The Pacer

Issue date: 3/20/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Dr. Julie Hill, Scottie Somerville, Sarah Roberts and Clint Rawls perform at the Junior Percussion Recital

Well it's about that time again: the speeches, papers and for many, mid-term exams are piling up on us. However, for the Music Department, there are far more worrisome and stressful events taking place.

Just ask Clint Rawls, Sarah Roberts and Scottie Somerville. On March 7, one of the biggest and most important recitals of the semester for these talented musicians was about to unfold: their Junior Percussion Recital.

As the lights dimmed and a quite hush fell over the audience, out walked the stars of the night. Dressed in black attire the musicians came out full speed with their intro Trio Per Uno (movement 1) by Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic. Sitting there listening to the intro, I knew the night was going to be explosive.

The first single piece of the night performed was "Not for Rebecca" arranged by Thom Hasenpflug, but performed by Clint Rawls, a music major from Union City. Rawls played with passion, emotion and with inspiring energy as the audience watched in content. I asked Rawls what was the best part of the night.

"I was glad I did it [perform] with my friends," said Rawls.

Next was Scottie Somerville, a music education major from Kenton. Somerville performed "Another new Riq." This piece was somewhat interesting, Somerville approached the microphone stand with bells on, literally, he had bells tied to his ankles. This up-tempo song made those around me tap their feet and nod their heads.

Then came Sarah Roberts, also a music education major from Martin. She introduced to us the peaceful and beautiful arrangement by Johan Sebastian Bach himself: "Invention 1 in C Major." The piece was masterfully performed; the gentle sound of the pipes echoing into the audience would make even the strongest of men shiver.

Then Somerville came out again. Now as any drummer of the 90's will tell you, most got their practice from a garage band. Somerville approached a set of drums and as a hint of techno filled the theatre, he began his drumming. The sounds and timing of each bang of the mallet made it seem as if you were at a symphony of percussion instruments. However he used only one set of drums and of course the cello-looking bow he used to make the cymbals reverberate.

Continued...

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