UT Martin Perc. Ensemble - Behind The Music12/8/2009The University of Tennessee at Martin Percussion Ensemble gives a behind the scenes look at their Fall Concert rehearsalsThe University of Tennessee at Martin Percussion Ensemble performed their Fall concert on November 10th at Campbell Auditorium in the Holt Humanities Building. The concert was dedicated to the memory of Neguinho da Samba, the creator of samba reggae and featured an arrangement of samba reggae rhythms entitled, "Pearl Jam" (comprised for the Pearl Drum Company) by Dr. Julie Hill. In addition, other featured artists included, Kyle Dunleavy, double second pans; Dr. Amy Simmons, clarinet; Daniel Vargason, student conductor; Cory Bozard, drumset; and Jacob Abbott, marimba. Works include “Cloud Forest” by Blake Tyson, “Identity Crisis” by Michael Aukofer, “Damn” by John Mackey, “Vespertine Formations” by Christopher Deane and several other surprises. The variety of instruments consisted of bird whistles, pots and pans, gargling, marimbas, drumsets and more. The ensemble was comprised of 17 music majors from across the state of Tennessee and under the direction of Dr. Julie Hill.
A fusion of samba and reggae, this style emerged in the 1970s in the heavily infused Afro-Brazilian city of Salvador alongside a resurgence in black awareness inspired by the influence of artists like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. The result is an infectious groove that fills the mind and body with an insatiable primal energy.
Since it’s beginning, a focus on new political consciousness and social reality has developed. Blocos Afros (Afro Blocks) have formed throughout Salvador and have made this music a source of pride for it’s residents. Many of these Blocos Afros are dedicated to social transformation through music. The city of Salvador is eighty percent black with a large population of homeless children. Many of these children are adopted by the Blocos Afros and given food and clothing, but also taught to play percussion instruments thereby gaining confidence, pride, and the knowledge that through hard work and practice, they may choose their own path.
The University of Tennessee at Martin Percussion Ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Julie Hill. The ensemble is diverse in scope, specializing in contemporary and world percussion music of all types. The University of Tennessee at Martin percussion ensemble has performed internationally at the PercuSonidos International Percussion Festival in Tampico, Mexico, the Universidad Federal (UFBA) in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and regionally on numerous occasions at the Tennessee Music Educators Conference.
In addition, the ensemble provides West and Middle Tennessee communities with a number of educational clinic and concert opportunities including the Roots of Rhythm Presentations. The mission of the UTM Percussion ensemble is to promote diversity and tolerance of cultural differences through music. The UTM Percussion Ensemble has performed with world renowned artists such as Zoro, Anders Astrand, Michael Gould, James Campbell, Miles Osland, Steve Houghton, Ney Rosauro, the Caixa Trio, James Ross, Brian Mason, John Parks, Michael McIntosh, Glen Caruba, Layne Redmond, and Matt Savage. UTM is endorsed by Evans drum heads and receives additional support from Innovative Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals, and Pearl Drums/Adams Musical Instruments.