University Music Calendar

FALL PERCUSSION EXTRAVAGANZA

Millersville University Percussion Ensemble

James Armstrong, director 
guest vibraphonist TONY MICELI

Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Millersville University Visual and Performing Arts Center
7:30pm
Tickets $10/ free with student ID

This event will feature vibraphone virtuoso Tony Miceli performing with the MU Percussion Ensemble and as soloist. The MU Percussion Ensemble will also present an array of jazz oriented percussion ensemble literature on this special concert. Mr. Miceli will present a masterclass on jazz vibraphone and improvisation during his brief residency in the Music Department.
for information visit: http://www.millersville.edu/music/musicsatmillersville/Percussion.php#Percussion
or by calling the music office (717) 872-3357 or percussion studio (717) 871-4669



Millersville University Percussion Ensemble (James Armstrong, director)
In existence for more than thirty years, the Percussion Ensemble is comprised of percussion majors and minors in the Millersville University Music Department. The members find percussion ensemble to serve as an important part of their training, and are dedicated to the furtherance of percussion ensemble music as one of America’s most exciting art forms. The ensemble performs several concerts each year featuring a wide array of repertoire, including classic percussion ensemble literature, jazz percussion, and world music styles, and is credited with the premiers of many new works and arrangements for the medium. The group  is supported by MU’s significant collection of fine percussion instruments and outstanding ensemble library. The Percussion Ensemble has performed extensively on tours, at the East Coast Percussion Ensemble Festival, at Percussive Arts Society events, as guests at area colleges, and children’s concerts throughout the region.


Vibraphonist Tony Miceli, whose playing has been compared with the legendary Milt Jackson and Gary Burton, grew up in New Jersey, currently resides in Philadelphia, and has been working steadily on the jazz scene since 1980. As a group leader, sideman, and recording artist, he has performed with numerous top musicians including David Liebman, Jimmy Bruno, Ken Peplowski, John Blake, Diane Monroe, John Swana, Joe Magnarelli, Steve Slagle, Larry McKenna, and many others. In addition to his work with the group Monkadelphia, which he co-founded, Miceli is a member of the PhilOrch Jazz Ensemble (a quartet featuring members of the Philadelphia Orchestra), the MJQ Tribute Ensemble (based in Ireland), Monk +5 (Based in Amsterdam) and several other groups based in the states and Europe.
He has performed at festivals and jazz clubs around the world, including the Daegu Internation Jazz Festival in South Korea, the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center, The Festival of the Vibraphone at Radio Hall in Bucharest Romania, Mozart Reinvented at Verizon Hall, the Berks Jazz Festival and many more.
In addition to his busy schedule of club dates, concert performances, and recordings, Miceli is a sought after master teacher. In addition to workshops in Amsterdam and other major cities, when at home base in Philadelphia, he conducts master classes at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music and gives private instruction in his home studio. He is a member of the Jazz Faculty at the University of the Arts and Temple University, and serves as a consultant to various music and arts organizations. Of his playing and musicianship, reviewers have praise: “Miceli's vibes playing is nothing short of phenomenal, as he moves effortlessly from fiery virtuoso runs to gentle, pianissimo, legato improvisations on the ballads.” “Micel's playing had a transcendent glow. He was no longer playing notes, but rather developing ideas that seemed to come from a source beyond himself.” “His runs were so rapid and well executed that it was as if he had a couple of rogue virtual mallets helping him out.” “Miceli’s solos were done with agility and subtlety, stunning the audience with their virtuosity.”

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SHOWCASE

Millersville University Percussion Ensemble
with guests Kutztown University Percussion Ensemble and Lancaster All Star High School Percussion Ensemble

Sunday, April 21
Winter Center for Visual and Performing Arts
7:30pm
Tickets $10/ free with student ID
call 717-871-4669 for information or email james.armstrong@millersville.edu

This event will feature The Millersville University Percussion Ensemble (James Armstrong, director), Kutztown University Percussion Ensemble (Dr. Francis Kumor, director) and the Lancaster All Star High School Percussion Ensemble (James Armstrong and Steve Goss, directors) presenting a wide variety of percussion ensemble literature.

In existence for more than thirty years, the MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, under the direction of James Armstrong, is comprised of percussion majors and minors in the Millersville University Music Department. The members find percussion ensemble to serve as an important part of their training, and are dedicated to the furtherance of percussion ensemble music as one of America's most exciting art forms. The ensemble performs several concerts each year featuring a wide array of repertoire, including classic percussion ensemble literature, jazz percussion, and world music styles, and is credited with the premiers of many new works and arrangements for the medium. The group  is supported by MU's significant collection of fine percussion instruments and outstanding ensemble library. The Percussion Ensemble has performed extensively on tours, at the East Coast Percussion Ensemble Festival, at Percussive Arts Society events, as guests at area colleges, and children's concerts throughout the region.

The KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, directed by Dr. Francis Kumor, was formed in the fall of 1986. Since that time, over 300 students have participated in making music on percussion instruments. Since its humble beginnings, the ensemble has grown and is now divided into two sections; concert and world percussion.  The concert group regularly commissions and performs new works.  Last year alone the group was part of 7 commissions and premieres.  David Gillingham, Scott Steele, David Hollinden, David Stock, Dick Schory, Brett William Dietz, Christopher Adler, and John Metcalf have all written music for the ensemble.   The world percussion ensemble studies traditional drumming styles from Latin American, Middle Eastern, Brazilian, and African cultures.

In addition to performing as a group, the ensemble has also hosted and performed with guest soloists. Some of the notable guests who performed with the group have been Fred Hinger, Julie Spencer, and Keith Copeland, Paul Wertico, Walter Rosenberger, and Michael Burritt, Ney Rosauro, Dick Schory, Rebecca Kite, Ruben Alvarez. Other performing artists that have performed or worked with the students of the KU percussion program include Tony Vacca, John Riley, Steve Fidyk, Mat Britain, Dan Moore, Paulo Mattioli, Glen Velez, Paul Evans, Jeff Thomas, and William Moersch, Oscar Roca, Andy Bliss, Jim Campbell, Chris Hanning and Kyle Forsthoff.  The KU Percussion Ensemble has also received international recognition through their performances at percussion festivals around the world.  The group has traveled to France, Thailand, Greece, Croatia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico.
Founded by directors Mr. James Armstrong and Mr. Stephen Goss in 2011, the LANCASTER ALL STAR HIGH SCHOOL PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE is comprised of the most talented high school percussionists representing five school districts throughout the greater Lancaster area. These fine young musicians auditioned for placement in the group that meets bi-weekly for rehearsals and are provided exposure to quality percussion literature with opportunity to perform on high profile events with internationally acclaimed artists. The group has shared the stage with such notable artists as John Riley, Billy Ward, Jorge Sacramento, Tony Miceli, Marassa Duo, Overdekte Brüg PercussieTrio and others. This spring the ensemble will be featured at several concert events; including Pennsylvania Percussive Arts Society functions, the Millersville University Percussion Ensemble Showcase, and others. The Millersville University Percussion Studio sponsors this ensemble by providing instruments, rehearsal space and student coaches.

CHAMBER PERCUSSION CONCERT

Friday, May 3, 2013
Millersville University Visual and Performing Arts Center
7:30pm
Tickets $10/ free with student ID
call 717-871-4669 for information or email james.armstrong@millersville.edu

This special event will feature member of the Millersville University Percussion Ensemble and Portal Percussion Group performing an array of chamber percussion literature in the duet, trio, and quartet setting.

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
In existence for more than thirty years, the Millersville University Percussion Ensemble is comprised of percussion majors and Millersville minors in the Music Department. The members find percussion ensemble to serve as an important part of their training, and are dedicated to the furtherance of percussion ensemble music as one of America's most exciting art forms. The ensemble performs several concerts each year featuring a wide array of repertoire, including classic percussion ensemble literature, jazz percussion, and world music styles, and is credited with the premiers of many new works and arrangements for the medium. The group is supported by MU's significant collection of fine percussion instruments and outstanding ensemble library. The Percussion Ensemble has performed extensively on tours, at the East Coast Percussion Ensemble Festival, at Percussive Arts Society events, as guests at area colleges, and children's concerts throughout the region.

Danielle Bertucci, Connor Blythe, Lisa Borghi, Matt Bracciante,
Brian Doherty, Jason Goshert, Luke Helker, Rich Klimowicz, Chris Norton,
Jimmy Swartz, Jess Taleff, Matt Woodson

PORTAL PERCUSSION GROUP
The Portal Percussion Group was established in the fall of 2011 as a subset of the Millersville University Percussion Ensemble. The trio, comprised of MU percussion students Matt Bracciante, Brian Doherty and Rich Klimowicz, is an active performing ensemble presenting several concerts each year on campus, at local schools, community functions and other regional collaborations and most recently was featured at the 2012 Pennsylvania PAS Day of Percussion. The ensembles repertoire encompasses a wide range of contemporary and traditional works for all styles of percussion. Portal Percussion Group is under the musical guidance of Millersville University Instructor of Percussion James Armstrong. 

PENNSYLVANNIA PAS DAY OF PERCUSSION

hosted by Millersville University Percussion Studio
guest marimba virtuoso GORDON STOUT

Saturday, May 4, 2013
Millersville University Visual and Performing Arts Center
all day event
Tickets: 
$15 for active PAS members (must show membership card)
$20 general public/ non PAS members
free for MU students with valid ID
* note: PAS registration forms will be available on site

This annual event will feature marimbist extraordinaire GORDON STOUT and other regional percussion artists presenting clinics and performances throughout the day. The event will include performances by several High School and College Percussion Ensembles, culminating in a final concert featuring our guest artists and marimba orchestra conducted by Mr. Stout.

For information visit: 
http://community.pas.org/pennsylvania/home/
or
http://www.millersville.edu/music/musicsatmillersville/Percussion.php#Percussion
or by calling the music office (717) 872-3357 or percussion studio (717) 871-4669

Gordon Stout is Professor of Percussion at the School of Music at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York where he has taught percussion since 1980. A composer as well as percussionist who specializes on marimba, he has studied composition with Joseph Schwanter, Samuel Adler and Warren Benson, and percussion with James Salmon and John Beck.

As a composer/recitalist, Stout has premiered a number of his original compositions and works by other contemporary composers. Many of his compositions for marimba are published and have already become standard repertoire for marimbists worldwide. His recordings are devoted not only to his own music but also that of the general standard repertoire by important American composers, including Gordon Stout: Music for Solo Marimba (Gordon Stout), Alec Wilder's Music for Marimba with Other Instruments (Golden Crest Records, Inc.), and Perpetual - Michael Burritt (Peppermint Artist Productions). His most recent solo marimba recording project Astral Projections is available from Resonator Records (www.mostlymarimba.com).

A frequent lecturer/recitalist for the Percussive Arts Society, Gordon Stout has appeared as a featured marimbist at twelve PAS International Conventions (PASIC) to date as well as throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Hungary, and Mexico. In May 1983, he performed clinics and recitals in France, Germany, Holland and Belgium with "transcendental virtuosity," being described as "the Rubinstein of all aspects of the marimba."

Gordon was on the jury of the 1st and 2nd Leigh Howard Stevens International Marimba Competitions (1995 and 1998), the 2nd and 3rd World Marimba Competitions in Okaya, Japan (1999) and Stuttgart, Germany (2002), and the International Marimba Competition in Linz, Austria (2006). He was also a featured performer at the World Marimba Festival in Osaka, Japan (1998). On New Year's Day in 2006, Stout conducted a 100-piece marimba orchestra in the National Concert Hall in Taipei, Taiwan as part of the Taiwan International Percussion Convention.

Gordon Stout will be inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame at PASIC 2012 to be held in Austin, Texas. He is a clinician/recitalist for Malletech and performs on the M5.0 Roadster five-octave marimba. He also endorses Dream Cymbals and Gongs.