UNews - Percussion Ensemble

Musical week offered by Fine Arts

trevor.kenney — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:29:18 +0000

The Faculty of Fine Arts is ramping up its schedule as Christmas approaches, offering a number of musical evenings to help get everyone in the mood for the festive season.

There are two musical offerings this week, beginning with Wednesday's Braggin in Brass concert in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre. Next week, two more events are on the go.

Braggin' in Brass, 8 p.m., Nov. 23, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Enjoy the bright, bold sounds of big brass. From older classics such as Duke Ellington's Braggin' in Brass and Benny Carter's Again & Again, to modern pieces by Bob Brookmeyer, this U of L Jazz Ensemble concert features an eclectic mix of music. "We are also performing original music written by our guest artist Dean McNeill, from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan," says Dr. David Renter, director. "Dean is a great trumpet player and composer and we are excited to have him join us on this concert."

Classical Percussion Concert, 8 p.m., Nov. 25, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Foot-stomping fun for the whole family. The U of L Percussion Ensemble showcases an exciting evening of entertainment with a stunning array of percussive pieces. From an energetic Phillip Glass arrangement for marimba, to an emotional collaboration with the U of L Singers in Eric Whitacre's Lux Aurumque, this program has something for everyone.

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.

Performing Arts events

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:30:19 +0000

THEATRE & MUSIC

November 22
Ode to Joy
(Beethoven's Symphony #9)
8 p.m., Southminster United Church
Lethbridge Symphony and Vox Musica with soloists Janet Youngdahl, soprano; Sandra Stringer, mezzo-soprano; Blaine Hendsbee, tenor; and George Evelyn, bass-baritone. Tickets: 403-329-7328.

November 23-27
Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind (English Translation by Jonathan Franzen)
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre
Written in 1891 and not performed uncensored for decades, this "children's tragedy" is as much a statement about sexual morality and bourgeois hypocrisy today as it was a century ago. A group of teens experience a sexual awakening, becoming curious about their bodies, each other, masturbation and more. Teachers and parents fight to protect them, with both hilarious and disastrous results. Mature content.

November 26
U of L Wind Orchestra Concert
8 p.m., Southminster United Church

November 30
Magnum Mysterium (Great Mystery)
8 p.m., Southminster United Church | Vox Musica and the U of L Women's Chorus.

December 1
Birth of the Cool
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre | The U of L Jazz Ensemble performs music from the famous album Birth of the Cool and other well-known Miles Davis songs, including All Blue and So What.

December 3
Classical Percussion Concert
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre | The
U of L Percussion Ensemble performs compelling modern and classical repertoire with a touch of Christmas.

December 4 & 5
Magnificat & Messiah
8 p.m., Dec. 4 | 3 p.m., Dec. 5, Southminster United Church | The LSO with the U of L Singers perform Bach's Magnificat and the Christmas part of Handel's Messiah. Tickets: 403-329-7328. LSO Master Series

January 22
Big Band Cabaret
8 p.m., U of L Ballrooms (Students' Union Building) | Enjoy a silent auction, door prizes, and dancing to the music of the Lethbridge Big Band.

January 20-22
TheatreXtra
8 p.m., David Spinks Theatre; Matinee: 2 p.m., Jan. 22

January 22
Classical Winds
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall
Features Thomas Staples, horn; Margaret Mezei, clarinet; and Deanna Oye, piano; with friends. Faculty Artists & Friends Series

January 23
Classical Winds
2 p.m., Medicine Hat Esplanade Studio Theatre | The concert is followed by a
U of L alumni reception. Faculty Artists & Friends Series

January 27
Schubertiade
7:30 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library Theatre | A celebration of Franz Schubert's music presented by music faculty and students. Free admission.

January 28
Original Brass
8 p.m., Southminster United Church
U of L Faculty Brass Quintet: Trudi Mason, trumpet; Keith Griffioen, trumpet; Thomas Staples, horn; Gerald Rogers, trombone; Nick Sullivan, bass trombone. Tickets:
403-329-7328. LSO Chamber Series

January 29
Abbondànza
6 p.m., CoCo Pazzo Italian Café
The 10th annual memorable evening of gourmet food, fine art and fun, to raise funds for Fine Arts student scholarships. Tickets limited, book early: 403-329-2227.

February 7
Happy 50th Birthday LSO!
8 p.m., Southminster United Church
The Lethbridge Symphony, with the Musaeus String Quartet, performs works by Leonard Bernstein, Tchaikovsky and
U of L Professor Emeritus John-Paul Christopher Jackson. | Tickets: 403-329-7328. LSO Master Series

February 11 & 12
An Evening of Chamber Opera
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall
Giancarlo Menotti's comic radio opera The Old Maid and the Thief headlines this Opera Workshop performance, which also includes Samuel Barber's A Hand of Bridge and the delightful 18th century comedy La Cantarina by Franz Joseph Haydn.

February 15-19
The Seagull by Anton Chekhov
8 p.m., David Spinks Theatre
Konstantin loves his mother but is jealous of her fame and depressed about his lack of success as a playwright. He despises the celebrated young writer who lives with her and seems to have captured the attention of the girl he adores. Passions abound and idealism is challenged by triviality in this absorbing drama from the master of comic realism.

ART

November 20
Button Making with Trap/door
What's the most creative thing you can fit onto a 1" round button? Here's a great way to test your eye for things on a smaller scale. Buttons are $1 each, or 5 for $3. All the proceeds go to Trap/door Artist Run Centre.

January 15
Prairie Ink Drawings
In celebration of A Little History on the Prairies, you can make your own prairie ink – just like they did waaaaaay back when. Use your ink to draw a prairie landscape that may or may not contain a little house!

February 5
Printmaking
An annual favourite, all materials are provided and it's easy to do, not to mention lots of fun.

EXHIBITIONS

U of L Main Gallery

November 5 to January 7
Promising Objects

January 14 to February 25
A Little History on the Prairies

HELEN CHRISTOU GALLERY

October 29 to January 14
Lethbridge National Park
(art + people = x series)

January 21 to April 8
Projects by Museum Studies Interns

For more information about any of these events, visit:
www.ulethbridge.ca/finearts/events

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

Ensembles come together

trevor.kenney — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:39:33 +0000

For the first time on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, each individual student music ensemble comes together in one performance – to celebrate the installation of President Michael Mahon.

Ensemble Extravaganza, on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, includes performances by the U of L Singers, Vox Musica Choir, Women's Chorus, Wind Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Global Drums, Trumpet Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and a staged operatic excerpt by the Opera Workshop.

"Last year, we had some concerts where various ensembles shared the stage, and it was evident these concerts were great experiences for both the audiences and the ensembles," says Dr. Janet Youngdahl, co-ordinator of the Ensemble Extravaganza.

The ensemble directors share her sentiments, and the presidential installation provides the perfect opportunity to bring all the ensembles together on a grand scale.

With the concert only a month into the semester, getting repertoire together in such a short time span is a challenge.

"Without question, the timing of this event pushes our ensembles to reach their best potential in a limited timeframe," Youngdahl says. "However, the concert also showcases the wealth of musical talent that shines in our ensembles. It is an evening not to be missed."

Tickets for Ensemble Extravaganza are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616) and are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 for student/senior. Box Office hours are 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Ensembles come together

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:08:27 +0000

For the first time on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage, each individual student music
ensemble comes together in one performance – to celebrate the installation of President Michael Mahon.

The ensemble directors share her sentiments, and the presidential installation provides the perfect opportunity to bring all the ensembles together on a grand scale.

With the concert only a month into the semester, getting repertoire together in such a short time span is a challenge.

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.

Percussion ensemble has the holiday beat

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:37:12 +0000

The U of L Percussion Ensemble is drumming up holiday spirit through its Classical Percussion Concert, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

The program includes an evening of rhythm and fun featuring the Steel Band, Taiko Drummers, and African drums. "We'll present smaller chamber works as well as some pieces we hope surprise the audience," says Adam Mason, director.

Christmas tunes that ornament the program include "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and other holiday favourites.

"Along with our world music groups, we'll present a work from Tanzania and a Taiko drum piece, which has lots of choreography," says Mason. "Although the concert is more low-key than our spring Global Drums show, audiences can expect to see the best our ensemble has to offer."

Also on the program is a marimba selection played by U of L music major Jodi Bartel. "Jodi attended the Marimba Summit in Germany this year, studying with the most renowned marimba players in the world," says Mason.

Classical Percussion is an eclectic evening of Christmas favorites, percussive melodies and earth shaking drumming that is sure to get anyone in the holiday mood.

Tickets are available at the U of L Box Office (403-329-2616).

Sauvé sees Convocation from the other side

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:42:09 +0000

She's played a part in Convocation since her first semester on campus. Fittingly, when Julie Sauvé (BMus/BEd '09) was eligible to walk the stage herself, her role in Spring 2009 Convocation was an integral one.

Sauvé, the invocation reader for Ceremony III, had always respected the position as she witnessed graduation ceremonies over the years, performing at Convocation as a member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Wind Orchestra. Earning the opportunity to read this spring completed a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ career that saw the Cold Lake, Alta. native make the very most of her U of L experience.

"I value the many opportunities I was presented with during my stay at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," she says. "The music program at the U of L provided many performance opportunities, both inside and outside of the country, and also gave me the opportunity to work as a clinician.

"My most memorable experience at the U of L would have to be the music tours organized and directed by professors, Adam Mason and Dr. Tom Staples. Each tour enabled us to work with internationally known artists/clinicians and even provided the opportunity to perform and compete in Columbus, Ohio, and Austin, Texas."

Now a proud alumnus, Sauvé originally came to the U of L thanks to recommendations from other ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ alums, a pair of former high school teachers in Cold Lake.

"When I decided I wanted to be a teacher, I looked to see where some of my favourite teachers did their post-secondary education," says Sauvé. "They told me all about this university and why Lethbridge's education program was superior. After a few meetings, and a couple of prayers, I knew this was where I was supposed to spend the next few years."

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ lived up to its advance billing, and then some.

"Everything I have experienced at the U of L has far surpassed any and all of my expectations," she says. "The small class sizes, the professors' dedication and passion for their work, along with all the opportunities they provided for their students on a daily basis, were astounding. I am proud to be an alumnus because I know I was taught by dedicated and passionate professors who ensured that I got the quality of education I needed in order to succeed after convocation."

Sauvé was especially impressed with the one-on-one relationships she was able to develop with professors, and specifically Mason.

"Adam was the first to show me how to successfully build a program, sustain it and balance out the rest of life's curveballs without burning out," she says. "He has travelled to many countries to learn new musical styles and their relation to culture and every day life. Over the past five years, Adam truly has equipped me with the skills to succeed. His love for music and passion to learn inspired me to work harder and go that extra mile. I am very fortunate to have worked with such an amazing individual."

GET THE FACTS

• Sauvé played in both the U of L Wind Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble

• She first heard the Wind Orchestra while a high school student at Cold Lake. Taking part in Alberta Honour Band in Edmonton, she and a friend stayed an extra day to see the U of L perform, after which she met Dr. Tom Staples, who encouraged her to come to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ upon graduation

• She is currently working as a substitute teacher in northern Alberta and will marry another
U of L alumnus in July

• Along with her new husband, Sauvé plans to move to Japan as part of the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) program in late July. While there, she expects to join a Taiko drum group and build on the knowledge she gained working with Adam Mason

UNews - Percussion Ensemble

Musical week offered by Fine Arts

Related Topics

Global Drums preparing for exotic event

Related Topics

Music events dot calendar

Related Topics

Performing Arts events

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Ensembles come together

Related Topics

Ensembles come together

Related Topics

Celebrate your inner drummer

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Catch the beat during Day of Percussion

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Percussion ensemble has the holiday beat

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Sauvé sees Convocation from the other side

Related Topics