MSU recital snares drums, cajon, pattin' juba, and much more

Contact: Sammy McDavid

The Beat Goes On," a faculty artist recital featuring percussionist Robert J. Damm, will be held Sunday [March 24] at Mississippi State University.

The public program begins at 3 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium of Giles Hall. Damm's performance is sponsored by MSU's music education department, where he teaches percussion, African-American and world music, among other areas.

General admission tickets are $5 each; free for MSU students with identification.

Recital selections include "A Little Prayer" by Evelyn Glennie, "Bana Kaaba," a traditional West African tune, and other pieces for marimba, as well as an original solo for timpani, or kettledrums, that Damm wrote.

He also will collaborate on several tunes with MSU students and local professional musicians. These include:

--Movements from "Six Allegro Duets" for snare drum with senior philosophy major J. C. Long of Columbus and from "Rumba Clave" for congas with senior music education major Geoff Rosche of Madisonville, Ky.

--"Chitlins con Carne" using the cajon, or wooden box, and accompanied by guitarist Edwin Daniel.

--An original work being debuted by Damm and Daniel that will feature the diddley bow, a single-string instrument of West African origin, and pattin' juba, the rhythmic combination of foot tapping, hand clapping and thigh slapping.

--A medley of traditional songs with Joe Mulrooney on dulcimer.

Damm concludes the program performing "A Taste of Brazil" with departmental colleague Rose Sebba.

Season tickets for the remaining 2001-02 Music Education Faculty Recital Series also may be purchased at the door. All money from the series is used for departmental scholarships.

For additional information, telephone the department at (662) 325-3070.