Shorter University's Wind Ensemble to perform Strange Rumors

April 7, 2011 - Shorter University’s Wind Ensemble will perform their spring concert on Friday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Rome City Auditorium. There is no charge for admission.

Strange Humors represents one of John Mackey’s works that has been transcribed for wind ensemble. The first version of Strange Humors was a student piece for string quartet and djembe, an hourglass-shaped drum played with bare hands, which Mackey wrote while pursuing his graduate degree at The Juilliard School. It was later adapted for use by the Parsons Dance Company, with choreography by Robert Battle. The piece represents a merging of musical cultures -- the modal melodies and syncopated rhythms of Middle Eastern music with the percussive accompaniment of African drumming. At the heart of the work lies the pulse of the djembe. This particular drum is a major part of the customs and celebrations of West African countries such as Mali and Guinea.

In a collaborative effort that showcases the innovative choreography of Georgie Hall, instructor of dance at Shorter University, the Wind Ensemble is proud to share the stage with some of Shorter’s finest modern dancers as they premiere their visual interpretation of Mackey’s Strange Humors.

The Shorter University Band Program began in the fall of 2007. In the fall of 2009 with the creation of the Instrumental Music Education degree program, the band experienced significant growth to include a wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, and indoor percussion ensemble while sustaining a competitive winter guard and a contemporary marching band. The program is open to all Shorter University students with high school band experience.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christian University committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges. The University offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Arts in Leadership and the Master of Accountancy.  Online courses and degree programs are also available. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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