The Word 'Cool'

I urge you to purchase tickets now for the Nov. 11-12 Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra premiere of Joseph Schwantner's Concerto for Section Percussion and Timpani and Orchestra!

Joe is a Pulitizer Prize winning composer.  He was commissioned by the Percussive Arts Society (an International organization) to write this composition.  We met with Joe about three years ago and have been practicing since July 1.  As a group of 4 timpani/percussionists I believe we have put in more than 50 hours. The piece is as exciting as it gets!

Some of the instruments we play (in the front of the orchestra) - vibraphone, 5 octave marimba, xylophone, chimes, tom toms, 3 large bass drums, bowed tam tams (gongs), crotales (pitched tiny cymbals), timpani, my personal waterphone (yep), triangle dipped into a bowl of water = just a huge set-up.  And 100 different sticks and mallets!!  We play from very very loud, to very very soft.  In movt. 2 Braham Dembar and I share a 5 octave marimba (some solos) - the difficult part is not running into each other.  

The Thursday night before you hear the piece,  we will perform to a full house for the Percussive Arts Society.  In attendance will be professional percussionists from around the world including our mentors, teachers and idols.  "Just a little pressure."  I know of colleagues from the LA Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra (just to name a few) that will be in attendance.

Time to practice some more - please write if you want more information.  The entire concert includes music that would sell out the concert halls of Europe.  Don't miss this one!

And check out the stage set-up for the Concerto!