BEMIDJI, Minn. -The Bemidji State University Percussion Ensemble will present rhythms from around the world as it hosts its spring concert at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, in the Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex. Admission is free of charge.

Included in the program will be a wide variety of music from the classical tradition of Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” to the more eclectic sounds of “Sambach,” which takes a bit of Bach’s music and puts it into a samba groove.

Also featured will be “Beach Song,” an unpublished piece from the film “True Romance,” transcribed and arranged by senior art education major Zach Zimny of Esko, Minn., and Eric Sundeen, director of the BSU Percussion Ensemble. In addition, sophomore music education major Chris Konecne from Bemidji, Minn., will play a vibe solo by composer Ney Rosauro.

In a guest appearance, the Bemidji area rock band Pelican Railroad will collaborate with the Percussion Ensemble to present the Dire Straights classic “Sultans of Swing.” The piece will feature Bemidji State alumnus and Jazz II director Craig Haugen on guitar.

The Percussion Ensemble, now in its 11th year, focuses on classic and contemporary literature. The ensemble concentrates on learning music through reading, technique, listening skills and kinetic memory.

Sundeen, BSU adjunct instructor of percussion studies, is in his fifth music season as the Percussion Ensemble director.

For more information, contact the Department of Music at (218) 755-2915.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
May 7 – 7:30 p.m. – Percussion Ensemble concert presented by Bemidji State University. Location: Thompson Recital Hall of the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, BSU campus. Admission: free.