Knock on wood… and drums, and any other available surface

The percussion Ensemble practices their repertoire of varied songs in anticipation of their winter concert. Photo credit: Ai Mitton/ UVU Review

The Little Drummer Boy isn’t the only drumming to be heard this holiday season. The Percussion Ensemble is having their winter concert   at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 in the Ragan Theater and admission is free.

Percussion implies that an instrument is used to hit another instrument in order to produce music. Thus the Percussion Ensemble focuses on how a wide range of music is produced though the use of such instruments.

“[We are] going to show how anything can be mixed to produce music, thereby defusing the general idea of what people think of music,” said Daniella Aslett, a senior majoring in music.

One piece composed by John Cage, titled “The Living Room,” is one that is different and unique from traditional music. It entails playing on non-traditional instrument such as a magazine, a trash can and other items found in a living room. Andrew James Barry, a junior majoring in music, said, “I am eager for this piece. I think we are prepared and will sound great.”

Barry feels that the concert will not only create entertainment for others, but it will also help the students of the class to be ready for any musical situation they encounter in the professional world.

Another piece that will be performed is a cover of a famous rock group.

“The Radiohead piece will show a wide range of what we can play,” said Krysta Graf, a sophomore who is part of the percussion class just because of her love for music.

“I am excited because we are playing a wide variety of music that the audience can learn and have fun [with]. … [This] is not common music. It is a rare opportunity,” said Hilary Demske, director of Piano Studies.

Aslett referred to the concert as a classic rock concert using classical instruments.  She added, “I am ecstatic! The concert will be a fantastic showcase … Get prepared to laugh. It is going to be different and not what you will expect, but it will be a great experience.”