Brass and Percussion Concert
Written by Julian Jimenez-Pardo
Corson Auditorium, November 21, 2024
On Nov. 21, the Brass and Percussion Departments showcased the talent and versatility of its students in a stunning evening of brass and percussion ensembles. Directed by Keith Aleo, Lauren Hunt, Ken Larson, and Thomas Riccobono, the program captivated the audience with its mix of historical pieces, contemporary compositions, and impressive collaborations with string faculty.
The percussion ensemble opened the evening with Drew Worden’s Escape. Worden, a contemporary composer known for blending rhythm and melody, offers a piece that turns heads due to its intricate rhythms and melody, yet appears to be a simple sextet for triangles. The ensemble performed with impeccable timing and energy, setting the bar high for the night.
Next, Doris Dennison’s Earth Interval suite took center stage. Composed late in Dennison’s prolific career, this piece reflects her deep connection to the natural world. Each movement—Land Form, Air Tide, and Earth Play—was inspired by the shifting rhythms and textures of the environment. Earth Interval is a piece recently rediscovered in one of Dennison’s boxes, originally composed for two percussionists and a solo dancer, dating back to 1956. Dennison is best known as one of John Cage’s original percussion quartet members at the Cornish School of Music in Seattle.
Lou Harrison’s Concerto for Violin and Percussion followed, showcasing a fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Harrison, a remarkable figure in American composition, was heavily influenced by Javanese gamelan and other world music styles. Known for his experimentation with nontraditional instruments and tunings, Harrison broke the boundaries of classical music. The performers displayed remarkable coordination, balancing the exchange between the percussion ensemble and violin faculty Ara Sarkissian, whose lyrical phrases soared above the rhythmic foundation.
The brass choirs brought a different presence to the stage, impressing the audience with their dynamic range and tone. The Duck Lake Brass Choir’s performance of Dindirindin, an anonymous 15th-century work, set a majestic tone. The historical depth of the arrangement transported the audience to another era, creating a timeless connection between past and present.
Anne McGinty’s Equinox was another standout with its depiction of the seasons. The expressive and tonal color created a vivid sense of autumn, the anticipation of spring, and the passage of time. The students’ ability to convey technical precision and emotional depth drew significant admiration from the audience.
The Green Lake Brass Choir’s arrangement of Björk’s Overture brought a modern twist to the program, showcasing the versatility of brass instrumentation. In contrast, Tylman Susato’s Susato Suite brought a sense of Renaissance into the picture. Each dance was performed with clarity and rhythmic accuracy, finalizing the suite with a joyful chord.
The combined brass choirs’ finale, Brian Balmages’ Symphony No. 1 for Brass, was a grand conclusion to the evening. The Marcato movement, with its driving rhythms and beautiful harmonies, filled Corson Auditorium with an electrifying energy. From the sharp, and precise attacks to the subtle back and forth motifs, the students delivered a performance that left the audience in awe.
The Brass and Percussion Concert at Interlochen demonstrated the depth of talent and dedication within IAA’s music program. From the intricate rhythms of the percussion ensemble, to the powerful harmonies of the brass choirs, each performance was a testament to the students’ hard work and passion. Events like this not only highlight the hard work our fellow students are putting in everyday, but also foster a deeper appreciation for music.