Drums will beat and toes will tap Feb. 28-March 1 when Mississippi State University plays host to the Mississippi Weekend of Percussion.
The special musical event in the McComas Hall theater is sponsored by the state chapter of the Percussive Arts Society.
Public programs include a percussion ensemble showcase concert at 7:30 p.m. on the 28th [Friday] and the Mississippi Mass Steel Band Concert at 11 a.m. the following day [Saturday]. Tickets are $3 for each performance.
Mississippi State's Percussion Ensemble will be among the 75 students from five state universities and one community college performing on the 28th. Also represented will be Delta State, Mississippi Valley State, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, and Holmes Community College.
In addition to participation by those of college age, the two-day event also will provide an opportunity for younger students to improve their percussion through individual recitals. Invitations have been extended to all state high schools.
Clinics will be presented by master percussionists Jeff Prosperie of Dallas and Efrain Toro of Los Angeles. Prosperie is a member of the Phantom Drum and Bugle Corps, a national group based in Rockford, Ill. Toro is a studio drummer who has recorded and performed with such bands as Chicago, Los Lobos and Kiss.
The clinics will range from snare drum rudiments and hand drumming to percussion in the orchestra and Brazilian percussion and rhythms.
"Our clinicians are renowned and highly respected," said Robert J. Damm, Mississippi State percussion instructor and festivities coordinator. "We encourage anyone who is studying percussion to take part in this weekend. It will definitely be an educational experience."
Registration will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday. A $15 fee will cover all recitals, clinics and concerts.
For more information, contact Damm at (601) 325-3070.