SFA Percussion Ensemble and guest marimbists to perform

Katarzyna Mycka is one of two internationally renowned marimbists who will be working with SFA percussion students Nov. 2 through 4. She will also be a guest soloist during the SFA Percussion Ensemble's concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Cole Concert Hall.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Two internationally renowned marimba artists will be visiting Stephen F. Austin State University Nov. 2 through 4 to work with percussion students and give performances.

Kai Stensgaard and Katarzyna Mycka are stopping by Nacogdoches on their way to Austin to attend the Percussive Arts Society International Convention later in the week.

Stensgaard, a native of Denmark, will present a solo marimba concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in the Music Recital Hall (Room 160) of the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building. The program features many of Stensgaard's own transcriptions and arrangements. Admission is free.

Mycka will join the SFA Percussion Ensemble for its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Cole Concert Hall. She will perform several works from her solo collection.

Under the direction of Scott Harris, SFA assistant professor of percussion, the 13-member ensemble will perform works from a variety of percussion and musical styles.

The concert will open with Alexander Lepak's "Crescendo," a piece that starts with a single soft conga and gradually builds to include all ensemble members playing as loud as possible, explained Harris.

The ensemble will also perform works by William Kraft, David Skidmore and Daniel McCarthy, closing with Dave Samuels' Latin percussion work "Rendezvous" which features many student soloists on vibraphone, marimba, congas, timbales and drumset.

"We are going to have an exciting three days!" said Harris. "We invite everyone to join us for the two concerts and take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear world-class marimbists."

Both concerts are joint presentations of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music.

Tickets for Tuesday's concert are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information on either concert please call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.