Percussion Acquisitions for OSU

The Beat of a Different Drum

Percussion is often referred to as the heartbeat or backbone of an orchestra.  It provides a beat and rhythm for the orchestra to follow.  The percussionists with the Orchestra of Southern Utah do this job well.  Now, thanks to the purchase of new equipment, they are able to expand their drum and mallet lines for an even better performance.

OSU recently purchased many new percussion instruments, including a marimba, xylophone, drum set, congas, bongos, bass drum, snare, cymbals and auxiliary percussion instruments.  These long-awaited instruments make it possible to play concert pieces with the appropriate equipment. Percussionists will no longer need to substitute instruments or leave parts of the music out of the performance, bringing the whole Orchestra to an even higher level of excellence.

The percussionists stated they are most excited about the marimba.  OSU has been able to borrow marimbas from the local schools in the past and is grateful to have their own. The Orchestra’s marimba is being handcrafted by Doug DeMorrow and company in Arkansas.

The Orchestra hopes to receive their new marimba before their February concerts Capturing the Caribbean (Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.) and Ahoy Pirates Childrens Jubilee (Feb. 23, 2 p.m.)  These two concerts feature steel drum band Caribbean Sound and music of the Caribbean.  The marimba, which originated in Africa and made famous in Central America, will sound right at home in these concerts.

“We started with a timpani in 1989 and have slowly added percussion since that time,” said Sara Penny, OSU Manager.  “We appreciate the financial support of donors which has made this possible over the years.  We are also now able to rent some of the larger instruments to other groups who use the Heritage Center so it makes it performances easier in the building.  Carylee Zwang is the current Percussion Section Leader and she has been wonderful in selecting and maintaining this valuable collection.”

For more information on the Orchestra of Southern Utah or its upcoming concerts, visit www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org.  

 (article by Laurel Dodgion with  photos by Laurel Dodgion, Jim Case, and Sara Penny)