Take a Journey Across Time with Global Rhythms, Steel Drums, and Cutting-Edge Percussion at SOU Concert

Want to see colorful turtles, gongs, and immerse yourself in the tropical sounds of the Caribbean? The wait is over!

Take a break and come on out to the SOU Percussion Ensemble Concert on Tuesday, December 3rd at the SOU Music Recital Hall to experience dynamic percussion concert featuring diverse musical styles. The SOU Percussion Ensemble alongside the Maraval Road Steel Band, and Dr. Terry Longshore’s Honors College “Making Music” students will perform. The ensemble will also be joined by special guest, Dr. Casey Shillam, SOU Provost and Executive Vice President on gong and other percussion.

Doors open at 7 p.m., for the 7:30 p.m. in-person concert, which will be simultaneously live-streamed free of charge over the Oregon Center for the Arts YouTube Channel.

Directed by Terry Longshore and Reed Bentley, the program will be a blend of percussion and steel pan music, showcasing works from contemporary composers, Caribbean rhythms, and the powerful synergy of steel drums and traditional percussion instruments. The featured works will be a range of compositions, from Caribbean-inspired works to experimental pieces.

“We are excited to present this diverse and rich program, celebrating the versatility and expressiveness of percussion and steel pans,” said Terry Longshore, Director of the SOU Percussion Ensemble. “From the intricate rhythms of John Cage to the infectious grooves of the steel pans, this concert will take the audience on a musical journey across cultures and time periods.”

The concert will open with “The Hammer” by David Rudder, followed by “Sarah” by Len Sharpe, “Rant and Rave” by Christopher Herbert, “Birthday Party” by Len Sharpe, “Second Construction” by John Cage, and two works by Terry Longshore: “Science Friction” and “Full Circle: Turtle Wisdom.”

Longshore’s newest composition – “Full Circle: Turtle Wisdom” premiered two weeks ago at ScienceWorks Hand-On Museum and was performed by the SOU Percussion Ensemble & SOU Honors College “Making Music” Students. The evening also included a gallery of turtle artwork by Betty LaDuke and video by Dave Leibowitz. If you missed that exciting evening where art and music converged, don’t miss this concert.

LaDuke’s large, colorful turtles will be projected on the big screen of the Music Recital Hall during the concert for the audience to enjoy. Performers will have prints of LaDuke’s turtles at their stations to use as inspiration during improvisational passages. While this isn’t quite as impressive as seeing the large wooden, vibrant turtles in person, it is still worth attending the concert to see images of LaDuke’s striking work.

Th concert program will conclude with the tropical “Pan Can Jam” performed by the Maraval Road Steel Band. This band is just fun to watch, and the energetic music will get you into an upbeat and positive groove. The lively concert will take you on a journey for about an hour and release you into the wild refreshed and revived in time for finals week, and then the holiday season.

Tickets are FREE for SOU faculty, staff, and students, and are available in-person at the OCA Box Office Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. on the Southern Oregon University Campus. For tickets call the OCA Box Office at 541.552.6348 or purchase online at sou.universitytickets.com. For programs, concert details, and a list of all performances visit our website at oca.sou.edu/events.