DPU Percussion Ensemble to stage 'The Drums of War' tonight

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The DePauw Percussion Ensemble, directed by Amy Lynn Barber, explores percussion in the service and depiction of war in a dramatic program in the Green Center's Kresge Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

"The Drums of War" will feature traditional military drumming, guest artist Joseph Ketterman playing the Great Highland Bagpipes, the DePauw Trumpet Ensemble and DePauw Flute Choir, as well as works by Christopher Rouse, Michael Burritt, James Campbell, David Gillingham, and Samuel Barber.

Many different kinds of drumming will be represented on the concert.

"Most of our percussion instruments and the traditions of playing them come from two historical sources: music for dancing and for the military," explained Amy Lynn Barber, professor of music at DePauw and the ensemble's director. "This program focuses on the latter. In addition to demonstrating some of the military roots of percussion, in combination with trumpets, fifes, and bagpipes, we are playing contemporary works that are about war -- ranging from the Hawaiian god of war to the Terracotta Warriors of China, from the D-Day invasion of World War II to Star Trek," Barber said.

Besides performing on campus, it has played at such venues as the Indiana Day of Percussion and the Rhythm Discovery Center in Indianapolis, and has traveled to central Europe, Brazil and, most recently, to China.

Guest piper Joseph Ketterman has been heard at DePauw for the annual opening convocation and on alumni weekend. He began playing the Great Highland Bagpipes in 2001 under the direction of Pipe Major Craig Waugh.

Ketterman is the Quartermaster of the Indiana Caledonia Pipe Band. He also performs for the Indianapolis Scottish Society and the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis.

General admission tickets to the Percussion Ensemble performance are $3. Children under 12, all students, and seniors over 65 are free. For additional information or for assistance purchasing tickets call 658-4827; drop by the Green Center Box Office, located at 605 S. College Avenue, Sunday through Friday between noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; or visit www.depauw.edu/music/tickets.