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The Arizona Percussion Ensemble, comprised of students from the percussion studio, will perform their annual fall concert. This concert will feature several compositions that highlight the varied instruments and colors that make up the most fascinating family of musical instruments.

The Arizona Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Norman Weinberg, will be performing a variety of contemporary percussion works as they prepare to embark on their newest project, a 5.1 surround sound DVD. This concert features smaller ensemble compositions from trios to sextets.

Weinberg described the concert's program, saying:

"Nearly every work on this concert is a highlight but some special mentions are 'Lift Off' by Russell Peck scored for a trio of players, each with three bass drums. There’s sure to be a lot of 'low end' power and energy in that one! Another trio is 'Rain Tree,' composed by Toru Takemitsu. This wonderful composition features the melodic percussion instruments of marimba, vibraphone, bells and crotales to set the evocative mood of the title.

"'Hook,' by Graham Fitkin, is an exciting work for four marimbas. This piece has a strong groove and distinctively jazz-like characteristics. Each player performs on the marimba along with a tom tom and a bass drum. Bolcom’s 'Graceful Ghost' is a contemporary ragtime piece with a warmth and style that mirrors its name. 'From In Contact' is a larger work for 10 players by the brilliant young composer David Skidmore. It musical terms, it describes a possible 'contact' from other worlds."

Special guests include the Pride of Arizona Drumline, performing passages of their new show "The Music of Aerosmith." The new incarnation of the group, Rosewood, will be providing music in the lobby before the concert.