Concert features strong rhythmic focus
The Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre at Cal Poly Humboldt will present “Contemporary Music for Percussion” performed by the Cal Poly Humboldt Percussion Ensemble; “The Exciting Rhythms of the Brasilian Tradition” performed by the World Percussion Group; and the “Festive Steel Drum Sounds of the Caribbean” performed by the Humboldt Calypso Band on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. at the Fulkerson Recital Hall the university campus in Arcata.
The performances will be directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman. Tickets are $10 general, $5 for children and free for Cal Poly Humboldt students with ID. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at centerarts.humboldt.edu. (From the “All Events” drop down menu select “School of Dance, Music, and Theatre” and select your event.)
Novotney is enthusiastic about the evening’s program. “Every piece and every musical arrangement on this concert are phenomenal,” he said. “I am so happy to share this music with the Humboldt community, and truly, if you make the effort to come out to this concert, you will not be disappointed.”
The Cal Poly Humboldt Percussion Ensemble begins the program premiering two new works never heard on the North Coast. The first is a piece composed by Dustin Schulze titled “The R.E.M.Cycle.” This work features a large percussion orchestra consisting of four marimbas, four vibraphones, chimes, glockenspeil, five bass drums and grand piano. The piece has a strong rhythmic drive throughout.
Piano is featured prominently throughout the piece, weaving in and out of the haunting melodic lines played by the marimbas and vibraphones.
The second featured work of the evening is the North Coast premiere of Ivan Trevino’s percussion masterpiece, “Catching Shadows,” which features two marimba soloists accompanied by four vibraphones and three percussionists. The piece is built on complex interlocking marimba melodies supported by shifting vibraphone lines that create an overall sound that is both harmonic and profound.
The Cal Poly Humboldt Percussion Ensemble will also perform a work composed by its director, Eugene Novotney, titled “SCRATCH” for an ensemble of guiros (or scraped gourds) often found in the central and south American folkloric music traditions. “SCRATCH” was inspired by the composer’s lifelong battle with seasonal allergies, and the itching and scratching that those allergies often generate. As a result,
“SCRATCH” was written with a good sense of humor and a strong sense of purpose and groove.
The first half of the show will end with a suite of traditional Brasilian music performed by the Cal Poly Humboldt World Percussion Group under the direction of Kaufman, all performed on traditional Brasilian instruments.
Novotney said, “I am so proud of the hard work of our students and community members this semester. Everyone has given their maximum effort to bring these pieces to their best, and the groups just sound awesome. I am humbled by the supreme commitment of our members and the musical excellence that they have achieved.”
The second half of the program will feature the festive dance music of the Humboldt State Calypso Band. For over a third of a century, the Calypso Band has been performing and entertaining local audiences. The Calypso Band will feature several highenergy compositions from the Caribbean in its set, including the modern Panorama classic from the island of Trinidad — “Pan in ‘A’ Minor” by Lord Kitchener and Jit Samaroo and “VISION 2020” by Len “Boogsie”
Novotney urges everyone to not miss out on this incredible musical experience at Cal Poly Humboldt. “This concert is certain to be an evening of significant and memorable performances with strong rhythmic focus,” he said. “The energy of the Humboldt audience is what makes our concerts special. We feed off the emotion of our crowd, and that support gives us the focus and drive to play our very best. We cannot do it alone — we hope to see you there!”
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster is still required for all guests on campus. At press time, the wearing of face masks is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged.
For ticket information, call 707-826-3928. To watch the free livestream, go to the website above’s “All Events” drop down menu, select “Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre” and select your event.