Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - World-renowned percussionist James Campbell will perform with the SFA Percussion Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, in Cole Concert Hall in the Wright Music Building on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.
The concert, presented by the SFA Percussion Studio under the direction of Dr. Brad Meyer, will feature several of Campbell's compositions he has written throughout the past two decades.
"Mr. Campbell is an internationally respected educator, composer and performer," Meyer said. "It is an amazing honor and privilege to have him come to SFA to work with the students and to perform several of his own works. This is absolutely a must-see event!"
Campbell has received worldwide recognition as a performer, pedagogue and author, and he is a respected figure in the development of the contemporary percussion ensemble, Meyer said. He has toured extensively throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Campbell will perform the solo part of his rock-and-roll styled "Garage Drummer" for percussion ensemble, as well as his "exciting, high-energy snare drum solo, 'Psychle,'" Meyer said.
Several SFA percussion students will be featured, including senior Nick Kelly performing Campbell's "Tangents" for solo timpani and hi-hat, which features several diverse and contrasting styles in one solo. Nathan Poteet, senior, will perform Campbell's three-movement work, "Symphonic Dances for Solo Snare Drum,'" which transforms and manipulates three of the most popular orchestral snare drum audition solos requested for symphony auditions, Meyer explained.
Well known for his long past association with the internationally renowned Rosemont Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Campbell has served as their principal instructor, arranger and program coordinator and was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame. He served as percussion director for the McDonald's All-American High School Band and was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have greatly impacted the nation's band activity and music education.
Campbell will also give a clinic covering numerous percussion techniques at 1 p.m. Friday in Room 124 of the School of Music. This clinic will be free and open to the public.
To find out more information about the SFA Percussion Studio, visit/subscribe/"like" their online presence at:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SFAPS
- Website: www.Brad-Meyer.com/sfa
- Twitter/Instagram/Vine/Tumbler/Pinterest: SFAPercStudio
Tickets to this Cole Performing Arts Series event are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407.