The Messenger 04.11.08

The University of Tennessee at Martin percussion ensemble will perform its spring program 3 p.m. April 27 in the Harriet Fulton Performing Arts Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Organizers have said this may be ensemble members’ most exciting concert yet, with guest artist Dr. Morris Palter from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Palter will perform several pieces of contemporary music with the UT Martin ensemble.
UT Martin percussion alumni will also play in a grand finale with the percussion ensemble and jazz band. They will perform a mass band/percussion piece called “La Vide Es Un Carnaval,” made popular by the great Cuban singer Celia Cruz. In addition, the UT Martin ensemble will play Edgard Varese’s “Ionisation,” (1931), the first piece written for percussion ensemble in 1931.
Members of the percussion ensemble include Scottie Somerville of Kenton, Mark Fairless of Trenton, Daniel Vargason of Selmer, Richard Henson of Gibson, Cory Bozard and Jeff Moore, both of Newbern, Sean Johnson of Memphis, Andrew Lynn and Jacob Abbot, both of Dyer, and Stephen Hughes of Memphis.
The UT Martin percussion ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Julie Hill, assistant professor of music.
Contact Hill at jhill@utm.edu for more information about the event or visit the UT Martin percussion Web site at www.utm.edu/percussion.