor Adam Mason and music majors Jodi Bartel and Matt Groenheide.

"It's a terribly exciting, upbeat and jazzy piece. It's also visually stunning to see the percussionists running back and forth on stage," Klassen says.

The program also features an H. Owen Reed piece entitled, La Fiesta Mexicana.

"This is a wonderful piece inspired by the composer's visit to Mexico during Carnivale," Klassen explains. "The piece has both festive and sacred components, including a Mariachi section. It has some of the typical Mexican sounds and flavours."

Other items on the program include Shostakovich's Festive Overture and another piece called Festivale, which will be conducted by a special guest conductor, to be revealed at the concert.

Audiences outside of Lethbridge also have the opportunity to hear the U of L Wind Orchestra during their tour in March.

"We leave on Mar. 1 for British Columbia," Klassen says. "We'll be playing across the province, from Penticton to Vancouver."

Among the many performances during the tour, a highlight is their appearance at the Okanagan Band Festival.

"We are the featured band for the festival," Klassen says. "This is a big deal for the Wind Orchestra. With over 30 bands performing, it's a great honour to be named as the feature performer."

Tickets for the Mar. 26 Lethbridge performance are on sale at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616) and at the door. Tickets are priced at $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors.

UNews - Adam Mason

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