Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Percussion Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform works by Nathan Daughtrey, Francisco Perez, Rüdiger Pawassar and other noted composers in a virtual concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
Directed by Dr. Brad Meyer, associate professor of percussion at SFA, the ensemble will perform Daughtrey’s “Shock Factor,” which is primarily driven by battery percussion. The piece features exciting vocal effects all derived from the word "shock." A brief section in the middle of the piece takes a departure from the battery instruments by bringing prominence to the metallic keyboard percussion, such as bells, vibraphone and chimes. “Driving from beginning to end, ‘Shock Factor’ delivers,” according to Daughtrey.
Perez wrote “Nalu” as a marimba quartet for four players on two marimbas. In the Hawaiian language, the word “nalu” stands for wave, in reference to those in the waters surrounding the islands of Hawaii. “Through the use of counterpoint, syncopation, hocket and hints of minimalist techniques, ‘Nalu’ emulates the varying moods and textures of these ever-changing waves in the Pacific,” he writes.
The program also features “Study in 5/8” by Mitchell Peters, a former principal timpanist and percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Pawassar describes his “Sculpture 3” as “almost a classical-sounding work, but resembles many harmonic structures found in ’70’s and ’80’s jazz.” The composer comments that when writing this work, it resembled to him “the making of a wood sculpture where, in drafts, many parts were cut off, added again, shifted and intertwined with one another.”
The concert concludes with “Ojo” by Joe W. Moore III. The inspiration for the piece comes from Latin American folklore “mal de ojo,” which is looking or staring at someone with envy or praising them without touching them. The goal of the piece is to keep the audience engaged throughout the work with quick passages, rhythmic variety, timbre changes and movements transitioning between instruments, according to Moore.
To access the live concert free of charge, go to https://youtu.be/gbvk1Iq66ng. For additional information, contact the School of Music at (936) 468-4602.