The Keene State Percussion Ensemble performed its fall concert on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Recital Hall.
The ensemble performed five pieces, kicking off the concert with a rendition of “Septet” by American composer David Levitan and ending with “Tombo in 7/4” by Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira and Uruguayan composer Hugo Fattoruso.
Other pieces included “Burning Money” by Brazilian guitarist Jose Neto, “San Francisco River” by Brazilian singer Flora Purim and “Light as a Feather” by American composer Stanley Clarke and Purim.
“It looked to be the largest audience we’ve had at any of our performances in my time here, which is nice to see,” said ensemble Director James Walker.
This is Walker’s fifth semester directing the Percussion Ensemble after he began teaching at Keene State in the fall of 2021.
According to Walker, the process of concert development began long before the semester, since he created all of the arrangements for the Percussion Ensemble himself. Walker said he enjoyed working on pieces that other ensembles at Keene State, such as the Concert Band, might not get the opportunity to work on.
“I think it’s the chance for students, and occasionally me, to play different styles of music and instruments that I know the students don’t usually get to play,” he said. “There are some things we get to do in Percussion Ensemble that don’t come up as often.” Junior Tori Young, who has been a member of the Percussion Ensemble since she was a firstyear, said she enjoyed the challenge the rehearsal process brought upon her.
“The first piece we played was extremely difficult, to the point where we didn’t even know, in the beginning, if we’d be able to pull it off, but we did,” Young said. “But I would say it’s more of a fun challenge versus real frustration.”
Additionally, Young said her favorite part of being in Percussion Ensemble was the welcoming environment it created for her.
“We’re constantly goofing around, as well as being productive. We just have a really good time,” Young said.
Emily Sloane can be contacted at
esloane@kscequinox.com
