SRU Percussion Ensemble gives a striking performance

Justin Vorp (left) and Stevie Pachesky (right) open the concert with Sossa-Bala

Slippery Rock University Department of Music presented the Percussion Ensemble concert on Thursday night, November 5th, 2015. The concert consisted of many different percussion arrangements for almost anyone to enjoy and included twelve students performing in the show. 

The show opened with two pieces by Emmanuel Sejourne which included marimbas and conga drums and lighters. The opening song, Sossa-Balla, started with one performer, then adding two, and soon there were eight performers showcasing different sounds from the marimbas and congas. 

The second song opening the show was done with lighters. Four freshman, holding two lighters each, created sounds along with a visual show by memorizing a stunning light show pattern. The room was completely dark and the only light visible was from the lighters in their hands.  

Another unique performance was "The Gilded Cage" which was played by four drummers striking break drums from cars and trucks. This piece was very loud and energetic versus some of the other performances in the show. The four drummers also used sounds from their drumsticks hitting and tapping each other, combined with symbols and tom toms. 

After performing a more formal, classical first half of the show, the performers came back for a second performance for the night, playing steel pan instruments. This half of the show was more lively and upbeat, creating a fun way to end the concert.

Sarah Sabota rocking out on the steel drums in the second half of the percussion concert

The opening song for the second half of the concert was Radiohead’s “Creep” which was a unique, steel pan performance, giving a spin off of the original rock tune. Another unique piece added to the second half was Afro Blue, in which SRU student Jamison Lopochonksy directed himself, putting his own twist on the song.

The Percussion Ensemble concert showcased a diverse sound for any music lover to enjoy, adding authentic elements that created new vibrations and tones for the audience to tune into to.