March Mallet Madness

MARCH MALLET MADNESS was initiated by the JMU Percussion Studio on 1987 as a forum for performance on and discussion of keyboard percussion instruments.  Along with providing playing opportunities for members of the studio, its intent is to promote performance on these instruments within the university and surrounding communities.  Whenever possible, guest artists are brought to campus to participate.  Past guests have included: Leigh Howard Stevens, Michael Burritt, Gordon Stout, Charles Bubeck, Jon Metzger, Randy Eyles, and Equal Temperament.  The approach is informal, indeed at times lighthearted, allowing for interaction with the audience and thereby enhancing the educational experience for all involved.  Every attempt is made to present as many styles of music as possible, including transcriptions and arrangements as well as original works.

   

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MARCH MALLET MADNESS 2008

STEEL DRUM EXTRAVAGANZA

As part of it’s annual March Mallet Madness festival, the JMU Percussion studio is sponsoring a one-day Steel Drum Extravaganza!, Saturday, March 15. The day features two guest artists: Dr. Chris Tanner, founder and director of the Miami University of Ohio Steel Band, and Dr. Ellie Mannette, father of the modern steel drum.
 
Dr. Mannette will be talking about the history of the family of steel drum instruments, his part in their creation, and his role in advancing the instrument to its contemporary form. The opportunity to meet a musician, inventor, builder, and innovator of this magnitude is truly a rare experience. From its humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago, the steel drum, the only complete family of acoustic instruments invented in the 20th century, has grown in popularity throughout the United States, to become one of the fastest spreading world-music ensembles.
 
Dr. Chris Tanner, a former student of Ellie Mannette’s, founded the Miami University of Ohio Steel Band while completing his masters degree there, and his been at the helm ever since. The group quickly established itself as one of America’s preeminent steel bands, and Dr. Tanner is in high demand as a clinician, performer, arranger and composer for steel drums.
 
The Steel Drum Extravaganza! will begin at 9am, with sessions on beginner steel drum technique and learning by rote. Other sessions will discuss the traditional steel band’s “engine room,” the hand percussion section of the band, and one session will be dedicated to playing drumset in a steel band, discussing the various island grooves, like the calypso, soca, and other latin music styles.
 
The day will culminate in a mass steel band concert at 4:30 pm, featuring the JMU Steel Band, the Panamania Steel Orchestra of Roanoake, the Panjammers Steel Orchestra of Blacksburg, and Mosaics from Hampton Roads. The concert will feature Dr. Tanner as both composer and soloist. All events will take place in Room 108 of the Music Building, and are open to the public. Tickets to the concert are $5 general admission, $2 students, and the rest of the events throughout the day are free. Contact overmamm@jmu.edu for more information.

Ellie Mannette                           Chris Tanner