Among the incredible amount of performances before the impending end of the semester, director Adam Rappel and the Gustavus Percussion Ensemble stand apart. In terms of what makes this performance unique, Rappel wanted to reassure that the concert will have something that everyone can enjoy.
“If you don’t like one of the pieces, the rest of the pieces are so different that you will enjoy something about the concert,” Rappel said. “Another really unique aspect about the Percussion Ensemble here at Gustavus is that the majority of students in it are non-music majors.”
Rappel appreciates the amount of dedication his students put toward their upcoming performance.
“They have a full-load of other classes that they stress out for each week, and still find the time to practice, and prepare a concert here,” Rappel said. “They are putting a lot of work in, and it would be great for people to see the product of all the hard work they are doing.”
This is Rappel’s second year working at Gustavus as an assistant professor. Before coming to the campus, he has held teaching positions at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, MacPhail Center for Music and Inver Hills Community College.
Rappel received his Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and is the first percussionist to ever receive the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota as well.
In 2011, Rappel co-founded Struck Percussion Ensemble, which was designed to perform new, mixed-genre music that exposes their audiences to fresh, interesting works for percussion.
Since their formation, Struck has commissioned composers to create new music specifically for them and their audiences. Works premiered by Struck include “I’m Sorry, I’ve Already Forgotten Your Name” by Josh Clausen, “The Haunted House” by James Holdman, which was used in accompaniment to the silent film “La Maison Ensorcelee” by Segundo de Chomon, and “Minneapolis Vignettes” by Troy Strand.
While a part of numerous percussion ensembles himself, such as YOA Orchestra of the Americas, Rappel has international experience performing in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria, Sweden, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Costa Rica.
This will be Rappel’s second year directing the Percussion Ensemble at Gustavus. Alumni Elizabeth Sherman, who worked with the ensemble inside the box above the Bjorling Stage, believes the ensemble brings a unique atmosphere to the stage.
“I worked plenty of recitals and assorted performances during my years at Gustavus, but the Percussion Ensemble left an imprint for sure. It’s one thing to see single instrument or vocal performances where the performer brings up some form of accompanists, but a percussion ensemble is something of an anomaly. It’s pure energy and something to be seen, especially from what I know about this years setlist,” Sherman said.
Senior Music major David Nelson, who regularly plays alongside many of the students featured in the ensemble, feels that these performers should not go unappreciated.
“I want everyone involved to have an enjoyable afternoon of listening to good music performed by great people.” — Adam Rappel
“I’ve played with a ton of the featured members either as a part of the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band or the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra. I’ve seen them play and I’ve seen them practice. These are some of the hardest working and most talented among us. I’ll be excited to see what Adam has up his sleeve,” Nelson said.
The songs featured in the upcoming performance have been heard on the big screen and by local composers.
“We will be playing a nice variety of pieces including ‘Pogo Sticks’ which is an arrangement of a very popular collection of movies from when I was in college called ‘Animusic.’ We are also playing a piece called ‘Mercury Rising’ by Nathan Daughtrey. We will be playing two pieces by local Minneapolis composer James Holdman,” Rappel said. “He wrote a collection of works for four players to play on one instrument, and we will be doing two of those; ‘Astrid’s Granny’ and ‘Shade Birds.’ Three of the members also will be playing a piece called ‘Home by Sundown’ by Ralph Hicks. The three students playing this piece have prepared it on their own, without my help throughout the semester.”
The upcoming performance will be free and open to the public.
“I want everyone involved to have an enjoyable afternoon of listening to good music performed by great people. If the audience would like after the concert, they are always welcome to come and talk with me (or the students) and tell us what they thought. It will be a laid back concert, and all are welcome.” Rappel said.
The Percussion Ensemble performance will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M., April 30 at Bjorling Hall Recital.