Purdue News

March 30, 2001 Percussion rules change when 'In-Pulse!' takes the stage WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Percussion players don't usually blow into their instruments, but all the rules change when members of the Purdue Percussion Ensemble use balloons to make music. The Purdue Percussion Ensemble and Winter Drum Line presents "In-Pulse!" a concert which juxtaposes classical pieces with more off-the-wall works. The concert will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 8, in Loeb Playhouse. The concert is free and open to the public. Tuxedos suggest a formal piece when musicians walk on the stage for "Balloonology," but the tune calls upon musicians to make jazz-like music out of the sounds created by blowing up balloons, letting the air out, popping them and rubbing balloons against the musicians' teeth. "It's a fun piece and the students are going to ham it up," said Pamela J. Nave, assistant professor of Purdue University Bands, and the department's percussion specialist. She said making students and the public realize that complex and entertaining musical rhythms can be produced by something as simple as balloons, or wooden poles in "Stick Schtick," is her goal. "As much fun as they are to listen to, they're equally as much fun to play," she said. "And they're not as easy to play as they look. They're hard to put together." "In-Pulse!" takes its name from a Jon Whitlock piece that spotlights the snare drum. A variety of percussion instruments will be highlighted in the concert, including tenor drums in "The Phantom of the Phield," the xylophone in "Fluffy Ruffles" and the marimba in "Marimba Spiritual." "'Marimba Spiritual' is a totally different piece than anyone has ever presented here before," said Nave. "It's a Japanese piece with lots of yelling, a drum solo and massive percussion." The evening's most traditional moment will come when Michael Bottorff, a senior English education major from Richmond, Ind., presents "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra" by Robert Kurka. One of two concert guests is the Tri-County High School Percussion Ensemble directed by Bottorff. The ensemble will perform "Brooms Hilda," inspired by Stomp, and Vic Furth's "Encore in Jazz." Performing as a guest soloist is Arthur Lipner, a professional vibes and xylophone player, who said he gets his inspiration from folkloric music of cultures from around the world. He has recorded several compact discs. Lipner will talk to students at a 5 p.m. preconcert clinic at Loeb Playhouse. The free presentation, titled "Practice Techniques," is applicable to all student musicians. Admission is free. CONTACT: Kathy Matter, (765) 496-6785, kcmatter@purdue.edu. To the Purdue News and Photos Page